Podcast Summary: The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1819 — "I Forgive Him": Over 100 Million View Charlie Kirk's Memorial
Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles (The Daily Wire)

Overview

In this moving and news-packed episode, Michael Knowles deconstructs the extraordinary memorial for Charlie Kirk—a political figure and founder of Turning Point USA—who was recently assassinated. The event drew the attention of over 100 million viewers and nearly every major figure in conservative American politics. Knowles explores the memorial’s emotional highlights, the spiritual and cultural implications of the moment, as well as the sudden, surprising political news (including a potential breakthrough on autism). The episode also features reactions from top U.S. leaders and reflection on the state of the American right versus left.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Charlie Kirk’s Memorial—A National Event ([00:01])

• The memorial in Phoenix was attended by “hundreds of thousands of people, including virtually the entire US Government.”
• Featuring speeches from Charlie’s widow, Erica Kirk, and other top conservative figures, the event was presented as one of the most remarkable displays of Christian faith and political unity in recent memory.

Erica Kirk’s Forgiveness ([04:33])

• The most viral and soul-stirring moment: Erica Kirk forgave her husband’s assassin live on stage.

• Quote:
  Erica Kirk: “Father, forgive them for they not know what they do... That young man... I forgive him.” ([04:33–04:48])

• Knowles describes a powerful atmosphere: “I was sitting there with some of the toughest politicians in the world... I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.”
  — Michael Knowles ([04:48])

• Knowles explores the Christian doctrine of forgiveness, clarifies its meaning in a secular context, and emphasizes the distinction between personal forgiveness and civil justice.

Christian Charity and Political Divide ([10:00])

• The right’s response to violence: prayer, forgiveness, and the pursuit of justice through legitimate channels.

• The left’s response, as framed by Knowles: “rioting, murdering, robbing, looting.”

• Quote:
  “This shows you the political divide: the left is trying to ‘both sides’ this, but leftists keep killing us... and how does the right respond? We pray for their good. We forgive them.”
  — Michael Knowles ([10:53])

• Knowles uses the moment to reflect on American culture’s shift from faith toward secularism and hostility toward Christian ideals.

2. President Trump’s Eulogy: “I Hate My Opponent” ([14:18])

• Trump humorously contrasts himself with Charlie Kirk, admitting:
  “He did not hate his opponents, he wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents and I don’t want the best for them… But now Erica can talk to me… maybe they can convince me that’s not right.”
  — President Trump ([14:18–14:51])

• Knowles warmly defends the remark as an example of “deeply Christian humility,” highlighting Trump’s honesty about his own spiritual shortcomings and temptation toward hatred.

• Quote:
  “If your takeaway from President Trump's statement was ‘this is contrary to the message of the Gospel,’…you misheard something.”
  — Michael Knowles ([14:51])

3. Notable Speeches at the Memorial

Stephen Miller's Call to Action ([18:40])

• Miller draws a sharp line: "We will prevail over the forces of wickedness and evil.... We are the ones who build. You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk. You have made him immortal. And now millions will carry on his legacy.”
• Knowles highlights the speech’s “fire,” noting the right as builders, the left as destroyers.

Senator Marco Rubio’s Explicit Gospel Proclamation ([24:03])

• Rubio recounts the Christian story of creation, fall, redemption, and resurrection.
• Quote:
  “God took on the form of a man... He suffered like men and He died like a man. But on the third day He rose unlike any mortal man... We are going to have a great reunion there again with Charlie and all the people we love.”
  — Sen. Marco Rubio ([24:03–25:19])

J.D. Vance: Meaning and Sacrifice ([28:57])

• Vance challenges the fear of youthful martyrdom:
  “It is better to die a young man in this world than to sell your soul for an easy life with no purpose, no risk, no love and no truth.”
  — J.D. Vance ([28:57])

• Knowles reflects on this, reaffirming the purpose of life as knowing and loving God, serving Him, and finding eternal joy.

