Former Rep. Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, has issued a warning about the potential risks to America’s democracy if former President Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election. In a recent interview, Kinzinger explained that the secret to Trump’s staying power is fear, which he utilizes to great effect. He expressed concern that a second Trump administration would be filled with sycophants who would further erode the democratic guardrails and allow Trump to trample over the foundations of democracy.
Kinzinger, who now supports President Joe Biden, stated that while democracy in the United States could survive another four years under a Democratic president, it might not withstand another term with Trump at the helm. He highlighted the importance of defending democracy against the threats posed by extremists who propagate conspiracy theories, deny the validity of the election, and promote Trump’s dangerous rhetoric.
Reflecting on the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Kinzinger revealed that it was a crucial moment for him personally. As he sat in his office, armed and praying he wouldn’t have to use his gun, he realized that the party he had once been loyal to had transformed into what he described as a fascist cult of personality led by Trump.
Both Kinzinger and former Rep. Liz Cheney were Republicans who served on the January 6th committee investigating the events surrounding the insurrection. However, both have since left office, with Cheney losing to a Trump loyalist in the Wyoming primary, and Kinzinger opting not to seek reelection after being thrown into a district with another Republican representative.
Since leaving Congress, Kinzinger has moved to Texas with his wife and baby son, and he now works as a senior political commentator for CNN. He recently retired as a lieutenant colonel after a 20-year career as a pilot in the Air National Guard.
Kinzinger expressed disappointment with many Republican leaders who continue to deny the results of the election and support Trump’s false claims. He emphasized that the Republican Party exists in a dystopian world where lies and falsehoods are perpetuated, making it difficult for Republicans to believe anything else.
In response to the potential threat of Trump winning the 2024 election, Kinzinger mentioned the centrist political group No Labels, which is considering running a presidential candidate to divert votes from Trump and prevent his election. While acknowledging that not everyone may agree with everything President Biden does, Kinzinger believes that it is crucial to prevent another Trump victory due to the dire consequences it could have for democracy.
In his recently published memoir, Renegade – Defending Democracy and Liberty in our Divided Country, Kinzinger reflects on his time in Congress and the challenges he faced as he stood up against the threats posed by extremism and the erosion of democratic values. He highlights the importance of an alliance between normal Republicans and Democrats in order to protect and preserve democracy, stressing that the guardrails already took a significant hit during Trump’s first term and cannot withstand another blow.
Kinzinger singles out Rep. Darin LaHood from Illinois for moving to the far-right and abandoning his moderate positions to align himself with Trump. He criticizes LaHood for tying himself to an unethical and non-transparent president.
Ultimately, Kinzinger’s warning serves as a reminder to Americans of the potential risks that lie ahead if Trump were to secure victory in the 2024 election. He emphasizes the need for unity and the defense of democracy to prevent any further damage to the country’s democratic institutions.
