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Charlie Kirk is the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, the largest and fastest growing conservative youth activist organization in the country with over 250,000 student members, over 150 full-time staff, and a presence on over 2,000 high school and college campuses nationwide. Charlie is also the Chairman of Students for Trump, which aims to activate one million new college voters on campuses in battleground states in the lead up to the 2020 presidential election. His social media reaches over 100 million people per month and according to Axios, he is one of the "top 10 most engaged" Twitter handles in the world. He is also the host of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” which regularly ranks among the top news shows on Apple podcast charts.
Charlie Kirk Responds to CNN Profile: The Left Finally Realizes Turning Point USA Built Something Real
Charlie Kirk addresses a recent CNN profile featuring a left-wing activist who acknowledges Turning Point USA's success while attempting to replicate their model. Kirk reflects on the organization's journey from being ignored and mocked to becoming a force the left now seeks to copy. He emphasizes the decade of building, the 500,000 donors, 1,000-person team, and $100 million annual operation that powers Turning Point USA. Kirk credits the organization's success to relentless work, 300 days of travel per year for a decade straight, while noting that many want the platform they've built but aren't willing to put in the grinding work required. The segment, which aired on Jesse Watters' show, captures the moment when even critics acknowledge Turning Point USA's effective organizing and infrastructure.
CNN Profiles Left-Wing Activist Attempting to Replicate Turning Point USA Model
Charlie Kirk responds to a CNN segment that profiled a left-wing activist named Zee Cohen Sanchez, who openly admits that despite disagreeing with Kirk, she recognizes what he and Turning Point USA have built actually works. The profile, which was covered by Jesse Watters, shows the activist stating she's not trying to disrupt Kirk's events but rather replicate his successful model with alternative ideas.
Kirk acknowledges the activist's persistence, noting she follows him around the country with what he calls "her circus acts" at various events. However, he gives her credit for accurately identifying Turning Point USA as builders rather than just commentators. This represents a significant shift in how the left views the organization—moving from dismissal to attempted replication.
The Building of Turning Point USA: More Than Just a Platform
Kirk emphasizes that most people only see two hours of his day through broadcasts but miss the extensive operation behind Turning Point USA. The organization manages a team of 1,000 people, raises $100 million annually, and serves 500,000 donors. This infrastructure didn't happen overnight or through wealthy backing alone.
While Kirk acknowledges and thanks wealthy contributors, he stresses that the organization's strength comes from its broad base of half a million individual donors. This grassroots financial support combined with major donors creates a sustainable model that many organizations struggle to achieve.
The Four Phases: From Ignored to Victorious
Kirk outlines the progression Turning Point USA experienced, referencing a quote often attributed to Sun Tzu: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win." He vividly remembers each phase:
The ignoring phase: "It's nothing. This is Charlie's nothing. Forget him."
The laughter phase: "Oh, it's so funny. Look at Turning Point. What do they think they're doing?"
The fighting phase: Active opposition and attempts to discredit
The victory phase: Recognition and attempted replication by opponents
Kirk notes that many people who once laughed at Turning Point USA are now applying for jobs with the organization. The cycle continues but represents progress through each phase.
Why the Left Struggles to Build Comparable Organizations
Kirk points out that Zee Cohen Sanchez actually understands something fundamental that many on the left miss—they struggle to build lasting institutions. He references her previous attempt to create a counter-organization that "fell apart" due to internal conflicts over microaggressions and what he describes as "oppression Olympics."
The difference, according to Kirk, lies in the willingness to do the unglamorous work of building. Many people want the platform, the reach, and the influence that Turning Point USA has achieved, but they don't want to put in the grueling effort required to build it.
The Reality of Building: 3,000 Days on the Road
Kirk reveals the personal cost of building Turning Point USA: 300 days of travel per year for a decade straight, totaling 3,000 days on the road. This relentless schedule, with little time to relax outside of the Sabbath, represents the commitment level required to build something substantial.
The organization isn't just about the visible public events and broadcasts. Behind the scenes are chapters, high school groups, and countless events that require constant attention and management. This infrastructure doesn't maintain itself—it requires continuous effort and dedication from Kirk and his team.
The DNC's Absence and Leadership Vacuum
In the CNN interview, Zee Cohen Sanchez reveals that the Democratic National Committee is not currently supporting her efforts, despite her direct appeal: "If Ken Martin's watching this, text me back." She expresses disappointment that the DNC hasn't been able to get off the ground since the election, citing internal distractions that have prevented effective ground game development.
This admission highlights a leadership and organizational vacuum on the left that Turning Point USA has effectively filled on the right. While the left deals with internal conflicts and struggles to organize effectively, Turning Point USA continues to expand its reach and influence through consistent, focused building.
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