Trump, Faith, and a Nation on Fire

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Rob Carson Show

Episode: Trump, Faith, and a Nation on Fire
Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Rob Carson (Newsmax Podcasts)
Guests: Mark Meckler (Convention of States), John Yep (Catholics for Catholics)

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Episode Overview

In this emotionally charged and reflective episode, Rob Carson discusses the rapid shift in American culture and politics in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination—a watershed moment described as not just political but deeply spiritual. The episode emphasizes themes of faith, forgiveness, national division, and renewal, featuring in-depth conversations with Mark Meckler, president of the Convention of States, and John Yep, president of Catholics for Catholics. The show balances personal stories, political strategy, poignant religious moments, and biting cultural critique, spotlighting how Kirk's martyrdom fueled a renewed conservative and faith-driven movement across the country and beyond.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Context and the "Movement Toward Good"

• Rob Carson opens the show reflecting on the profound impact of Charlie Kirk’s funeral, describing it as "life-changing for the world" and comparing its resonance to the funerals of Billy Graham and Martin Luther King, Jr.
• He interprets the current political and cultural climate as a spiritual battle:

  “The opposite reaction to the action of evil is good. And it's spreading... It's not just a political thing, you're wrong. There's something else there.” (01:20)

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2. The Convention of States and Trump’s Endorsement

Guest: Mark Meckler (President, Convention of States)

• Context: Trump’s public support for the Convention of States, aiming to shrink federal government power, is seen as a tipping point.
• Key Points:
  • The movement picked up speed after Trump posted in support on Truth Social, making Meckler believe that a constitutional convention is for the first time “realistic” (03:13).
  • 19 states have joined; 15 more are required. With Trump’s backing, hesitant legislators are expected to sign on quickly, possibly leading to a convention during Trump’s term (06:30).
  • States close to joining next: North Carolina, Ohio, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana (07:11).
  • Meckler frames the Convention as a solution to rising polarization:

    “The country does need to come apart... we need to go back to federalism... That's how we stay together in a union with a very disparate population.” (10:07)

• Personal Connection: Meckler recalls his friendship with Charlie Kirk and the impact of Kirk’s assassination in accelerating the movement (04:42).

Notable Quote:

“For the first time ever, it looks like the president’s in support of calling a convention of states—we’re pretty excited about it.” —Mark Meckler (03:13)

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3. The Impact and Martyrdom of Charlie Kirk

Faith, Division, and Cultural Shifts

• Carson, Meckler, and Yep detail how Kirk’s death galvanized conservatives and people of faith, transcending partisanship and sparking conversions and renewed activism (09:12).
• Carson highlights an outpouring of faith:

  “I see people who were dyed-in-the-wool atheists buying their first Bible. I see people who’ve always been Democrats abandoning the party saying, ‘I’m disgusted, I can’t be part of this anymore.’” —Mark Meckler (08:47)

Polarization and Online Response

• Carson condemns celebrations of Kirk’s assassination:

  “There were those by the thousands who were celebrating Charlie’s death online. And I likened it to demons... It's demonic.” (09:12—10:07)

• He calls out political figures (Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Rep. Ilhan Omar) for their controversial remarks, framing their rhetoric as “demonic” and “satanic” (14:42, 15:45).

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4. Faith and Forgiveness: Erica Kirk's Moment

Guest: John Yep (President, Catholics for Catholics)

• The segment focuses on Erica Kirk, Charlie’s widow, and her public forgiveness of her husband's assassin at his memorial service—a moment likened to Christ’s forgiveness on the cross (21:27–23:22).
• Yep recounts being steps away from Erica as she delivered her statement, calling it "her Christ-like moment" and describing a palpable, almost mystical experience as she broke "the stranglehold that hatred has over your heart" (23:22).

  “She was like Christ on the cross forgave his enemies. That’s what Erica did yesterday.” —John Yep (22:14)

Notable Quote:

“That moment you forgive somebody, you break the stranglehold that hatred has over your heart. Erica completed the mission of Charlie Kirk yesterday on that stage.” —John Yep (23:22)

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5. The Cultural and Political Fallout

• John Yep and Carson discuss how the assassination, and responses to it, have triggered a nationwide "sea change":
  • Increased faith-related activism.
  • Accelerated shift of Gen Z, especially young men, toward conservatism (34:21).
  • The political implications for Democrats, with many decrying the reaction from prominent liberals as "demonic and desperate" (33:07).
• Carson and Yep predict the event will have lasting political consequences, citing election trends in Virginia and New Jersey as signs of shifting momentum (08:47, 36:02).

