Forum: Agree or not with Charlie Kirk, he fed need for discourse

Published 1:30 am Saturday, September 13, 2025

By Mason Rutledge / Herald Forum

How can we bridge the gap?

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was trying to bridge a gap. Yes, he was MAGA through and through. Many of his comments made me cringe. But Charlie was reaching out.

At 31, he stood just a few years ahead of his audience: young leaders on today’s college campuses who are struggling. Charlie lent a hand. He believed in his answers, rooted in argument and a strong Christian faith. His movement wasn’t just political; it was cultural and spiritual.

And the need is real:

• Over half of undergraduates say their mental health has worsened during college.

• Suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and substance abuse remain consistently high.

• Over a third have been diagnosed with anxiety, and 75 percent of them do not seek help.

• More than 50 percent feel isolated or lonely; this is in college.

Charlie was honestly trying to help. This was more than a political movement. Charlie’s was a cultural and spiritual movement.

This last summer, I had the experience of trying to bridge the gap. I ran for Everett City Council in District 1. The 38th Legislative District, of which the first district is a part, is very strongly Democratic territory. I’m not a Democrat, nor am I registered or involved with any party. I tried to stand in the void between.

I knocked on 9,000 doors. I had over 1,300 conversations; on porches, sidewalks and over gates. Most were excellent, even when we didn’t align. But I learned quickly: If someone greeted me with “Are you a Trumper?” or “Are you a lib?” there was no conversation to be had. I tried early on, but those voters weren’t interested in listening. So, I moved on.

The worst I faced was a note left on my front door with a curse and a false accusation. That’s what happens when you try to bridge the gap.

Still, I did what I was called to do, and while I didn’t move on, I wouldn’t change a thing.

In Snohomish County today, we need more people willing to stand in the middle. The extremes are loud; full of “Trumpers” and “Libs.” But the middle is where people are getting lost. Just like millions of college students living in a liminal state; uncertain, unseen, unheard.

The middle isn’t secure. It’s not easy. But if we’re going to tackle the challenges facing our communities, our culture and our country, we need a broad coalition of thought and leadership.

So, I ask: Will you step into the discussion; or will you kill the conversation?

Mason Rutledge lives in Everett.