Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, a leading voice inside the GOP’s anti-Trump cohort, discusses his political sacrifice, the 'Trump Resistance' text chain, and Republicans' reluctance to speak out against Trump as a threat to democracy.
Adam Kinzinger's decision to vote for Trump only if his opponent were Satan highlights the intense opposition to Trump within the Republican Party.
The Republican Party struggles to counter Trump's influence, with many members hesitant to speak out against him for fear of backlash or losing their political identity.
Adam Kinzinger emphasizes the need for an uneasy alliance between Democrats, Republicans, and independents to counter the threat of Trump's continued influence and protect democracy.
Deep dives
Diane Feinstein's Legacy as a Leader
Diane Feinstein, the former Republican Congressman, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of leadership. She served 30 years in the Senate and was known as a legendary politician in San Francisco and California. Feinstein showed great leadership skills when she stepped in to lead the city after the tragic assassination of Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone. Despite the controversies surrounding her health issues in later years, Feinstein was highly regarded for her pioneering work and fearlessness in being true to herself. She will be remembered for her contributions, including her involvement in the creation of the Amber Alert system and her efforts to expose CIA torture practices.
Adam Kinzinger's Role as a Renegade
Adam Kinzinger, former Republican Congressman and a member of the January 6 committee, is seen as a renegade within his party. He crossed the aisle and voted to impeach Donald Trump for inciting the insurrection. Alongside Liz Cheney, Kinzinger paid a high price for taking a stand against Trump, facing censure from their party and receiving death threats. Kinzinger's role as a renegade stems from his willingness to challenge party lines and speak out against Trump's actions. His expertise in monitoring right-wing media and recognizing emerging conspiracy theories proved valuable to the January 6 committee. While some may question his political future, Kinzinger remains committed to defending democracy and liberty.
The Challenges Facing the Republican Party
The Republican Party faces challenges as it grapples with the influence of Donald Trump. The possibility of Trump running for president again in 2024 raises concerns for some Republicans, including Adam Kinzinger. He believes that if Trump were to win the nomination, it would be difficult for any Republican to defeat him in the general election. Kinzinger also highlights the struggle within the party to counter Trump's influence, as many Republicans are hesitant to speak out against him due to fear of losing their political identity or facing backlash. The need for an uneasy alliance between Democrats, Republicans, and independents who value democracy is emphasized to counter the threat of Trump's continued influence.
The Importance of Speaking Out Against Trump
Adam Kinzinger emphasizes the significance of standing up against Donald Trump and his damaging impact on the country. He believes that history will judge Trump as a stain on the nation and expresses his hope that Trump will one day realize the harm he has caused.
The Challenges Faced by Moderate Republicans
Kinzinger discusses the difficulties faced by moderate Republicans, including being marginalized within the party and the limited political future for those who do not align with the far-right MAGA movement. He expresses concerns about the current state of the GOP and the need for principled leaders who prioritize democracy and meaningful policy reform.
After Kara and Nayeema discuss Dianne Feinstein’s death and her legacy as a leader, we turn to Kara's interview with Adam Kinzinger. The former Republican congressman has said he would only vote for Trump in one scenario: if his opponent were Satan.
Once a rising star in the Tea Party, Kinzinger is now a leading voice inside the GOP’s anti-Trump cohort. He was one of only ten House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after January 6, 2021 — and, like many of his peers, he paid a high price: his seat in Congress.
We discuss whether his political sacrifice was worth it, what happens in the “Trump Resistance” text chain and why so many Republicans won’t come out against Trump — even when they see him as a threat to democracy.
This conversation was taped live at the Texas Tribune Festival on September 22, 2023.
Questions or comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on social media. We’re on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher and @nayeemaraza