Slate Daily Feed What Next - Candace Owens at a Turning Point
Dec 16, 2025
Will Sommer, a senior reporter at The Bulwark, dives into the controversies surrounding Candace Owens and her role in the right-wing landscape. He discusses the rivalry between Owens and Erica Kirk, following Kirk's assassination, and how Owens has leveraged conspiracy theories for personal gain. Sommer highlights Owens' rise from Gamergate to her partnership with Charlie Kirk, her departure from Turning Point, and the potential political ramifications of her rhetoric. The conversation sheds light on the intersection of media, politics, and extremism.
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AmFest Signals The GOP's Youth Direction
- AmFest functions as a trendspotter for where the Republican Party's youth and influencer wings are headed.
- Will Sommer says AmFest is rowdier than CPAC and attracts rising conservative influencers.
Charisma Fueled Owens's Rapid Rise
- Candace Owens rose from Gamergate and anti-bullying claims into prominent right-wing influence.
- Will Sommer highlights her charisma and status as a rare high-profile Black conservative voice that Turning Point promoted.
Kanye's Endorsement Elevated Her
- Kanye West publicly boosted Candace Owens by tweeting he liked her thinking.
- Will Sommer says that endorsement vaulted her from a mid-tier figure into the top tier of conservative influencers.