VINCE Podcast Summary
Episode 130: Are We Witnessing A Revival?
Host: Vince Coglianese
Date: September 22, 2025
Overview of the Episode
This episode of VINCE centers on the national reaction to the assassination and memorial service of Charlie Kirk. Vince Coglianese dissects the outpouring of faith, unity, and strategic restraint shown by the conservative movement in the wake of this tragedy. The episode also explores the broader implications for political and religious discourse in America, as well as ongoing concerns about justice and accountability in the government.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Charlie Kirk’s Memorial: National Significance
- Massive Attendance: The memorial, held in an NFL stadium in Arizona, was attended by nearly 100,000 people, with millions watching worldwide. The entire presidential cabinet and many prominent national figures were present.
- Swift Organization: Event was put together in 11 days, drawing skepticism and conspiracy from online critics, swiftly dismissed by Vince.
2. Erica Kirk’s Forgiveness: A Defining Moment
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Erica Kirk's Eulogy: Vince highlights Erica’s remarkable act of Christian forgiveness toward her husband’s assassin.
"My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life... father, forgive them, for they not know what they do. That man, that young man, I forgive him."
— Erica Kirk (05:27) -
Context and Emotional Weight: Vince draws parallels to Pope John Paul II, emphasizing Erica’s courage and the profound demonstration of Christian values.
"Her forgiveness alleviates her own soul of the burden of carrying a loathing towards that man."
— Vince (06:28)
3. Conservative Reaction: Choosing Revival over Retaliation
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Avoidance of Violence: Vince discusses the crossroad faced by conservatives—choosing peace and revival over revenge after Kirk’s death.
"We could have gone in one of two directions... and I am glad we chose love... we saw revival."
— Vince (09:58 - 15:13) -
'Meekness' Explained: Vince reframes 'meekness' not as weakness, but as controlled strength, likening conservatives to a war horse prepared for battle but choosing restraint for a higher cause.
4. Faith as Public Testimony
- Bold Religious Expression: The service was marked by unprecedented boldness among political leaders speaking openly of their Christian faith.
- Marco Rubio’s Gospel Summation: Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a concise and passionate summary of the Christian message:
"He didn't rise as a ghost or as a spirit, but as flesh. And then he rose to the heaven. But he promised he would return. And when he returns... we are going to have a great reunion there again with Charlie and all the people we love."
— Marco Rubio (19:43 – 20:52)
5. Political and Cultural Impact
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J.D. Vance's Perspective: The Vice President framed Kirk’s fate as preferable to a life lived without conviction and faith.
"It is better to face a gunman than to live your life afraid to speak the truth. It is better to be persecuted for your faith than to deny the kingship of Christ..."
— J.D. Vance / Marco Rubio (24:50 - 24:52) -
Presidential Remarks: Donald Trump labeled Kirk’s murder an attack on the nation and its freedoms:
"The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us. Indeed, Charlie was killed for expressing the very ideas that virtually everyone in this arena and most other places throughout our country deeply believed in."
— Donald Trump (25:34) -
Trump vs. Forgiveness: Trump humorously admitted he does not naturally share Kirk’s ability to forgive, contrasting the spiritual ideal with human nature:
"I hate my opponent, and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry. I am sorry, Erica."
— Donald Trump (27:13)
6. Reflections with Susan Crabtree (RealClear Politics)
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Healing and Unity: Susan described the memorial as a 'healing experience' both for Kirk’s supporters and the nation.
"You cannot be the land of the free if you're not the home of the brave..."
— Ben Carson, quoted by Susan Crabtree (31:57 - 33:55) -
Faith in Public Life: Both Susan and Vince remarked on the surge in public profession of faith by officials, marking a cultural shift.
"Sometimes you just have to embrace it. We can't hide it under a bushel. We need to display what has given us strength through trials in our life."
— Susan Crabtree (37:45) -
Security Logistics: Susan detailed the 'Herculean' effort by the Secret Service and law enforcement to secure the event on short notice, crediting them for enabling a safe memorial (40:29).
7. Justice and Accountability: Trump’s Demands
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Presidential Frustration: Vince covers Trump’s public pressure for prosecutions of political adversaries, particularly concerning the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
"Justice must be served. Now."
— Quoting Trump’s Truth Social post (45:17) -
Procedural Obstacles ("Blue Slips"): Vince explains how Senate traditions can block the appointment of aggressive U.S. attorneys when states have Democrat senators.
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Calls for Consequence: Vince insists on the need for accountability and justice for political abuses, emphasizing this is essential for national healing and trust.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:27 | Erica Kirk | "That man, that young man, I forgive him." | | 14:50 | Erica Kirk | "After Charlie's assassination, we didn't see violence... Instead, we saw revival." | | 19:43-20:52| Marco Rubio | "But on the third day, he rose unlike any mortal man ... And we are going to have a great reunion..." | | 24:50 | J.D. Vance | "It is better to face a gunman than to live your life afraid to speak the truth..." | | 25:34 | Donald Trump | "That bullet was aimed at every one of us. Indeed, Charlie was killed for expressing the very ideas..." | | 27:13 | Donald Trump | "I hate my opponent, and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry. I am sorry, Erica." | | 31:57 | Susan Crabtree | "What a cathartic event ... an incredible healing experience for Charlie Kirk supporters..." | | 37:45 | Susan Crabtree | "We can't hide it under a bushel... we need to display what has given us strength through trials..." |
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Opening and Charlie Kirk Memorial Coverage: 00:00 – 06:28
- Erica Kirk’s Forgiveness & Vince’s Reflection: 05:27 – 16:33
- Political and Spiritual Themes at the Memorial: 16:33 – 27:38
- Notable Speeches (Rubio, Vance, Trump): 19:43 – 27:38
- Interview with Susan Crabtree: 31:57 – 45:15
- Discussion of Justice, U.S. Attorney, and Trump Statements: 45:17 – 53:36
- Wrap-up and Closing Remarks: 53:36 – end
Tone & Takeaways
Vince sets a tone of solemnity, hope, and challenge—a call for spiritual and moral renewal in American life. There’s a tension throughout between righteous outrage over Kirk’s assassination and a higher calling toward forgiveness, discipline, and revival rather than retribution. The episode’s message is one of resilience, unity, and the model of public faith, using Kirk’s legacy to challenge both political and spiritual audiences to rise above mere politics.
Final Word
The episode is a moving tapestry of personal loss, public mourning, and national reflection. With memorable displays of faith, forgiveness, and a clear-eyed focus on justice, the podcast urges Americans—especially conservatives—to channel their collective power through order and love rather than anger, to honor Charlie Kirk’s evangelical optimism and ultimate sacrifice.