4. Charlie Kirk’s Legacy as Coalition Builder ([31:30])

• Beyond his media presence, Knowles credits Kirk’s greatest achievement as coalition-building, bringing together figures like Trump and Elon Musk for collective action—and, even, reconciliation.
• Notable Moment:
  Elon Musk quoting the Lord’s Prayer on X/Twitter after the memorial: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” ([32:00])

5. Breaking News: Trump Administration’s Autism Announcement ([33:00])

• Trump reported to announce a new cause of autism traced to acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy and a new therapy with leucovorin.
• President Trump's administration claims both a cause and a potential treatment—Knowles notes the massive public health implications and political symbolism.

6. Contrasting Political Morality ([35:00])

• Knowles draws clear “good side”/“bad side” lines:
  • The right: forgives, prays, innovates.
  • The left: promotes violence, destruction, and secularism.
• Quote:
  "Are you on the side of child-abusing, Satan-worshipping, politically violent terrorists, or are you on the side of the people who forgive their enemies... build things, create things, arrest the criminals, and give you a flourishing society? Which side are you on? To me, it’s not that hard.”
  — Michael Knowles ([36:00])

7. Gavin Newsom and Political Threats ([39:00])

• Knowles sharply criticizes California governor Gavin Newsom for passing a law banning ICE agents from wearing masks, accusing him of seeking to threaten and dox federal officials.

• Quote:
  “What are you so afraid of?... We’re afraid of Mexican gangsters and you people murdering us. Because that’s what you do. Not a servile kind of fear. It’s called prudence.”
  — Michael Knowles ([41:23])

• Knowles concludes that this is symptomatic of the mainstream left’s embrace of political violence and intimidation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Erica Kirk’s Forgiveness:
  “Father, forgive them for they not know what they do... That young man... I forgive him.” — Erica Kirk ([04:33–04:48])

• President Trump’s Candor:
  “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry, I am sorry, Erica.” — President Trump ([14:18])

• Stephen Miller—Rousing Rally:
  "You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk. You have made him immortal.” — Stephen Miller ([19:18])

• Rubio’s Gospel:
  "God took on the form of a man... He suffered like men and He died like a man. But on the third day He rose unlike any mortal man." — Sen. Marco Rubio ([24:03])

• J.D. Vance on Sacrifice:
  "It is better to die a young man in this world than to sell your soul for an easy life with no purpose, no risk, no love and no truth." — J.D. Vance ([28:57])

• Elon Musk:
  "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." (quoted by Knowles, Musk post-memorial)

Major Timestamps

• [04:33] — Erica Kirk’s public forgiveness
• [10:00] — Reflections on Christian charity and the left-right divide
• [14:18] — President Trump’s candid eulogy; Knowles’ defense
• [18:40] — Stephen Miller’s fiery speech
• [24:03] — Marco Rubio delivers a full-throated gospel message
• [28:57] — J.D. Vance: on youthful sacrificial meaning
• [31:30] — Charlie Kirk as coalition builder, Trump/Musk reconciliation
• [33:00] — Trump administration’s autism news
• [39:00] — Gavin Newsom’s anti-ICE mask law and its implications
• [41:23] — Knowles’ critique of Newsom and warning about leftist violence

Tone and Style

Throughout this episode, Knowles maintains his signature blend of humor, moral clarity, and polemic fervor. The subject matter is heavier than usual, channeling the emotional depth of a national tragedy while weaving in characteristically sharp commentary on politics, faith, and American culture.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

• The episode serves as both a tribute to Charlie Kirk and a meditation on forgiveness, justice, and faith in public life.
• It features firsthand reactions to a watershed moment in conservative America, as well as entertaining and pointed digressions about breaking health news and ongoing cultural battles.
• Ultimately, Knowles frames the moment as a potential “turning point” for both the right and broader American society, urging listeners to reflect on the meaning of life and their own moral commitments.