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6. Return to Faith and Personal Transformation

• Carson closes by reflecting on his own near-death experience and sobriety, attributing his resilience and renewal to faith (37:04 ff).
• He plans to share more about his spiritual journey and the role of faith in overcoming life's hardships in a future segment.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the spiritual and political turning point:

  “There’s a reason why we’re here, and we’re moving toward good.” —Rob Carson (01:20)

• On public forgiveness:

  “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do... I forgive him.” —Erica Kirk (relayed by John Yep) (21:34–21:49)

• On cultural division:

  “We cannot exist in the same realm as the radical left who hate America and want America gone. We cannot exist together.” —Rob Carson (07:48)

• On young conservative activism:

  “It was a muscular Christianity conservatism that we saw in that room, that resonates with young men.” —John Yep (34:21)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:20: Rob Carson sets the tone, linking world events to spiritual awakening.
• 03:13–03:50: Mark Meckler announces Trump’s endorsement of the Convention of States.
• 06:30: Meckler outlines the path forward and timeline for the Convention.
• 09:12–10:07: Discussion of online reaction to Kirk’s death; moral stakes outlined.
• 21:27–23:22: Erica Kirk’s public forgiveness discussed (John Yep’s firsthand account).
• 29:06–30:55: Reflections on Kirk’s legacy and global impact; references to Marco Rubio's speech.

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Summary Flow

• The episode weaves personal reflection, political analysis, and religious testimony.
• The death of Charlie Kirk is presented as a seismic event transforming both the faith and political landscape.
• Trump’s support for the Convention of States is seen as a major development for conservative reform.
• Erica Kirk’s act of forgiveness is spotlighted as a defining, transcendent moment.
• The hosts and guests condemn extreme rhetoric and celebrate a revival of faith-based activism and unity.

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Tone & Language

• Direct, impassioned, and at times confrontational.
• Frequently references faith, morality, patriotism, and personal connection.
• Mixes solemn reflection with satirical jabs at political opponents.

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Further Information

• Convention of States: conventionofstates.com (as cited by Mark Meckler, 12:05)
• Catholics for Catholics: Social: @cforc; website: cforc.com (36:46)
• Calls for listeners to get involved, pray, and remain vigilant in the face of both political and spiritual battles.

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This summary covers the core content and sentiment of the Rob Carson Show episode, "Trump, Faith, and a Nation on Fire," focusing on the intersection of political events, faith, national division, and the power of forgiveness in the wake of tragedy.

Transcript

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[B]

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Now.

[B]

You are about to hear the most interesting, informative, thought provoking and funny show in America on air and on the World Wide Web.

[D]

This is the Rob Carson Show.

[B]

This is the Rob Carson Show. It's a Monday on the what, the 22nd of September. Already. Can you believe it's already the 22nd of September? Fall is here. Yesterday I, I didn't watch football yesterday. I watched Charlie Kirk and his memorial service, which was life changing, life changing for the world. It was bigger than even Billy Graham's funeral. It was bigger than, than anything I've seen. And it's not just here. It's around the world. It is echoing around the world. It's the movement toward good, away from evil that. I told you about that. I said the opposite reaction to the action of evil is good. And it's spreading and it's moving and it's now in Great Britain and it's now in France. It's already happened in Turkey. It's already happened Italy. And it's growing and it's amazing. It's remarkable. If you think this is just a political thing, you're wrong. It's not political. There's something else there. There's something else there. There's a reason why we're here. There's a reason why 1 plus 1 equals 2. There's a reason why H2O is water here and water 15 billion light years away. There is a reason we're here and we're moving toward good. We spoke earlier to John Solomon. John Solomon's got a big story up on just the news about a convention of states effort surges as Trump aims to shrink the size scope of the federal government. Mark Meckler, the creator of the convention of states action is on the Newsmax hotline. He's getting ready to travel to Greece, I guess, and he took the time to talk to us today. Mark, how you doing, brother?

[D]

It's quite a day, I gotta tell you. Not expected, but very exciting.

[B]

I'm gonna tell you, Mark, you know, I kind of thought maybe the Convention of States movement would be slowed down with Trump in office because of the movement toward freedom, the movement toward changing the government, gutting the deep state and, but today this, tell me what's going on. What do you, what do you hope is going to happen?

[D]

Yeah, I mean, so very exciting. There's this article that's up on just the news, written by Amanda Head, great reporter, about convention of states, about our big convention that just took place this weekend. And in the article is a quote which, which is from me, which says, look, Washington supported the idea of a convention of states, Lincoln supported the idea, Reagan supported the idea, but the only person that can actually get it done is Donald Trump. And apparently Donald Trump saw that this morning and he's posted it on Truth Social. So I gotta say, for the first time ever, it looks like the presidents in support of calling a convention of states were pretty excited about it.

