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The connection between Bruce Rauner and “own the libs” Charlie Kirk pops up again

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Charlie Kirk is the 24-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit whose 130,000 members claim to be “culture warriors” in the fight “to save Western civilization” from liberals, writes Adam Rubenstein for The Weekly Standard.

Why it matters: With more than 650,000 Twitter followers and the sworn fealty of some of Washington’s most prominent conservatives, Kirk is a provocative firebrand whose proclaimed goal of “owning the libs” all-too-perfectly captures the present state of Donald Trump’s base. Kirk’s messaging and networking in conservative circles has been so effective, in fact, that he claims TPUSA will have raised $15 million by the end of 2018.

The backdrop: Kirk founded TPUSA in 2012, opting not to attend Baylor University and instead use his “rhetorical gifts” to launch a conservative, youth-focused organization with the financial backing of investor Foster Friess and Bruce Rauner, now the Republican governor of Illinois. […]

The big picture: Critics have called Kirk a provocateur — pointing to misleading and outright false tweets that drum up outrage like, “83%, 10 out of 12, of all rapes in Denmark are committed by migrants or their descendants.” But the reality is that Kirk’s influence in Trumpworld is unbridled, and as the 24-year-old leader of a growing movement of right-wing, “own the libs”-driven populism, he won’t be disappearing anytime soon.

Rauner gave Kirk’s group $100,000 in 2014 and then another $50K in 2015.

* From the Weekly Standard article…

“Owning the libs” is one of the constants of the summit. This form of political schadenfreude is a big part of the TPUSA playbook. The term originated in campus pranks designed to upset, i.e., “trigger,” liberals. “Trigger the libs” quickly morphed into “owning” them. At the University of New Mexico, a TPUSA group in 2017 held an “affirmative action bake sale” where it charged Asians more than whites and whites more than blacks. The bake sale is suggested in the eighth section of TPUSA’s “chapter handbook.” Other ideas include creating your own “safe space” or constructing a “unionized hot dog stand” to show the excesses of liberalism. At Kent State the same year, members of the TPUSA chapter wore diapers in a simulated safe space. It’s the triumph of the put-down as political principle.

“Owning the libs is easy,” Bak says. “It’s fun. It’s my favorite pastime.” He came to the conference to be among like-minded people. He’s heading to Temple University in the fall to study medicine. He doesn’t yet know if there’s a TPUSA chapter on Temple’s campus, but “if they don’t have one, I will definitely start one. I’ll be happy to.” Bak thinks Trump has fared pretty well in his first two years: “I mean, the numbers speak for themselves. The economy, the way it is, a lot of people who are negative towards him in his presidency don’t really know how good of a job he’s actually doing compared to past presidents.” His favorite book is Nineteen Eighty-Four, which he sees as relevant today, “with everyone misrepresenting facts.”

Charlie Kirk himself made a similar journey. Initially he supported Scott Walker for president and then turned to Cruz. The decision that many Republicans faced during the general election—to brace for Trump or to embrace him—Kirk took with unqualified enthusiasm. TPUSA identifies itself as conservative but nonpartisan and holds the self-proclaimed remit to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.” It is a mission that suggests some dissent from the Trump agenda. But Kirk tells me that it is not his job to criticize those with whom he agrees “on the big things.” Maybe that’s the price of politics today—one can’t call balls and strikes anymore without attracting the enmity of fellow conservatives. Intra-party debate on the right is “sinking one’s own ship” or “siding with Hillary.” Kirk happily rationalizes every aspect of the Trump administration and its policies. Protective tariffs? Trade wasn’t free to begin with, and Trump is making it more free: “Fair and free,” Kirk insists. He does add the caveat, though, that he usually wouldn’t support tariffs.

