Right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk's certainty helped him gain a massive audience among young people looking for answers in an uncertain world. Scholars who study conservatism say his ability to organize and directly connect with people was key to his appeal.

The 31-year-old, who was shot to death during an appearance at a Utah university Wednesday, straddled the traditional world of conservative politics and a new, expanding digital landscape of pundits and podcasters going viral with short, pithy clips. Kirk used his talent for public speaking to promote some of the far-right's more extreme ideas, and found broad appeal among American youth.

"He's not just a media guy. He's not just a podcaster or a TikToker or a viral social media person, but he's a genuine organizer," said Nicole He

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