Charlie Kirk brought his 'You're Being Brainwashed Tour' with special guests Bryce Hall and George Janko outside of the Memorial Union on Thursday, encouraging debates on whether or not college students are being "brainwashed."
The tour is an event created by Turning Point USA, a conservative-leaning organization aimed toward college students and founded by Kirk. The tour solely visits university campuses and recently visited the University of Arizona the day prior on Oct. 16. It plans to stop at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next.
Over 100 attendees crowded around tents near the Memorial Union to watch as Kirk and Hall tossed hats that read "Make America Great Again" and "45-47" to attendees, as well as debate with students on political standpoints.
"Gen Z people don't vote (and) this is the state that will cost someone an election," Hall, a social media influencer, said.
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The crowd, filled with bright red hats and lots of energy, loudly chanted "Charlie" several times as Kirk first appeared and handed out the caps. After introductions and more hype, Kirk debated with several students, both for and against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on topics such as the environment, LGBTQ+ rights and religion.
Kirk, known for his debates, which were recently shown on the YouTube channel Jubilee, often welcomes anyone to talk about their views on politics.
"I think not every time a common ground can be found, but I think it should be worked toward," said Alex Schor, a senior studying business entrepreneurship and marketing. "The solution to every problem isn't always going to be a compromise because there are some things that are objectively right or wrong."
Schor, who identifies with some of the same values as Kirk, said it is important to get the youth involved, encouraging people to vote and spreading a good message in politics, especially through this event.
Several students attended the tour just to see Kirk and the special guests he brought with him.
"Bryce Hall is younger. Bryce Hall is a social media influencer. Influencers tend to be the closest to the consumer audience," Schor said. "He seems more relatable, so that could definitely engage certain people that weren't engaged before."
With less than a month until Election Day, each campaign has been ramping up celebrity endorsements to try and garner momentum from undecided voters. Trump's campaign is no different, especially with the help of Kirk.
"I think the point really is to get people to show up and so they're in the area and are exposed, even if they're only there to see that famous person," said Georgia Hartman, a sophomore studying elementary multilingual education.
Many students at the event appreciate Kirk's involvement in Trump's campaign because of his values and willingness to talk with people he doesn't agree with.
"I love everything that Charlie has to say," said Ryan Bower, a sophomore studying sports business. "I just enjoy learning about politics. I feel like the more you know, the better because you can help others if they are not sure about politics."
Many of the students in the crowd said they believe finding a common ground through debates is possible if it is done in a civil way.
"People who are swayed are usually just swayed by intelligent, respectful fact. That's how I have been swayed in everything," Hartman said. "It's never been yelling and protesting, like that has never changed anybody's mind. And that's why I am a huge fan of this kind of event in general, when it's done civilly."
Edited by George Headley, Abigail Beck and Alexis Heichman.
Reach the reporters at njarret1@asu.edu and sjames51@asu.edu and follow @nataliajarrett and @sennajames_ on X.
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Senna is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication with a minor in Spanish. This is her third semester with The State Press.
Natalia is a sophomore studying journalism and mass communication. This is her third semester with The State Press. She has also worked as a politics reporter.