* Bernie Schoenburg has written about the Rauner connection to Kirk several times. From June of last year…

The Rauner Family Foundation, which provides charitable contributions from Rauner and his wife, DIANA, gave Turning Point USA $100,000 in 2014 and $50,000 in 2015. Rauner was keynote speaker at a Turning Point event, a 2014 group newsletter said. Rauner called Kirk “one of the greatest patriots and one of the greatest advocates for limited government and great conservative principles in the entire United States. … I think the world of this young man. He’s a superstar. I personally will do everything I can to help him expand his reach … because his vision of America is the right vision for America.”

Audio of part of that speech is here. “The American dream will be brought back with Charlie Kirk leading the message, leading the charge for all of us,” Rauner said.

* From Bernie’s latest…

The group that hosted a high school leadership summit that featured Attorney General Jeff Sessions laughing and repeating “lock her up” chants from students has ties to Illinois and has been supported by Gov. Bruce Rauner. […]

The “lock her up” chant at the event Tuesday in Washington, D.C., refers to Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate who lost to Republican President Donald Trump in 2016. It was a staple of Trump campaign rallies as the FBI investigated Clinton’s use of a private email server. She was never charged with a crime. […]

Turning Point USA seeks to mobilize students who believe in free markets and limited government. Kirk has tweeted statements including “There is no such thing as ‘government money’ … It is OUR money the government TOOK FROM US! #TaxationIsTheft” and “The #1 reason poor kids stay poor is failing schools run by the corrupt teacher unions. They only care about their power. Time for change!” […]

Rauner’s campaign had no comment when asked about Sessions on Wednesday.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 9:47 am

Comments

TPUSA…what an acronym.

Comment by Stark Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 9:51 am
Methinks Charlie Kirk is hurt more by the Rauner connection than Rauner is by the TPUSA connection.

Comment by Ian Howell Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 9:54 am
“There is no such thing as ‘government money’ … It is OUR money the government TOOK FROM US! #TaxationIsTheft”

Says the kid who hasn’t had a real adult job and makes his living grifting for the 1%. LOL.

Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 9:56 am
–“The American dream will be brought back with Charlie Kirk leading the message, leading the charge for all of us,” Rauner said.–

Yes, insufferably childish and chronically deceitful grifters are the vanguard on the path to the promised land.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 9:56 am
What is wrong with this kid?

Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 9:57 am
“His favorite book is Nineteen Eighty-Four, which he sees as relevant today, “with everyone misrepresenting facts.”

Yea, pretty sure Orwell didn’t mean what this Trump cultist thinks he meant. And he’s a future doctor? Oy.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 9:58 am
Rauner giving them $150,000 is a “charitable” contribution??

Comment by siualum Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 9:59 am
Own the Libs, right.

Further firing up the democrats and independents to turn out and vote is a sure fire winning strategy for TPUSA and Rauner.

Comment by don the legend Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:04 am
Not one of Bruce’s better investments

Comment by David Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:04 am
Rauner donates to this group and uses i360 from the Koch network… wonder what Kirk thinks of that, or of the dollars offset any thinkin’…. Kirk just want to “own the money (power)”.

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/02/rnc-warns-donors-kochs-760233

https://tinyurl.com/ycndhsqs

Comment by Anon221 Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:06 am
When I was 24, I thought I knew everything, too. Happily, no one gave me $15M to spout off my stupid ideas. In some ways, I feel sorry for this kid. Alternative fact: grifters gonna grift.

Comment by Jibba Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:06 am
===Rauner’s campaign had no comment when asked about Sessions on Wednesday.===

Who? Sorry, never heard of him.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:06 am
Oh the irony of a conservative taking other people’s money to rail against liberals taking other people’s money.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:09 am
Hurrah for Charlie Kirk and the counterbalance he is bringing to left wing campuses!

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:10 am
==Rauner called Kirk “one of the greatest patriots and one of the greatest advocates for limited government and great conservative principles in the entire United States==

Even greater than Mike Pence?

==… I think the world of this young man. He’s a superstar.==

Careful Capt. Kirk, most of Rauner’s superstars end up supernovas.

