In the wake of free-speech advocate Charlie Kirk’s death, nearly two-thirds of the nation is rejecting the senseless ideology of the radical left. Kirk lost his life two weeks ago for speaking to conservative values on college campuses across the nation, and the death of the Turning Point USA founder and father of two has shaken the nation and the world.
As devastating as Kirk’s murder was, an outpouring of support for his message of bravery, free speech, and traditional values has erupted over the past two weeks. Conservative identity and unity are on the rise, and young people are showing increased interest in joining and starting chapters of the conservative youth organization Kirk founded.
On Sunday, nearly 100,000 Americans gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., to honor Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy of furthering independent thought and conservative values among young people. A broad coalition of conservative leaders paid tribute to Kirk including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, his wife Erika Kirk, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
As Americans mourn Kirk’s death, the nation itself appears to be at turning point, with conservative and moderate ideologies far outpacing the violent political ideology of the left. A new The Economist/YouGov survey released Sep. 15 reveals that Americans currently identify as conservative at the highest rate of any political ideology, and Americans are understandably more concerned with political violence from the far left.
The survey of 1,567 U.S. citizens finds that the largest share of Americans — 33 percent — self identity as conservative, with 12 percent saying they are very conservative and 21 percent saying they are merely conservative. The next largest grouping self-identifies as moderate, with 29 percent of Americans saying they are moderate. The smallest share of Americans — 28 percent — say they are liberal, and just 12 percent say they are very liberal according to the survey. Put another way, nearly two-thirds — 62 percent — of Americans reject liberal ideology, despite liberal ideology permeating nearly every aspect of culture, academia, government and media for the past several decades.
Americans are also well aware of the violent track record of the left. The largest share of voters — 33 percent — say the most political violence is committed by the left, while 29 percent say the most political violence is committed by the right, and 24 percent say both contribute equally. Moderates and independents agree that the left is responsible for more political violence, with moderates saying so by three points, 25 percent to 22 percent, and independents saying so by one point, 26 percent to 25 percent.
America is truly at a turning point, and these shifts are taking place among young voters, substantially shifting the trajectory of the nation. Turning Point USA reported that they had received over 62,000 requests from high school and college students to start a chapter or get involved with an existing chapter in an post on X last week.
Earlier this year, the 50th edition of the Harvard Youth Poll of voters 18-29 found substantial support for conservative policies among America’s young people — despite a mainstream assumption that young voters are solid leftists.
There has been a 19-point drop in favorability for Congressional Democrats among young people since President Trump’s first term, going from 42 percent in 2017 to 23 percent in 2025.
The survey found approval for Congressional Republicans among Americans under age 30 is now six points higher (29 percent) than approval for Democrats (23 percent). Young women still approve of Democrats at a higher rate than young men, but less than a third of young women (27 percent) and less than a fifth of young men (19 percent) approving of Congressional Democrats.
While many young people are undecided on policy issues, more young people side with conservatives on taxes, immigration, foreign aid, and culture, according to the survey.
Young people say by 32 points — 40 percent to nine percent — the U.S. spends too much on foreign aid to other nations. Young people say by 26 points — 47 percent to 21 percent — that people today put too much focus on racial identity as well.
On immigration, young people align substantially more with conservatives, saying by 20 points — 42 percent to 22 percent — that the U.S. is experiencing an immigration crisis on the southern border. This number includes 26 percent of Democrats, 40 percent of independents and 64 percent of Republicans. Young people say by nine points — 36 percent to 27 percent — that recent immigration into the country has done more harm than good.
On economic issues, young people say by sixteen points — 36 percent to 20 percent — that cutting taxes is an effective way to increase economic growth.
The next generation is shifting toward more sustainable, America First values, and the left is worried about losing control. Charlie Kirk’s legacy of bringing traditional values into the public forum, encouraging young people to become involved in public debate, and encouraging freedom of thought are growing stronger. While the nation mourns the loss of an innocent life and seeks justice, Charlie Kirk’s voice has been amplified.
Manzanita Miller is the senior political analyst at Americans for Limited Government Foundation.