[B]

I gotta tell you, Mark, I mentioned this to John Solomon last hour. I said we, it would take a very long time for us to recognize the profundity of November 5th. And now that this is here and it's happening, it's almost mind bending how quickly things are happening. And I gotta tell you, Mark, you know, Charlie Kirk's martyrdom and his assassination I think has put a lot of things on light speed. I think that his death will is resonating across the country and I think that it's really going to impact the Democrats, it's going to increase the momentum toward Republicans in Virginia and New Jersey, among other places. And it's, it's, you know, we hate the fact that he died, but it really has put things, put the pedal to the metal on a lot of things.

[D]

Yeah, you know, Charlie was to me more than just a guy who was out there doing great political stuff. I knew Charlie sounds kind of funny, but we're hunting buddies and we were supposed to be. We were supposed to be hunting together in November out in South Dakota. We'll have a place at the table for Charlie, of course, he was a supporter of Convention Estates and endorser of Convention Estates. My hope is that all of us, all these conservative groups, will work more together on everything that we all believe in. I expect that we'll be working very closely with Turning Point usa. I've had an email change with one of the board members. With the president on board with convention of States, with him putting this out on Truth Social this morning. I think we're going to see the movement explode and accelerate. My phone has been blowing up, by the way. You're the first interview I've done since this.

[B]

Great.

[D]

That's because you're my friend and you're a great guy and I'm very excited you're there in Washington, D.C. mark.

[B]

Now, for those who don't know, Mark Meckler was my guest on the day that my life changed. The next day I was sober. Mark Meckler was there. Mark Meckler remembers it. Mark Meckler, my friend, Matthew Ferracci, my brother, my brother in faith. He is a, he is a Jewish man, but. And you are a Jewish man, but we come together in faith and I know there's a reason why we cross paths. Bro. And then I met you, I got to meet you a few weeks ago having dinner with Matthew and you mentioned that you were going hunting. You were going up to South Dakota going pheasant hunting. You didn't mention that Charlie Kirk was your hunting buddy. These, these things are just. Mark, there's a reason why we're here. There's a reason why this confluence in history is happening. And again, Charlie Kirk's passing and the election is going to put this stuff into light speed. What's going to happen next with Convention Estates? When do you suppose something could happen, sir?

[D]

Well, it could happen really quick. 19 states have already passed, so that means we need another 15 states with Trump posting this. Look, a lot of state legislators who might have been hesitant are going to be on board. I expect that Trump wanted to. I haven't spoken to the president, so I don't want to speak for him. But if he wants to, he could call up these state legislators, ask someone to hold special sessions to do it more quickly instead of waiting for next year. So it could really put the convention of states movement in light speed. We could see potentially a convention of states before the end of Donald Trump's term.

[B]

Wow. Unbelievable. Now, which states are you on the cusp with? Which ones are you closest with? And who do you suppose going to turn?

[D]

Like right now, literally this week, we're trying to get the North Carolina Senate to act. We've already, the House has already passed it and so we.

[B]

Hello? Are you there? Mark?

[D]

I think we have the votes there.

[B]

We lost you for a second. Okay, Ohio. Very good, very good.

[D]

Yeah, Ohio's close, North Carolina is close. And then I think as we move into next session next year, you know, barring the chance of special sessions, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, a bunch of these states are ready to pop. And with the President's imprimatur, it could change everything.

[B]

Well, you know, we've talked about Marjorie Taylor Greene talking about a national divorce. And I believe that we cannot, we cannot exist in the same realm as the radical, radical, radical left who hate America and want America gone. We cannot exist together. And we've got to figure out a way around this to save our union. I think this is the way to do it. By the way, Republican areas in Virginia are seeing massive early voting turnout compared to Democrat strongholds. That's a good move for the state of Virginia. Also, I'll mention also this, this run for governor in New Jersey is really heating up and it's. The Republican there is looking pretty strong. So do you suppose that, that those, those races are going to. Do you suppose that that what happened to Charlie Kirk and the Democrats reaction to it will hurt Democrats not only in November this year, but also in the midterms?

[D]

Yeah, and I wouldn't say, I suppose I will say, I know. I mean, I live on social media more than I like to admit. And what you see right now is an absolute sea change. I mean, I see people who were guiding the wool atheists buying their first Bible. I see people who've always been Democrats abandoning the party saying, I'm disgusted. I can't be part of this anymore. So I do think this is a radical sea change and I think we're going to see some dramatic victories.

[B]

Well, you saw, Mark, that there were those by the thousands who were celebrating Charlie's death online. And I likened it to demons. You don't do something demonic like that. You don't get on social media and writhe around and sing songs about somebody's death. That's unearthly to me, Mark. I mean, it really is. It's demonic. And if, you know, I don't think anybody wants to accept that. And if you do, honestly, you can't be A part of any civil discussion. But that really, really hurt, really hurt everything to see that that exists, you know, and then also on top of that, for people to blame Charlie Kirk for his own shooting, for the left to act like, oh, calling people fascists and Nazis the republic, trying to mortally equivocate, saying that the right does it too. All of this is destroying the democr. I'm glad to see it happen. Go ahead.