Comment by Henry Francis Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:11 am
===Hurrah for Charlie Kirk and the counterbalance he is bringing to left wing campuses!===

The “affirmative action bake sale” has been happening on campuses across the country since Kirk was in diapers. He brings no balance, just insults of the chronically aggrieved white conservative.

The Weekly Standard said it best, “It’s the triumph of the put-down as political principle.”

When you have no principles, resort to insults. Kirk would be shocked to learn that he is following Saul Alinsky’s playbook to a tee.

What I find so bothersome about this guy is the lack of originality, but he’s so ignorant he doesn’t realize he is copying so many others who’ve gone before him.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:19 am
You mean there is another ideology in this country other than rampant liberalism? How. Dare. They.

You mean there is another ideology on our college campuses other than rampant liberalism? How. Dare. They.

I’ve heard Kirk speak several times in different venues. He is a disciple of the late Milton Friedman, a Nobel Prize winning economist from the University of Chicago.

Milton Friedman. How Dare He.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:22 am
I think its really funny that Charlie Kirk never mentions that he was a campaign intern working to elect Mark Kirk in 2010 before he launched his Turning Point organization. Talk about coming full circle.

Comment by Northside City Dweller Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:26 am
What Louis Atsaves said.

Comment by Saluki Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:29 am
Okay, Louis, I’ll play.
If this is simply an organization that touts free markets and conservatism, why is Rauner so sheepish about his support?
And don’t hand me some garbage about how is has to be careful running for office in a blue state.
He’s already won once.

Comment by efudd Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:30 am
Own the libs? Cost of ownership is too high.

Comment by City Zen Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:30 am
==Maybe that’s the price of politics today—one can’t call balls and strikes anymore without attracting the enmity of fellow conservatives. Intra-party debate on the right is “sinking one’s own ship” or “siding with Hillary.”==

I think guys like Kirk are doing a fantastic job for the dem party. This type of belief and behavior once again proves that moderate republicans have no place in the trump party, and they’ll be shouted down and ridiculed when they dare speak up. By all means, Kirk and those like him should definitely continue to drive the large voting bloc of moderates into the “independent” category. The dem party appreciates your assistance with helping to provide their candidates with future votes from former republicans.

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:32 am
This is such a nothing. Charlie Kirk is a decent young guy doing good work. He’s not some nut.

Heaven forbid any “journalist” in this state would call out some of the truly kooky and nasty rhetoric from the Left that’s basically become the mainstream Democratic Party narrative these days.

Comment by get real Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:33 am
LOL, wow Louis, in just a few sentences, you magically transform Kirk into Milton Friedman.

That is a positively Otter-like logical progression. Were you pre-med or pre-law at Faber?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLHFdduVDVg

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:34 am
Ah, Louis. You were on an unheard-of roll. I’d agreed with two of your postings earlier this week. Glad you brought me back to my senses.

Kirk never attended college, if I read the article correctly, so “disciple” might be a strong word. Nodding acquaintance is perhaps the phrase you were looking for? Unless I am being ungenerous by underestimating the discipline of a young person to read dry economics texts in their spare time, of which he seems to have none between bake sales.

And the criticisms listed above seem to stem from the juvenile stunts and lack of goals. “Owning” someone may make you feel good, but it only divides us. And it never changes anyone’s mind, making being a provocateur mostly about oneself.

Comment by Jibba Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:35 am
Atsaves,

I go to the University of Chicago. Our economics faculty talks incessantly about Milton Friedman. Don’t hear as much about Friedman “owning the libs” on Twitter.

Charlie Kirk is no Milton Friedman.

Comment by AuH20 Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:37 am
===some of the truly kooky and nasty rhetoric from the Left that’s basically become the mainstream Democratic Party narrative these days.===

Such as what, exactly? Feel free to offer some examples if you can. Otherwise, I’ll assume it’s only the voices in your head.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:38 am
==With more than 650,000 Twitter followers==

For around $1000, Charlie Kirk can buy himself another 350K, rounding up to a cool million. This is what passes for accomplishment in today’s society?

