Ask A Genius 1539: Trump, Antifa, Fires, and Kimmel

In this conversation, Scott Douglas Jacobsen and Rick Rosner dissect several pressing issues: former President Donald Trump’s request for conservative allies to expose Antifa supporters, the tragic California Palisades fire linked to an arsonist, and the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk. Rosner underscores that Antifa is not an organized group but rather a political stance against autocracy, making Trump’s request absurd. The discussion then shifts to the troubling trend of disturbed young men committing violent acts, before exploring Kimmel’s defence of his comments and the solidarity among late-night hosts like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.

Ask A Genius 1512: Charlie Kirk’s Legacy, Martyrdom, Rhetoric, and the Future of Turning Point USA

Charlie Kirk’s death on September 10, 2025, at a Utah Valley University event, has polarized reactions. Rick Rosner notes that conservatives are framing him as a martyr, while progressives stress his record of homophobic, racist, transphobic, and Islamophobic rhetoric. Kirk’s debate strategy relied on facing unprepared student opponents, allowing him to appear victorious. His organization, Turning Point USA, is expected to gain strength and funding from his martyr status, fueling recruitment among young conservatives. While admired on the right as a skilled advocate, his critics emphasize his manipulative rhetoric and toxic legacy. His memorial will draw national attention.