The Death of Charlie Kirk and the State of Our Nation

On this September 11th, Michael Smerconish reflects on both the tragic anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. With raw honesty, Michael asks whether this latest act of political violence could possibly mark a turning point toward lowering the temperature of America’s toxic national debate — and why, sadly, he doubts it. That is today's poll question at Smerconish.com. He shares his restrained first reactions, the vitriol that followed his online comments (very, very angry social media reaction to him), and the deeper issues he believes are fueling a “sick” and polarized nation. From the dangers of jumping to conclusions to the role of isolation, technology, and fractured communities, Michael ties the moment to the themes he’s been raising for years: the urgent need for engagement, empathy, and connection. Balancing remembrance of September 11, 2001 with analysis of September 11, 2025 — listen to this conversation conversation about grief, anger, division, and whether there’s still a path back to unity.