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Why was Charlie Kirk so popular among young conservatives in the US?
He was a harbinger and spokesman for a youthful right as progressivism became more institutionally dominant and uptight.
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US right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk before he was shot at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, on Sept 10.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Ross Douthat
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Conservatism on college campuses has traditionally mixed tweedy intellectualism, shock-value provocation and ruthless training for future GOP operatives.
All of these forms – and I say this with familiar affection – have tended to attract nerds and dorks and oddballs, campus outsiders, the inherently uncool.
