Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show – Why Are Gen Z And Gen X So Rightwing?

Episode Information

• Title: Why Are Gen Z And Gen X So Rightwing?
• Release Date: February 18, 2025
• Host: Charlie Kirk
• Guests:
  • Mark Mitchell, Head Pollster at Rasmussen Reports
  • Christopher Piotta, Author of The FBI I Once Knew

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk explores the intriguing shift in political alignments among younger generations—specifically Generation Z and Generation X—and their growing support for right-wing politics, particularly President Donald Trump. Joined by Mark Mitchell, head pollster at Rasmussen Reports, and Christopher Piotta, author of The FBI I Once Knew, Kirk delves into the underlying factors driving this generational trend, examines the state of the FBI, and critiques the left's approach to race relations in America.

Generational Shift in Political Support

Mark Mitchell provides an insightful analysis of the evolving political landscape, highlighting a significant increase in Trump’s approval among younger voters. He states:

“The 18 to 39 year olds are the highest improving age bracket of Donald Trump right now. 56% as of yesterday. And that's astounding because in our numbers, those people went for Hillary Clinton by almost 30 points and they have a net +14 approval rating for Trump right now.”
(03:05)

Mitchell attributes this shift to the perception that Trump is actively working to "save the future of the republic," resonating with younger voters who feel disenfranchised and skeptical of existing institutions. This marks a near 50-point swing in opinions within this demographic, underscoring a dramatic transformation in political allegiance.

Charlie Kirk probes deeper into this phenomenon by asking:

“Has a Republican president enjoyed that kind of approval from this demographic in the last 20 years?”
(04:40)

Mitchell responds by emphasizing the unprecedented nature of Trump's support among young voters, noting that previous Republican figures did not achieve similar approval ratings within this age group.

Media Consumption and Trust Across Generations

A pivotal aspect discussed is the divergence in media consumption and trust between generations. Mark Mitchell explains:

“18 to 39 year olds said major news channels on cable, 18%, but it's 43% of those 65 and older. And independent online sources was 36 and 65 and older was only 19.”
(12:48)

This data indicates that younger generations are increasingly turning to independent online sources for political news, resulting in a more objective and less polarized understanding of current events. In contrast, older generations remain reliant on major cable news channels, which tend to present more partisan viewpoints.

Mitchell further elaborates on the differences in topic prioritization between viewers of different news outlets:

“We looked at the top two issues of MSNBC viewers and 75% of them, it was threats to democracy and abortion this cycle. And of people that watch Fox News or Newsmax, it was 80% prices and the border, just two completely different Americas.”
(12:48)

This segmentation highlights how media consumption habits contribute to the starkly different political perceptions across age groups.

Cultural Shifts and Institutional Trust

The discussion transitions to broader cultural shifts and declining trust in government institutions. Mark Mitchell references the Fourth Turning theory to contextualize the current political realignment:

“We are here... where we're at is a super high demand for order and absolutely none to be found. All of our institutions are completely corrupt. And so what history tells us is that new leaders will step in and fill that vacuum.”
(16:46)

He emphasizes that younger generations are leading a movement to restore trust and effectiveness in institutions, viewing Trump as a catalyst for necessary change amidst widespread institutional decay.

Mitchell also touches on the pervasive distrust in governmental agencies, citing poll results where only a minority of young voters trust the federal government or believe America is safer than it was four years ago. This erosion of trust fuels the desire for leadership that prioritizes national integrity and transparency.

Reforming the FBI

In a notable segment, Christopher Piotta discusses his book The FBI I Once Knew, offering a critique of the FBI's transformation post-9/11. He explains:

“The FBI largely changed its premise from being a law enforcement agency to an intelligence gathering agency... What happened was mission creep, you have mission creep... And then those tools were started starting to be used in more domestic surveillance activities.”
(19:21)

Piotta argues that the FBI's shift towards intelligence gathering has led to overreach and the erosion of civil liberties. He outlines key reforms needed to restore the agency’s integrity:

1. Cultural Renewal: Re-establishing a culture of integrity and service.
2. Leadership Overhaul: Addressing poor leadership and decision-making.
3. Operational Practices: Reinstating high standards and accountability within operations.

When queried about potential firings under new FBI Director Kash Patel, Piotta emphasizes the necessity of removing politically or ideologically biased personnel to restore the agency's apolitical stance.

The Left’s Race Obsession

Charlie Kirk takes a critical stance on the left's approach to race relations, asserting that the left is obsessive about race and promotes resegregation rather than true equality. He references a conversation between Trevor Noah and Professor Ruha Benjamin, critiquing their views on integration. Kirk argues that such perspectives are reminiscent of segregationist ideologies, asserting:

“They are race obsessed. They want to put us all in pre described buckets based on the color of their skin. This is a losing political mentality.”
(30:39)

He further contends that the left's policies inadvertently foster division and resentment among different racial groups, undermining the principles of unity and meritocracy. Kirk contrasts this with his movement's focus on individual character and the rejection of race-based classifications.

Conclusion

In this episode, Charlie Kirk effectively navigates through complex discussions on generational political shifts, media trust disparities, institutional reforms, and race relations in America. Through the expert insights of Mark Mitchell and Christopher Piotta, Kirk underscores the pressing need for political realignment and institutional integrity to address the concerns of younger generations. The episode serves as a clarion call for renewed leadership and a rejection of divisive ideologies, advocating for a unified, merit-based society.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Mitchell:

  “The 18 to 39 year olds are the highest improving age bracket of Donald Trump right now. 56% as of yesterday.”
  (03:05)

• Christopher Piotta:

  “The FBI has to be part of our protective infrastructure. It's a primary part of what keeps our country safe and looks out for the interests of the American people.”
  (23:47)

• Mark Mitchell:

  “You weaponize the government, you weaponize the judicial system, you try to throw people in internment camps because of COVID. You literally destroyed the First Amendment.”
  (06:17)

These quotes encapsulate the core themes of the episode, highlighting the dramatic shifts in political support among young voters, the critical need for FBI reform, and the contentious debate over race and integration in modern America.

For More Information:

• Visit freedomarliekirk.com to learn more about the topics discussed.
• Explore Christopher Piotta's book, The FBI I Once Knew, available on Amazon and major bookstores.