[D]

Yeah, I agree with you. I mean, this is an important dividing line between good and evil. But I want to go back to something you said about coming apart. The country does need to come apart, and by that, I mean we need to go back to federalism. Federalism, as originally designed, was a system for people who don't get along very well. The framers of the Constitution didn't get along very well. The original states didn't get along very well. And if we go back to a federal system, you know, as much as we may not like it, California can be California. And Texas. Texas, yes. That's how we stay together in a union with a very disparate population.

[B]

Absolutely, Mark. And, you know, after Charlie was shot, there was September 11th, and I was invited to a special event at the annex of Independence hall for the acknowledgement of Bible Day in the state of Illinois and the acknowledgment of the first, the Aitken Bible. And, you know, half the speakers were Jewish. And I felt something. Mark. Mark, I felt something that. That was just something on my schedule. And then after Charlie died, it became something spiritual. And I just feel like it's happening. And. And I've known you now for, I guess, like, six years, and. And I just. I've got a feeling in my gut something great is happening, bro. I really, really do. How about you?

[D]

I'm. I'm absolutely with you. Look, and I. I don't think that that's just because of Charlie's death. I mean, certainly Charlie, of course, will play a major role in this, but I. Prior to Charlie being assassinated, I felt like this was a bright spot in American history. Charlie's death will always be a cloud on that, but he is much bigger in depth than he was in life. And all of us, as people are saying, are going to pick up the mic. There's not going to be a replacement for Charlie Kirk. He was one of a kind. But there are going to be millions and millions who pick up that microphone.

[B]

All right, Mark, I know you've got to get on a plane. Where can people find out more about convention estates? How to sign up, how to become a part of the movement, how to be a mouthpiece for it, how to promote it. Go ahead.

[D]

Yeah. Go to convention of states.com and sign the petition. And if you want to get involved, click the Take Action tab and get involved. We're going to need a lot of people to help us out now that President Trump is on board. Convention of States.com all right, Mark, God Godspeed.

[B]

God bless and safe travels, brother. I appreciate you and thanks for finding the time for us today.

[D]

Yeah, absolutely. God bless you.

[B]

All right. You bet. Mark Mechler was on the air the day before the miracle of my life happened, that after being hospitalized three times for trying to give up alcohol, that I woke up on January 11th and couldn't remember the taste of it and had no withdrawal symptoms at all. Mark was on the air with me on January 10th. Unbelievable. Let's take a break and come back. This is the Rob Carson Show.

[C]

Poor little Democrats.

[B]

Are you guys okay today that I came in to check on you?

[C]

Every time Trump does something good, you guys spazz out.

[B]

Would you guys shut up and let him work?

[C]

You know what? One of the things I do want to point out that's not been laid out, that honestly hurts my heart is when I saw the no votes, there were only two Caucasians. For the most part, the only people that voted no were people of color because the rhetoric that Charlie Kirk continuously put out there was rhetoric that specifically targeted people of color. And so it is unfortunate that even our colleagues could not see how humble.

[B]

She doesn't sound all girlfriend there, does she? Isn't that kind of weird how she can go all girlfriend and everything and then all of a sudden just talk normal? It's like she's almost a liar and a fake.

[C]

Oh, his rhetoric was specifically to us. And I can tell you that a month prior to him passing away, he had actually gotten out on his podcast. I wasn't aware of this at the time, but he got out there and he was talking negatively about me directly.

[B]

So, yeah, because you're an awful person.

[C]

If there was any way that I was going to honor somebody who decided that they were just going to negatively talk about me.

[B]

And this is CNN Yesterday, as Charlie Kirk's massive remembrance ceremony was being broadc everywhere and seen by hundreds of millions. Here's. Here's Jasmine Crockett just last week. Now listen to how different she sounds here.

[C]

I talk to black folk all the time as somebody that's a child of a preacher. Listen, most black people are not Republicans Simply because we just is like, y' all racist. I can't hang out with the KKK in them. That's really what it is. But when we think about who we are as black people and we think.

[B]

About, oh, my God, I can't stand it anymore, you harpy from hell. Yeah, I called her a harpy from hell. I swear. You know, I hate this. I hate it, I hate it. I hate it. But I'm glad. I'm glad that people like her and people like Ilhan Omar were on the news yesterday, because 80% of us, minimum, recognize that Charlie Kirk's assassination was horrendous. And as a Christian or anyone of faith, you cannot celebrate it. And they are going the opposite direction. Here's Ilhan Omar, or as I like to call her, mentally Ilhan Omar.

[C]

I just think it was the video where it called him Dr. Frankenstein talking.

[B]

To Caitlin Collins or Clark. I always get him confused sign and.

[C]

Said his monster shot him through the neck. I mean, obviously, this is a person. And looking at this, this is someone who was.

