The Riley Gaines Show
Episode: The Battle Inside the Conservative Movement
Date: January 9, 2026
Host: Riley Gaines
Overview
In this episode, Riley Gaines addresses the intensifying fragmentation within the conservative movement in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Drawing on her personal relationship with Kirk and her position within Turning Point USA, Gaines explores the causes of recent infighting, the spread of conspiracy theories—especially those promoted by Candace Owens—and the broader stakes for the conservative cause heading into the next election cycle. Through candid self-reflection, commentary on key events, and notable quotes, Gaines urges conservatives to remember their shared values and to prioritize truth over superficial unity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. State of the Two Parties in America
- Gaines opens by highlighting the increasing polarization between Republicans and Democrats, describing a breakdown of any remaining common ground (04:00).
- On the Democratic party:
- Claims they refuse to acknowledge basic truths (borders, crime, parental rights, biology, pro-life values).
- “They certainly do not embrace diverse thought.” (07:15)
- Notes the performative nature of left-wing activism, referencing a candlelight vigil for the 5th anniversary of January 6th.
- On the Democratic party:
2. Charlie Kirk’s Legacy & His Role as a Unifier
- Reflects on the profound impact of Charlie Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2025 (14:00–19:00).
- Describes Kirk as “the glue of the conservative movement” who built coalitions, especially among young voters.
- Shares personal anecdotes underscoring Kirk’s mentorship and belief in Gaines during her early activism.
- “His belief in me allowed me to believe in myself.” (19:00)
- Notes the surge of faith-based engagement after Kirk’s death: "Bible sales were up, I think 30, 35% the following month." (16:30)
3. A Missed Moment for Conservative Unity
- Argues that Kirk’s death could have unified and galvanized conservatives but instead exposed and intensified divisions (21:00).
- Recounts the fractious atmosphere at America Fest (Turning Point USA’s annual conference) in Kirk’s absence, with speakers publicly clashing (22:45).
4. Candace Owens and the Perils of Conspiracy Thinking
- Gaines directly addresses conspiracy theories about Kirk’s death, particularly those pushed by Candace Owens:
- Clarifies: “It is okay to question things… But what I don’t believe is fruitful is saying, ‘I’m just asking questions,’ when you’re actually making totally unfounded speculations.” (24:00)
- Rejects Owens’s allegations about a Hamptons gathering and details from Kirk’s security team, affirming their baselessness from her firsthand experience (27:00).
- On the damage done to Kirk’s legacy and Turning Point USA:
- “What she is doing is distasteful. I believe that it’s evil and it’s defamatory.” (25:45)
- Acknowledges her initial reluctance to speak out, admitting she used “terrible excuses” and “was scared” of online backlash:
- “I was a coward. I was scared of the inevitable backlash I would get for saying something about what Candace Owens was doing.” (26:50)
- “Some of the things Candace was saying had happened at that retreat with Bill Ackman simply did not happen. I was there … It literally didn’t happen.” (27:30)
- Refutes accusations involving Kirk’s security detail and staff—specifically defending Mikey McCoy—and emphasizes their integrity and suffering.
5. Truth vs. Unity—Core Conservative Debate
- Examines the philosophical trade-off between maintaining unity and upholding the truth within the conservative movement (34:00):
- “Truth is the highest good. And when truth matters, unity isn’t always possible.” (34:21)
- Contrasts this with the left, which she characterizes as unified by destruction rather than construction or shared values.
- Asserts that conservative unity requires clarity, shared goals, “shared first principles” (35:10), and a foundation based on biblical truth and dignity.
6. Calling Out ‘Bad Actors’ Within the Right
- Highlights the importance of not tolerating individuals or views within the movement that contradict core conservative values, using Nick Fuentes as a prime example:
- Plays a clip where Fuentes dismisses women’s right to vote and disparages Vice President Vance (37:12–38:20).
- “If we don’t call them out, think about where we are headed, specifically if we don’t unite.” (39:00)
7. Warning from Recent Elections and the Rise of Extremism on the Left
- References Democratic victories in Virginia and New York as evidence of what’s at stake:
- Cites J. Jones (VA Attorney General), who made extreme remarks about political adversaries’ children (40:00).
- Plays a soundbite from the newly elected New York mayor about collectivism and denounces it:
- “If this doesn’t send chills down your spine then you haven’t learned a single lesson from the 20th century.” (41:00)
8. The Stakes: Uniting to Win or Infighting to Lose
- Features a Trump soundbite urging Republicans to focus on winning midterms amidst impeachment threats (42:00).
- Urges her listeners:
- Never forget those who celebrated Kirk’s murder or ignored conservative tragedies in favor of left-wing causes.
- “Don’t forget the same people who had that ridiculous candlelight vigil for the fifth anniversary of January 6th… They didn’t have a single word to say about Lake and Riley.” (43:00)
- “The Internet is not real life … Don’t be afraid to speak the truth, to share your opinions, to be unapologetically conservative, an unapologetic Trump supporter, an unapologetic Christian. And if you get pushback, take it on the chin.” (44:00)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On the dangers of conspiracy thinking in the movement:
“What she [Candace Owens] is doing is distasteful. I believe that it’s evil and it’s defamatory.”
(25:45, Riley Gaines) -
On Kirk’s influence:
“Charlie Kirk was special because he was a coalition builder... He bridged together unlikely groups.”
(14:55, Riley Gaines) -
Admitting to her own hesitation:
“I was a coward. I was scared of the inevitable backlash I would get for saying something about what Candace Owens was doing.”
(26:50, Riley Gaines) -
On truth and unity:
“Truth is the highest good. And when truth matters, unity isn’t always possible … unity that requires abandoning truth, I don’t think is unity at all. It is surrender.”
(34:21, Riley Gaines) -
On left-wing collectivism (after NY mayor’s speech):
“If this doesn’t send chills down your spine then you haven’t learned a single lesson from the 20th century.”
(41:00, Riley Gaines) -
On real-world engagement:
“Don’t be afraid to speak the truth… Internet is not real life.”
(44:00, Riley Gaines) -
On what’s at stake:
“The moment that we’re in our movement, I think we face two simple choices. It’s to keep infighting and lose or unite and win. The outcome of next year and beyond is up to us.”
(Closing, 45:00)
Key Segment Timestamps
- State of polarization, Democratic Party critique: 04:00–10:00
- Charlie Kirk’s legacy & personal recollections: 14:00–21:00
- America Fest clashes & conservative infighting: 22:45–24:00
- Candace Owens conspiracy theories examined: 24:00–30:30
- Principles: truth vs. unity: 34:00–36:30
- Calling out right-wing extremists (Nick Fuentes): 37:12–39:00
- Warning signs from recent elections (Virginia, NY): 40:00–41:30
- Calls to action, urgency for unity: 43:00–end
Takeaways
- The conservative movement is enduring intense internal division, catalyzed by conspiracies and public infighting after the assassination of a major unifying figure.
- Gaines argues that while unity is essential for victory, truth must not be sacrificed, and harmful actors—even those broadly associated with conservatism—must be publicly called out.
- The episode concludes with a rallying cry for conservative engagement, remembrance, and prioritizing sincere action over reactive conflict.
For listeners seeking an unvarnished assessment of the current state of conservatism, the episode provides a blend of personal reflection, pointed critique, and a call to re-focus on both truth and strategic unity.