Comment by Jocko Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:40 am
–He is a disciple of the late Milton Friedman, a Nobel Prize winning economist from the University of Chicago.–

Oh, that Milton Friedman.

I think it’s adorable that you thought you needed to explain who Milton Friedman was.

You’re the belly laugh of the day. Thank you.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:46 am
Since Louis A. threw in a personal impression of Charlie Kirk, here’s another:

Recently met the guy taping at a rally. He was rapid-firing random grandiose claims at a person, aiming to get a foolish response he could tape and broadcast as typical of “libs.” He was masterful at creating confused responses.

Asked him what he was doing.
“I’m a Freedom of the Press journalist.” he said.
“Aren’t all journalists for freedom of the press?” I asked.
“No. Just a few like me.”

Narrow-mindedness goes both ways, Louis, my friend.

Comment by walker Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:56 am
I hope “Charlie” understands that overturning “Roe” is a Big Government, Liberal, Nanny State decision…by his own definition of “Liberal”.

What will stop the Government from Regulating other facets of its citizens personal lives?

Comment by Mike Cirrincione Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 10:58 am
Friedman was famous for cancelling classes during the sixth week of the term, with the syllabus telling students to instead go sit out on the quad in a diaper to own the libs. This wasn’t so pleasant in the winter quarter, but hey, the University of Chicago is a tough school.

Comment by LXB Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 11:02 am
Louis - you understand Friedman didn’t believe in government food safety inspections (he must have thought The Jungle was false) and his ideological cousins in the Austrian School of Economics say government flood control is “socialism” - suppose Charlie wants to rip up flood control levees and let the Free Market handle it?

Comment by Smitty Irving Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 11:06 am
Not sure who “own the liberals” targets. There really aren’t many liberals involved in politics. With the exception of very few issues, the Democratic party is not liberal. From a public policy perspective, Dems are closer to Richard Nixon than the GOP is. Evidence shows that Dems are anti-whistle blower, anti-progressive, pro-malfeasance and nationally pro-war, pro domestic spying, and pro-Wall Street like the GOP of the past.

The GOP of today is unhinged kleptocracy/theocracy and nihilist while almost totally reliant on dishonesty and hypocrisy as platform legs.

Comment by Duopoly Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 11:06 am
@Duopoly

You’ve got the complaining portion down, now what’s your plan of action to change something?

Comment by Shelby Thomas Weems Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 11:08 am
Shelby Thomas Weems, perhaps Duopoly was having a turn at “owning”

As you demonstrate, “owning” isn’t constructive much

Comment by Alternative Logic Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 11:20 am
===”If this is simply an organization that touts free markets and conservatism, why is Rauner so sheepish about his support?”===

I don’t know. Ask him. I’m not a Charlie Kirk disciple, but I admire the efforts he is making to crack open the close minded liberal campuses of this country. Even ultra liberal Bill Maher, the HBO comic/political pundit, was complaining about speaking on college campuses and how they routinely silence free speech. Maybe everyone needs to go to Kirk’s website and check him out some more.

Espousing Milton Friedman?

I was not aware that one needed to attend college in order to become a disciple of Milton Friedman. I learn something every day.

I was also not aware that everyone needs to agree with each other and walk lockstep in complete unity when it comes to politics in this country. If Kirk disagrees, and he does, within some stated limitations of the First Amendment, he is free to espouse his beliefs. I don’t hear him shouting fire in a crowded theater or spouting off racist types of beliefs. I do see him making fun of liberals. How. Dare. He.

To quote a line in a movie I saw last night (The Accountant), “The University of Chicago, where fun goes to die.” We can still tell jokes around here, right?

And all this comes from me, who has been called a RINO, a Raunerite, i.e. a conservative who these days isn’t conservative enough to be a part of the Republican Party, and who is too conservative to be a Democrat.

That leaves me with the Union created and bought Conservative Party of Illinois? Ick.