[B]

I want you to listen to that. This is what Ilhan Omar said where.

[C]

It called him Dr. Frankenstein and said his monster shot him through the neck. I mean, obviously, this is a person. And looking at this, this is someone who was a husband and a father. And in the days, that's what she.

[B]

Said about Charlie Kirk. He was Frank. Dr. Frankenstein and his monster shot him through the neck. That's. That's satanic.

[C]

After his shocking death that happened as a result of his views or happened as a result, as he was sharing his views publicly with people, that people found it jarring to hear such criticism of that. In the immediate aftermath of. What I find jarring is that there are so many people willing to excuse the most reprehensible things that he said that they agree with, point out one, that they're willing to have monuments for him, that they want to create a day to honor him, and that they want to produce resolutions in the House of Congress.

[B]

Oh, my God. She is the bride of Satan as far as I'm concerned. I'm not kidding either. That woman should not be in Congress. She hates America. She is an insurgent in America. She's not a representative of America. Sharia law must not ever be initiated in any place in America. It has to be driven completely out. That's it. That's all. That's that. You hear me, Dearborn? It has to end. It has to end that she would say such a thing. My God in heaven. Wow. Wow. This is Benny Johnson. I want to play a little Benny Johnson. I met Benny Johnson a couple years ago and you know, he's a. He's, he's a wonderkind, I guess, for lack of expression. He had a TV show on Newsmax on Saturdays with me. Actually, I didn't do the show with him, but we were the same night. And I got to meet him and listen to his story. It's kind of similar to what I've been through. When Charlie first met me, I was a degenerate loser. I'm still a loser, but I was addicted to alcohol. I had no wife, I had no kids. I had nothing going for me. After 10 years of work with Charlie Kirk, after his witnessing to my life, I have become a Christ centered man. I am happily married to the woman of my dream, sitting right there with our youngest son, who just turned eight today. Eight months. And he's wearing ducks for Charlie's beloved Oregon Ducks. You have something else, man. Here is Charlie Kirk talking about the battle that we're in. The apostle Paul describes how God establishes the rulers of the nations. In the audience right now, there are rulers of our land represented. Right here is the State Department, the Department of War, the Department of justice, the Chief executive. God has instituted them. God has given them power over our nation and our land. God saved our president, President Trump, from an assassin's bullet. Yeah. Donald Trump didn't mention that yesterday, did he? No, he said. He said, fight, fight, fight. Everybody knew. Imagine, had Donald Trump been murdered that day. Wow. Gold is on a record run. Up 35% since the beginning of the year. It's above $3,600 an ounce. Gold has always had value. It's always been considered precious. If you've got some of your savings, it's not doing anything. You've got a 401k or an IR1 IRA in precious metals or not in precious metals. But if it's just laying there, not doing anything, you got about another eight days. Because right now, Burt's Gold can help you roll your existing IRA or 401ak into gold. And you could be eligible for a rebate in free metals up to $10,000. Time is of the essence. Listen, I hate, I put off stuff forever. I'm the worst procrastinator because I got so many things to do and I forget things and all that. Don't forget this, okay? Text my name, Rob, to 989-898. Text my name, Rob, to 989898 and get the ball rolling. They'll send you Lots of information. But you got to take advantage of this right now. Take advantage of this rebate up to 10,000 dol dollars in precious metals when you buy by September 30th. But you got to get the ball rolling today. Takes a day or two to kind of get it going so you can get the information, et cetera. And then you got to pull, you know, do get it, get it kind of done and blah, blah, blah and all that. So you better get on it now. Okay, so text my name, Rob to 989-898 Rob to 989-898 and and get your free gold info kit. All right. So coming up, we've got John. Yep. From Catholics for Catholics about the, the ceremony, the celebration of Charlie Kirk's life and what it means to the entire world. That's coming up next. This is the Rob Carson Show. My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life. I don't think anyone expected to hear what's next, but it was earth shattering. That young man, that young man on.

[C]

The cross, our Savior said.

[B]

Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do. That man.

[A]

That young man.

[B]

I forgive him. John. Yep. CEO and president of Catholics for Catholics. That, that moment yesterday and the applause just went on forever was one of the most profound things I'd ever seen, particularly for a young woman who lost her husband to an assassination. John, welcome to the show. Glad to have you on today.

[A]

It's great to be here. Rob. I was steps away from Erica yesterday when she said those statements and you know, that the applause that everyone just heard right now, and maybe you saw it online with the other hundred million people that saw the parts of the program yesterday, you know, that, that applause, I think resonated always around the world because people saw in that moment that act of just ultimate forgiveness. It was her, you know, it was her Christ like moment. She was like Christ on the cross forgave his enemies. That's what Erica did yesterday.

