Conservative students attend TPUSA campus tour in North Dakota for the first time

Turning Point USA Rally Draws Fresh Faces to Conservatism

Students at the University of North Dakota shared with Fox News Digital that the recent Turning Point USA rally marked their initial foray into conservative events. This gathering is part of a larger trend on the right, especially following the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk last month.

The university hosted the latest installment of the “This is the Turning Point” campus tour. Attendees discussed their experiences within the conservative movement and reflected on whether focusing on debate and conversation is more effective than attempting to “own” their liberal counterparts.

At a TPUSA event this week at Montana State University, Vivek Ramaswamy engaged with students, seeking their thoughts on how conservatives might better approach dialogue.

Predicting a Shift in University Politics

The phrase “Own your freedom” has echoed in conservative circles for years, but Ramaswamy argues that this mindset might be dated. He described the idea differently: “We don’t care about owning a library. That’s not the case anymore.”

During discussions, students were prompted to consider whether debate and dialogue could sway public opinion more effectively than conflict. Brandon noted, “I don’t think the conversation should be about actually owning someone. It shouldn’t be about aggressive attacks. Productive dialogue is key to reaching our end goals.” Easton added, “While both sides may feel like they have the upper hand, I wouldn’t suggest that conservatives actually own liberals.”

Referencing Kirk, who founded TPUSA in 2012, Abby commented on his respectful approach: “Charlie didn’t try to outshine anyone. He aimed to present the facts clearly instead of belittling their opinions.”

In response to Kirk’s passing, Andrew remarked that it underscored the existence of groups unwilling to engage in constructive dialogue. Zach shared, “It’s wild how much they acknowledge their own rigidness.”

A Call for Peaceful Engagement

Addressing the idea of violence, Andrew stated, “Choosing violence means you’ve already lost…Following Charlie Kirk’s example, just engage with them calmly, regardless of their negativity.” Easton concurred, recognizing that feelings of unfair treatment can lead some to drastic actions, reflecting on gun violence in those moments.

Interestingly, many students mentioned that this event marked their first serious consideration of joining the conservative movement. Brett said, “This is my first conservative event. I’m just here to check it out.” Jace confessed that his knowledge of “Turning Point” was limited until Kirk’s death, prompting his curiosity. Andrew expressed interest in their stance on Israel, signaling topics that matter to attendees.