In the disturbing wake of conservative leader Charlie Kirk's assassination, the United States faces a stark reality check about its political climate. Kirk, a pivotal figure in Republican circles, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk had been a significant voice in the youth conservative movement since he was 18. His untimely death marks yet another instance of the increasing trend of political violence that seems to be gripping the nation.

Politico’s Global Editor-In-Chief, John Harris, discussed the chilling implications of such events in a recent episode of “The Conversation” with host Dasha Burns. Harris highlighted a concerning trend: the lack of national leaders advocating for unity in these troubled times. "We’re at a point where almost every news event very quickly does become politicized, and people view events as … weapons or shields in a nonstop political argument,” Harris observed.

The political arena has indeed seen its share of violence, with incidents like the attempted assassination of then-candidate Donald Trump and the murder of Melissa Hortman, a former Democratic speaker of the Minnesota house, and her husband. These events underscore a harsh departure from previous eras, such as post-1995 Oklahoma City bombing, when national figures rallied around messages of unity and reconciliation.

Burns, who had interviewed Kirk several times, remembered him as a "controversial" and "provocative" figure but acknowledged his openness to dialogue. “I pressed him, he pushed back, but in the end, he was always cordial. Always willing to engage,” she recounted.

The episode with Harris, available on "The Conversation" podcast, delves deeper into Kirk's impact on American politics and the concerning shift away from unity. Harris expressed a sentiment likely shared by many Americans, longing for a return to civility and safety. “I think a lot of people do wish for something better," he said, reflecting on the nation's desire for peace over violence.

As the country grapples with these successive tragedies, the conversations about the political divide and the path to a more united America are more urgent than ever. Harris’s insights remind us that while divisiveness may capture the headlines, the majority of Americans yearn for a return to a less violent, more collaborative political discourse. The full interview offers a poignant look at where America stands today and the challenging, yet essential, road ahead.