[B]

I, I, I've, I've never witnessed anything like it. I really haven't, John. I mean, we are told to forgive as Christians and as Catholics. I, I've never seen anyone overcome that sort of anguish and, and maybe even segueing into rage in such a short amount of time. She has been given some sort of grace to be able to do such a thing. But when she said that, did it even kind of set you back that you went, wow?

[A]

There was literally Rob aghast with, with everyone standing around me. I mean, we just could not believe it. We saw. We could see her trying to verbalize those words, right? We almost like, sense it was coming. And then when she got the strength to do it again, kind of like Jesus Christ, who. For him to even speak on the cross, he had a pull up on the nails which caused severe pain. We saw that moment from her to get those words out. She said it and then that very moment, because this is what forgiveness does. The moment you forgive somebody, you break the stranglehold that hatred has over your heart. Erica completed the mission of Charlie Kirk yesterday on that stage. He refused to let hatred stop him, and he gave his life for it. And his wife, the person that he was married to, stood on that stage in front of the entire world yesterday with the President of the United States watching from the box. Right. And all the other cabinet officials. And she saw the power of just Christendom, with our message of forgiveness, reign over the entire audience.

[B]

You know, I saw in this New York Times piece about interview with Erica, she had implored with her husband to start wearing a bulletproof vest. He said not yet. He felt confidence in his team, but he. He said basically that he had already kind of surrendered to such a prospect of violence ending his life. And we've heard this before. We heard this with Martin Luther King with his I have a dream speech. He says, I may not be there. I may there get there with you, but we're going to get there. And John, that just hit me like a hammer, man. You know, he didn't. He didn't welcome it, man, but he knew it was a possibility, and he didn't. He wasn't afraid of it.

[A]

It. It's a powerful interview. You just started there, I think it was in the Times article. And, you know, it talked like you just said, you know, he was encouraged by his wife the night before he died. The other person in that room on that night was that faith leader, the priest friend of mine that I had the chance to personally introduce Charlie to. The three of them were in that room. Yes, they spoke about a bulletproof vest, but also they spoke. They prayed over Charlie, okay? That's why Charlie wanted that priest there with him that night, because he knew he was about to embark on this mission. Erica was worried about his safety. Priest came over and they had a moment of prayer. You know, Charlie was. He was resigned to go. The ultimate measure, which honestly, end of the day, that's what all of us have to have the same measure of resolve. Because if you don't have something worth dying for, you have nothing worth living for.

[B]

He. She met the sheriff at the hospital. He offered her the option of seeing the body, she said, but advised against it. The bullet had ravaged his neck. With all due respect, Erica said, I want to see what they did to my husband. Which reminded me of Jackie O. Keeping the blood stained dress on so everyone could see what they did to her husband. His eyes were semi open. Pardon me.

[A]

It's. Yeah, that. That reference came out with Jack.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

Wearing a blood stained dress. And the other image too that came to mind was, you know, the pizza, you know, Michelangelo, sculpture of Mary, the mother of Jesus, holding the body of her son. Right. There's a reason, like people sometimes. Why do you have a picture of Christ on the cross?

[D]

All this blood.

[A]

What do you. Wait, why? It's a reminder of what sin and hatred does to people. And Erica wanted to see that because that was the fire that's gonna light her to continue the mission of turning point USA and nine, whatever that was. 90,000 people showed up strong in person to support that message.

[B]

You, you mentioned Michelangelo. She said his eyes were open and he had this knowing Mona Lisa half smile like he died happy, like Jesus rescued him. The bullet came, he blinked and he was in heaven. She had not been able to kiss him goodbye when she let. When he left the house that morning. So she did then. This is remarkable. I. I've never read anything like this in my life.

[A]

One of the most iconic pictures or moments in American history, at least in the 21st century thus far. To have everyone there in that room and hear those words. And he did have that, as she said, half smile, like he knew. He knew what was coming. Right. Also just a reminder too, for all of us, like, you know, not the day or the hour. Right. Quote scriptures, when your life will be taken for you. We just have to be ready for that moment.

[B]

She said in this. I'm going back to this article. I hope you don't mind me quoting it, John. And it's amazing you were there for this. It's remarkable. And that you're as strong as you are, brother. I can only say that you. There's something within you that is keeping you strong, your beliefs, but also something bigger than that. She said beyond the grief. She said sometimes she is able to see the Bible in such Technicolor. To be so serene in saying, thy will be done. I surrender to it. Do I like it? No. That was the love of my wife, my soulmate, my best friend. But God's plan is always greater than ours. Like Other Christians at Turning Point. She said she sees a divine light. Tragic to Mr. Kirk's death, a young prophet whose fleeting life has changed, achieved lasting resonance with his after his martyrdom. This is just. I can't believe that what it must take to turn this quickly and have this realization so quickly amid all of this grief is divine.