I’ll take Charlie Kirk ahead of all that.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 11:27 am
Weems and Alternative, I did provide you the “plan of action” Weems was asking for but I usually get blocked or limited to a few posts. I’m at a different ‘puter so in case this makes it, a couple questions: Did you ever figure out who the “liberals” are yet? Do you think your two-party system is so successful that you accept it as-is?

Over & Out.

Comment by Blocked Again, Naturally Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 11:43 am
==He is a disciple of the late Milton Friedman, a Nobel Prize winning economist from the University of Chicago==
I wonder if Charlie Kirk believes in Universal Basic Income, like Freidman.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 11:59 am
===but I admire the efforts he is making to crack open the close minded liberal campuses of this country.===

Kirk is neither admirable nor original. He’s a poor man’s Milo Yiannopolous. He’s copying Ben Shapiro, but he isn’t as good.

Yawn. Another warrior for FIRE. Never have so few been so angry over so little for so long.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 12:00 pm
===close minded liberal campuses…“The University of Chicago, where fun goes to die.”===

As a UofC alum, last I checked the University was pretty clear on its campus climate:

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/08/25/u-chicago-warns-incoming-students-not-expect-safe-spaces-or-trigger-warnings

Comment by njt16 Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 12:06 pm
Actually I like the idea of a unionized hot dog stand. I hope one opens near me.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 12:07 pm
The lack of safe spaces comment was a result of extreme pushback from the left when other opinions are presented.

Sad that learned people cannot either disagree with an opposing opinion or make a cogent argument against it.

I have contacts there and they tell me that dissent is stifled there.

Comment by Plutocrat03 Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 12:13 pm
==The “affirmative action bake sale” has been happening on campuses across the country since Kirk was in diapers.==

So, since 2017, then.

https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/tpusa-diaper-protest-kent-state/

Comment by Roadrager Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 12:19 pm
Toilets, TPUSA and the dude in diapers. This campaign is a real… *something*show.

Aaaand, have a good weekend.

Comment by lakeside Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 12:21 pm
Well played Roadrager. Except I can’t unsee that image.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 12:21 pm
I think it would be a good idea if Charlie Kirk wears diapers everyday from now on. That will really own the libs.

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 12:35 pm
Fun discussion thread here today!

I think the Dems are foolish to dismiss this kid or this type of approach. Young people are probably drawn to his methods and may not really think much about the message.

Comment by siriusly Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 1:03 pm
A member from the party of Lincoln wants to own people

Comment by Rabid Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 1:03 pm
===Young people are probably drawn to his methods===

Wearing diapers? Maybe very, very young people, but after about the age of 3, it’s just creepy.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 1:15 pm
Poor James Buchanan never gets his due.

Comment by Honeybear Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 1:24 pm
As someone who leans left, I am happy for Kirk to do his thing (our campus has a few mini-Kirks as well) because it alienates plenty of natural allies and makes the whole movement look bad.

TPUSA uses catchphrases like “Socialism sucks.” I kid you not. A persuasive case if I ever heard one.

It’s a perfect example of someone being as loud/outrageous as possible, not in order to persuade anyone who’s on the fence, but in order to attract attention (and $$$) from people who are already convinced.

Comment by AuH20 Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 1:38 pm
Ironic that this comes out on the same day as this article, in which (based on the data) the oppression of right-wing voices on college campuses is exposed as a fantasy:

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/8/3/17644180/political-correctness-free-speech-liberal-data-georgetown

Comment by knownothing Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 1:50 pm
Q; Since Governor Rauner supports Mr. Kirk’s organization, does that mean Rauner supports grown men wearing diapers?

A: Depends.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 1:59 pm
TPUSA is a radically different organization today than it was in 2014 or 15.

Comment by LC Illini Friday, Aug 3, 18 @ 4:27 pm
I know I’m wayyy too late to this conversation, but if you think Charlie Kirk, who supports tariffs and apes Trump’s rhetoric about Amazon, and supports the president picking winners and losers in our energy sector, is the ideological heir to Milton Friedman, you ought to reread “Free to Choose.”

Comment by TKMH Monday, Aug 6, 18 @ 10:28 am