H4 - Charlie James and guest Andrew Martinez mark the anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s passing and debate radicalism in politics.

What this episode covers

Transcript Charlie James: Charlie Kirk was assassinated one year ago today. Of course, Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. And it was a—it was a horrible day for everybody in that organization. I remember that afternoon when I got a text message that said that all of the chapters had been advised that Charlie Kirk had passed away. Had to be—I mean, it was tough for us, but for people within the organization, it had to be especially painful. Joining us right now is Andrew Martinez. Hold on just a second, let me go to Andrew. Andrew Martinez is with Turning Point USA at Furman. Andrew, welcome to the program. Hope you're doing well, sir. Andrew Martinez: Hey, thank you for having me, Charlie. Charlie James: So, take us back to that day a year ago when you guys got notified. I mean, what was—what was going through your minds? Andrew Martinez: Yeah, you know, so we were a new chapter getting everything started up, and I had just contacted some of my friends in our cabinet. And, you know, I can—I can remember exactly where I was that day. I was in my dorm room, sitting on my bed getting some homework done when I got the news. And, you know, I was—I was shocked. I was heartbroken. And, you know, it was—it was—it was really sad. But, you know, ever since that day, you know, it—it—it kind of gave us the drive and gave us the determination to—to—to keep going and to keep doing more. You know, not only for Charlie's legacy, but for conservative—conservatives on college campuses. Charlie James: Yeah. So what's this past year like been with you guys at Turning Point USA at Furman? Andrew Martinez: Um, it's been—it's been great. You know, we're—we just started last year, and we're just getting up and running this year. You know, we're getting some support from Turning Point USA, other college—other college chapters, and conservative organizations in Greenville. Um, but, you know, just getting up and running and getting support. Charlie James: How—I mean, when right after this happened, did—did all of a sudden you guys start seeing a huge amount of interest coming in about Turning Point USA? Andrew Martinez: Oh, yeah. Um, you know, I had—I had just set up our Instagram, and I—I can't tell you how many DMs that I've—I've gotten, on text messages I got with interest to show up and who—who—who were interested in seeing Furman get started. There were even Furman alumni who reached out to Furman asking for a Turning Point USA on campus that they could donate to. It was—it was really—it was really impressive to see how many people actually reached out. Charlie James: That's pretty awesome. But there has been some pushback as well, right? Andrew Martinez: Yes, there has. Charlie James: Which is pretty amazing to me that, you know, these colleges will allow all these clubs in, but Turning Point USA, that seems to be a sticking point with them. What is the main purpose—what is your goal at Turning Point USA at Furman? Andrew Martinez: My goal is simple: to establish a conservative base on campus, give conservatives on—especially at Furman—a base to speak out about their politics. You know, the interesting thing, there was a Gallup survey that came out: over 70% of conservatives on Furman campus are scared to talk about their politics and scared to—scared to talk to other people. And, you know, my goal is to get those numbers down. You know, my goal is to start a conservative base on campus that—that—that invites dialogue and invites conservatives and gives them—gives them the courage and empowers them to speak out about their politics and about what they believe. Charlie James: With all of the work that you guys are doing, when you see all of these colleges, all over these campuses all over the country, mocking Charlie Kirk, having "Kirksiversary" parties and celebrations, how does that make you guys feel? I mean, that's—that's—that is an absolute sickness going on in our community right now, isn't it? Andrew Martinez: ...

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