[A]

It absolutely is. I mean, here you have what Charlie was known as, a patriot. Right. You know, he was. He moved the younger generation. Right. The entire a Gen X generation now is more church going, more conservative, especially young men. Charlie was that. But yet what stood a bar. It was like a faith revival yesterday, Rob.

[B]

Oh, brother.

[A]

It was. I mean, I think one of the cabinet officials said that it was true. I mean, you just heard this because to understand properly the life of Charlie Kirk, this great warrior for conservatism, right. For ideas, for talking, for dialogue, what stood above all that was his love for the Lord.

[B]

Yeah. I want to talk a little bit more about the. The service yesterday that you were at, John. Yep. Catholics, Catholics, by the way. And can you hold on for another break, my friend?

[A]

Yes, sir.

[B]

It would be a blessing. Thank you. Let's take a break and come back. This is the Rob Carson Show. Kirk was impactful, impactful because of all the things I've said. But look around this place. There's a hundred something thousand people here. The President of the United States is here. His entire capital, Covenant, is here. Television, audio outlets and media outlets from all over the world are covering this. I just came from overseas in every country I stopped, they gave us their condolences for his passing.

[A]

Impactful.

[B]

In just 31 years of life. Yeah, it's resonating around the world. I was on my Instagram and, you know, I said, I'm. I'm building my followings on Instagram, on a tick tock on, on Facebook, on Twitter and all of that. And I just commented on Rubio's speech yesterday. I said, this is the Secretary of State for the United States. This is a signal to the entire world that we are turning to good away from evil. This magnificent and important speech. Charlie Kirk's death was a nuclear explosion. It's getting even bigger. At 500 responses on that comment, not just on another person's site. Something's happening, John. Yep. President and CEO of Catholic for Catholics. Who was at the ceremony yesterday? I'll tell you what, man, there were some speeches, Marco Rubio's, that were just breathtaking to me. I've never seen this side of Marco Rubio.

[A]

That's a great Point. We gotta share that social media post you did because the Secretary of State spot on with that. I mean this, you know what the third in command of the United States, right. Or whatever the line of succession is for him to be on a world stage there, obviously at the funeral service and then referencing the faith explosion, you know, that is extremely significant. Compare that with one year ago, what we could have had had we lost his election. Thanks. Yeah.

[B]

What about Pete Hegseth? He's the now the Secretary of War, not defense, but here he is. Don't you feel confident knowing that, that, that our defense is being, you know, guided by someone who has faithful principles, you know, instead of, instead of somebody like a, you know, a communist or a Marxist or a socialist. What's the left side with.

[A]

Isn't that nice to know 100%. I mean this guy comes off so authentic. By the way, Secretary of War Pete, you know, and this is this last week that he came back from May, he led a prayer service again there at the Pentagon. This is so good. It's going back to what we stood for. I mean this is not, this is the America we knew and loved growing up. I mean, George Washington, commander of all the armies, had days of prayer and fasting at the Continental army, right. So it's great to get back to as we celebrate the 250 years of our founding, to get back to these principles that made us successful.

[B]

John, let me ask you this about people like Ilhan Omar and Jasmine Crockett yesterday on television, unapologetic about saying that Charlie Kirk was Dr. Frankenstein and his monster shot him in the neck. To me that is demonic. I don't think there's anyone who could side with that with a good. Only the people who celebrated Charlie Kirk's death online would say anything positive about that. And I got to tell you, I don't even care if you're a hard and fast Democrat. I think most people say that what she said there was absolutely unacceptable and nobody wants to be a part of that. And I think that's going to hit Democrats right in the face going into the, the elections statewide, going around the country in November and in 2026 and.

[A]

In 2028, demonic and desperate because they know they are losing. And when they are losing as Charlie would do, you push harder. One thing that caught my attention right Rob, when I was sitting there waiting for the thing to start Yesterday was a 20 year old girl walked by. That 20 year old, that was Chloe Cole. She's someone whole transgender lie. And then she, since Bet and set free. And I saw that smile on her face, brother, and it just hit me. That's the kind of girl that Charlie went around to university, has risked his life to set free. And that joy he has brought to our young people of America. Again, that's awesome.

[B]

I saw this data showing Gen Z men trending toward the gop, sparking a debate among Democrats how to win back those voters they can't with, with their beliefs right now, as I've said about the Democrat Party, you can't fake sincerity. The Democrat Party is down with all of the things that, that in all of the darkness that she, they have espoused by just painting it in a different manner or, or changing, you know, the marketing of it. It's not going to work, is it?

[A]

Not going to work? I mean, it was a muscular Christianity conservatism that we saw in that room that resonates with that. Those young men, right, they're aware they got to pay the bills, they pay their taxes, they see what's going on, you know, and Charlie helped them, he gave them the, articulated the arguments for them to use and you're seeing the paid off. Right? So, and I think that that's a. And now that Erica's the new CEO, that also bodes well for the demographic of young women who we've not done so well on and some of his last elections. But that's, that's a very good sign for us going forward in terms of getting them over the conservative cause.

