Podcast Host’s Controversial Remarks on Charlie Kirk

On a recent episode of her podcast “I’ve Had It,” left-wing podcaster Jennifer Welch suggested that the pro-Second Amendment statements made by Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), could somehow justify his death.

In response, TPUSA CEO Erica Kirk participated in a town hall with CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss. During this discussion, she condemned those who would rationalize her husband’s assassination. Both Welch and former CNN host Don Lemon criticized Kirk for his Second Amendment advocacy and his stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Welch asserted, “From what I hear, he justified his own death. He was recorded saying that if children died in schools, it meant the Second Amendment would come into play. He was framing it that way. At the time of the shooting, he seemed to be talking about gun violence. It’s just outrageous to me.”

Continuing her argument, Welch invited Lemon to share his thoughts, particularly about Kirk’s past behavior toward Black individuals. She noted, “If the pilot had been Black, he wouldn’t have wanted to be on the plane. It was all about the dehumanization of Black people from him.”

Weiss reflected on Kirk’s remarks about wanting Black pilots to have a chance, noting that those comments should be viewed in a broader context. Lemon responded, saying, “Honestly, I never thought about the pilot’s race when I boarded the plane. What matters is his ability to fly. I find it absurd to approach it any other way. Plus, I recall Kirk saying that Black women lack adequate brain processing power, which is just…well, it’s problematic.”

Lemon referenced comments Kirk made in July 2023, during which he had discussed various public figures, including Joy Reid and Sheila Jackson Lee, in a segment related to affirmative action. Welch pointed out the ways in which Kirk’s rhetoric had been perceived.

Lemon further stated, “No one I’ve spoken to says that Charlie Kirk deserved to die. The internet can be a harsh place, but framing the question in that way is misguided.” He emphasized that he agreed with Welch on some points, but he felt that the core of her commentary was skewed.

In other news, Jimmy Kimmel faced a suspension from ABC on September 17 due to a lawsuit involving the station’s ownership group. Kimmel’s remarks about Kirk’s assassination sparked a wave of commentary on social media, leading to various online reactions and the dismissal of individuals from their positions for their remarks.