As a longtime Missouri legislator and lifelong conservative, I’ve had my share of politically charged conversations with folks who didn’t always see eye-to-eye with our founding fathers’ vision of limited government, thriving business, and individual freedom. I can’t say I always knew what to say in every situation, but I learned a lot from watching Charlie Kirk in action.
The first time I saw a shaky, green-haired college student speak into a microphone at a Turning Point rally, I almost swiped past it, thinking it would be just another hateful argument between two political parties who can’t seem to find common ground unless it involves their own financial gain. To my surprise, a young man – not particularly polished, sitting on a stool in a t-shirt – simply had a conversation.
With what can only be attributed to a lifetime of critical thinking, voracious reading (the man seemed to absorb facts and figures like a sponge), and the emotional maturity of a zen monk mixed with the fire in his eyes of a warrior, Kirk did something remarkable. I couldn’t look away. One by one, this young man literally led students to water and helped them think critically – some, it seemed, for the first time in their lives.
I’m humbled to admit I didn’t fully appreciate each video that came across my screen, thinking he’d be with us for a long time. Now I find myself watching them obsessively, knowing one day I’ll reach the point where I’ve seen them all.
As I reflect on Charlie Kirk’s impact and legacy, one thing has become abundantly clear: he was a master class in political discourse. Here are three lessons we can all learn from his approach:
1. Listen First – and Listen to Understand
Yesterday I watched a clip of a father and son where the son had “turned conservative,” much to his blue-leaning father’s frustration. As both began launching into what you could tell were old talking points about each other’s stance, Kirk stopped them. He reminded them what was most important – their relationship – and helped them find the humanity in each other’s beliefs. Both ultimately wanted something good for America; they just disagreed on how to get there.
It was beautiful. I wish more of us could remember to see that good intention at Thanksgiving dinners, work gatherings, and church groups as we all grapple with how to make America great again.
2. Ask Great Questions
Charlie Kirk was a master at asking questions that made people actually think – sometimes, it seemed, for the first time in their lives. How many of us are guilty of accepting something as fact without ever examining why we think it, or whether better information is available to help us make a more informed decision?
Armed with facts, data, and a genuine passion for helping people walk to their own conclusions, Charlie had the patience to let them discover that what they thought was absolute fact just minutes before might deserve another look.
3. Stand Your Ground
Charlie Kirk never wavered in his beliefs or his mission to share the gospel, promote conservative family values, and reach the next generation – whether on the streets, on college campuses, or online. He taught, led, and sparked real conversations wherever he went.
He understood that conviction could co-exist with real conversation.
A Testament to His Legacy
I expect scholarly people will write extensively about why Charlie Kirk had such an impact across America, and I don’t count myself among them. But as someone who has spent the majority of my adult life serving Missouri in the legislature, I can tell you his approach taught me something valuable about political discourse in our divided time.
I’m incredibly moved and saddened by his passing, but also inspired by what the last few days have become – a revival across our nation. I have to believe Charlie Kirk would be proud of us, and no doubt he’d be out in the crowd asking great questions to people who don’t quite get it yet.
That’s the Charlie Kirk I’ll remember: not the partisan warrior his critics painted him as, but the patient teacher who believed every person – even that green-haired college student – deserved to have a real conversation.
Former Missouri legislator, small business owner, and foster/adoptive mom. A lifelong conservative, she has championed pro-life values, fiscal responsibility, and stronger families. She is currently a candidate for Missouri Senate District 16.
