In this episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross interviews Robert Draper, who profiled Charlie Kirk for the New York Times Magazine, about Kirk's influence on the right wing and the reactions to his assassination. Draper discusses Trump's response, including ordering flags to be flown at half-mast, and interprets statements from Trump's administration as conspiratorial. The conversation explores Kirk's strategy for making the Republican party appealing to young voters, his views on free speech, his anti-immigration stance, and his perspective on transgender individuals. Draper also shares insights from his personal interactions with Kirk, including their last text exchange. The discussion further delves into the political differences between Kirk and Nick Fuentes, highlighting Fuentes' white nationalist views and disillusionment with Trump, and the impact of charisma on their ability to gain followers.
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