'Unfit for Office': Ohio Dem Faces Backlash Over Kirk Death Comments

Paul Riverbank, 9/17/2025 In a troubling confluence of events, Ohio Democratic AG candidate Elliot Forhan's inflammatory posts following Charlie Kirk's assassination highlight our deteriorating political discourse. Meanwhile, FBI Director Patel's testimony on Capitol Hill brings crucial updates on high-profile investigations, underscoring growing concerns about political violence and public safety.

The Dangerous Dance of Politics and Violence: A Week of Troubling Developments

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has unleashed a storm of controversy that cuts to the heart of our increasingly fractured political discourse. I've spent decades covering political violence, but rarely have I seen such a stark illustration of how tragedy can expose the raw nerves of our democracy.

Let me paint you a picture of what's unfolding in Ohio. Democratic attorney general candidate Elliot Forhan – who should know better – chose to post "F*** Charlie Kirk" on Facebook days after Kirk's death at a Utah speaking event. He didn't stop there. Forhan shared articles labeling the deceased activist "a champion of tyranny."

I've watched plenty of political careers implode, but this one's particularly instructive. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost didn't mince words, calling Forhan "a petulant and undisciplined child." Strong language, yes, but perhaps warranted given the circumstances.

Meanwhile, in Washington (and this is where things get interesting), FBI Director Kash Patel's testimony before Senate Democrats produced some fascinating moments. When Senator Durbin pressed him about an unsigned July 7 memo on the Epstein investigation, Patel shot back with what I'd call a masterclass in political theater: "Would you prefer I've used Autopen?"

But here's what really caught my attention – Patel's definitive statement about the Epstein investigation. After years of speculation and conspiracy theories, he stated flatly that the FBI found no evidence of Epstein trafficking women or girls to others. That's going to raise eyebrows across the political spectrum.

The White House isn't sitting idle. They're pushing Congress for additional security funding for both executive and judicial branches. Having covered political violence since the '90s, I can tell you this isn't just bureaucratic overcaution – it's a response to real and growing threats.

Republican National Committee surrogate Mehek Cooke summed up the stakes rather well: Ohio's top law enforcement officer must be "a guardian and defender of justice, not a cheerleader for violence." It's hard to argue with that logic.

What troubles me most, as someone who's watched American politics evolve over decades, is how these events reflect a broader degradation of political discourse. When I started in this business, political opponents might question each other's judgment – now they question each other's right to exist.

We're witnessing something profound here: the intersection of political violence, institutional response, and the breakdown of civil discourse. It's a combination that should worry anyone who cares about the future of American democracy.

The Dangerous Dance of Politics and Violence: A Week of Troubling DevelopmentsThe assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has unleashed a storm of controversy that cuts to the heart of our increasingly fractured political discourse. I've spent decades covering political violence, but rarely have I seen such a stark illustration of how tragedy can expose the raw nerves of our democracy.Let me paint you a picture of what's unfolding in Ohio. Democratic attorney general candidate Elliot Forhan – who should know better – chose to post "F*** Charlie Kirk" on Facebook days after Kirk's death at a Utah speaking event. He didn't stop there. Forhan shared articles labeling the deceased activist "a champion of tyranny."I've watched plenty of political careers implode, but this one's particularly instructive. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost didn't mince words, calling Forhan "a petulant and undisciplined child." Strong language, yes, but perhaps warranted given the circumstances.Meanwhile, in Washington (and this is where things get interesting), FBI Director Kash Patel's testimony before Senate Democrats produced some fascinating moments. When Senator Durbin pressed him about an unsigned July 7 memo on the Epstein investigation, Patel shot back with what I'd call a masterclass in political theater: "Would you prefer I've used Autopen?"But here's what really caught my attention – Patel's definitive statement about the Epstein investigation. After years of speculation and conspiracy theories, he stated flatly that the FBI found no evidence of Epstein trafficking women or girls to others. That's going to raise eyebrows across the political spectrum.The White House isn't sitting idle. They're pushing Congress for additional security funding for both executive and judicial branches. Having covered political violence since the '90s, I can tell you this isn't just bureaucratic overcaution – it's a response to real and growing threats.Republican National Committee surrogate Mehek Cooke summed up the stakes rather well: Ohio's top law enforcement officer must be "a guardian and defender of justice, not a cheerleader for violence." It's hard to argue with that logic.What troubles me most, as someone who's watched American politics evolve over decades, is how these events reflect a broader degradation of political discourse. When I started in this business, political opponents might question each other's judgment – now they question each other's right to exist.We're witnessing something profound here: the intersection of political violence, institutional response, and the breakdown of civil discourse. It's a combination that should worry anyone who cares about the future of American democracy.