Defying the Assassin’s Veto: Grace in a Time of Violence

In this episode of Breaking History, Eli Lake explores the cycles of political violence in America, focusing on the recent murder of Charlie Kirk and drawing parallels to the political violence of the 1970s. The episode recounts various instances of political violence, including the shooting of Republican congressmen in 2017, the Unite the Right rally, the attack on Rand Paul, the riots following George Floyd's death, and assassination attempts on Donald Trump. Lake then delves into the story of George Wallace's shooting in 1972 and Shirley Chisholm's visit to him in the hospital, highlighting the transformative power of empathy and civility. The episode concludes by urging political leaders to see the humanity in their rivals and to promote tolerance and mutual respect, referencing Chisholm's belief that these values are fundamental to the survival of democracy.