[B]

Well, you know, listen, I, what should separate us as far as Democrats and Republicans is Democrats agree for a larger federal centralized government and they, and the Republicans are, are more about states rights. Okay, there you go. It used to be that way. Now the Democrat Party, regardless of how you feel, they've, they have just sided with darkness, with evil, with transgenderizing children, which is evil, with, with abortion until birth, which is evil. I can, I can break bread with liberals, I can break bread with Democrats, but there's no breaking bad with people who have bedded down with evil. Because nothing good will come of your life and your soul if you side with that.

[A]

It's funny you say that. We were with President Trump a couple weeks back there in D.C. and he said something, the effect of this whole thing about men and women's sports. I tell all the Republican congressmen, don't bring up that issue yet. It's so bad. Let's wait till right before the election. Because it's like a 90 to 1 issue, right?

[B]

You're right.

[A]

It's absurd what they're standing for right now.

[B]

Yeah, they're still doing it in the Virginia governor's race. Abigail Spamberger has been pressed on it. She thinks that girls ought to be in boys locker rooms, boys ought to be in girls locker rooms. And she's running for the press. And I'll tell you what, there was a giant uprising, conservative uprising in, in, in Virginia. And it would have been just another race. It wouldn't have been just another neck and neck race. I have a funny feeling it's going to go way in the favor of, of winsome Sears. And I really think that Charlie Kirk's passing is, is so awful, but it really has really put the pedal to the metal on his movement toward good. John. Yep. We've got to run, bro. But I, I appreciate you and thank you so much for finding the time for us. I feel like there's a reason why I know you. Where can your organization Catholics for Catholics.

[A]

They go to our social medias, cforc.com that's our website or we're an acts truth everything. And yeah, we're just happy to contribute in the fight to take back America.

[B]

Hey, John, if you're in town in Washington D.C. if you're in on a weekend, I would go to mass with you. I would, I would.

[A]

It would be awesome. Rob would love to do that.

[B]

All right, brother. Take care of yourself. I appreciate you. Let's take a break and come back. This is the Rob Carson show. It's the Rod Carson Show. So there's a church here. It's Basilica. It's a few blocks from here, just off to Duke Street. And I went to the, the, I went into the, the church and, and I prayed and I plan on stopping in every day if I can and praying. I. 20 some years ago, 1998, I had a heart attack. I had strep throat. I was, I was very sick. I was stressed. I got strep throat. When, when you're, when you're stressed out, your immune system plummets. And I ended up getting strep throat 140 degree temperature. And I woke up one morning with a pain in my chest, in my arm. And I went into the kitchen and I called 911 because I'd been at or I called the hospital where I was the day before because they iced me down to bring down my temperature. And, and I said, hey, man, I'm just feeling a little pain in my chest and arm. And they said, you're having a heart attack. Call 911 I'm 30, 31 years old. I was bench pressing 400 pounds. I was in great shape and all of this. And. And I. I remember that morning, I. Everything got quiet and everything was silent. I couldn't hear the dogs barking or anything. And I remember walking out to the front yard because I knew that I would need to be there so the paramedics could put me on a stretcher without dragging me through the door. And I wanted them to get me into the ambulance as soon as possible. And I laid down and I looked at the sky and I said, God, please don't let me die. And I. My wife, my now ex wife grabbed me by the arm and set me up. And that's when I felt cool water to all of my extremities. And that's when whatever happened, the mitocardial infarction of the blood clot disappeared. And I drove in the ambulance to the hospital and I actually entertained the. The paramedics. And they got there and said, yeah, you had a heart attack. And I had to carry nitroglycerin in my pocket for a year. 31 years old, I had to carry nitroglycerin in my pocket. And I was scared. And when you, when you get scared, if you've had a heart attack, you'll start to manifest the symptoms of a heart attack. And I finally had to say, no, it's over. I'm going to share how faith brought me back to health, and that's going to come up next. I know, I know I've had some things happen in my life that are pretty, pretty wild, but something happened. Then. Something happened. Now we got another hour of the show going to talk a little bit about Kimmel, among other things, and how I don't care if he comes back on television, let him come back on television. I didn't want him off television, but I'm turning him off and everybody else is too. Anyway, that's all coming up at the final hour of the Ride Bob Carson show. Don't go anywhere. From the Cascades to PDX to your kitchen. We recycle like we live here. That's why governments, brands and recycling companies are all joining together to bring change, to make recycling better as entrusted. Trusting that your recyclables end up in the right places to be made into new things and having brands help fund the cost of recycling. You can find the Latest [e-mail] Oregon. From Mount Hood to the bin under your desk, together we can do this.