‘We debate ideas’: JD Vance honors Charlie Kirk’s commitment to civil discourse at Michigan rally

Vance was scheduled to "deliver remarks on President Trump's tax cuts for working families and businesses.” Though Vance addressed issues such as illegal immigration, he then turned to highlight Kirk’s legacy and his commitment to civil discourse. Vance did so while side panels near the stage read “Remembering Charlie Kirk."

Vance described Kirk as an “exceptionally talented individual” and an “integral” figure in staffing the Trump administration with key officials. He praised Kirk’s commitment to free speech and his willingness to engage civilly with those who had differing opinions.

“You see him at these college events, and he would talk to anybody,” Vance said. “He didn’t care if you were a Democrat, a Republican, a liberal, a conservative, if you supported the Trump administration or not. He felt that the most important American political virtue was to just get out there and talk to our fellow Americans.”

The vice president noted the tragic irony that Kirk was killed while doing exactly that: speaking with college students he disagreed with. He then emphasized the belief that Americans should not engage in violence against their political counterparts.

“We do not attack or commit violence against people because we disagree with their ideas. We debate ideas, and we’re going to keep on debating them in honor of the great Charlie Kirk for as long as I have a microphone,” he said.

Earlier this week, Vance also hosted Kirk’s podcast, where he condemned far-left extremism and linked it to Kirk’s killing. "We have to talk about this incredibly destructive movement of left-wing extremism that has grown up over the last few years, and I believe is part of the reason why Charlie was killed by an assassin's bullet,” Vance said.