Former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, once hailed as “The Last Republican,” now campaigns for VP Kamala Harris in a stunning political turnaround.
At a Glance
- A new documentary, “The Last Republican,” chronicles Kinzinger’s final term in Congress
- Kinzinger joined the January 6th investigation committee, effectively ending his GOP career
- He now endorses VP Kamala Harris for president, citing an “awkward alliance” with Democrats
- The film is heading for an Oscar-qualifying run after premiering at TIFF
From GOP Darling to Democratic Ally: Kinzinger’s Astonishing Journey
In a plot twist that would make Hollywood screenwriters blush, former Republican golden boy Adam Kinzinger has gone from GOP rising star to campaigning for a Democratic vice president. It’s a political 180 that would give most people whiplash, but for Kinzinger, it’s just another day in the utterly bizarre world of post-Trump politics.
The documentary “The Last Republican,” directed by Steve Pink, captures this mind-bending journey. It’s a cinematic chronicle of Kinzinger’s final term in Congress, where he made the career-ending decision to join the January 6th investigation committee. Because nothing says “I’m done with politics” quite like actually standing up for your principles in Washington.
Looking forward to the world premiere of THE LAST REPUBLICAN at @TIFF_NET. Check out a clip from the documentary which follows my last year in Congress. #TIFF24 pic.twitter.com/ktxZRGMOEc
— Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@AdamKinzinger) September 5, 2024
Kinzinger’s Last Stand: Principles Over Party
Kinzinger’s decision to join the January 6th committee wasn’t just political suicide – it was a kamikaze mission into the heart of the GOP’s Trump-loving base. The Republican National Committee, in a display of party unity that would make Stalin proud, censured both Kinzinger and Rep. Liz Cheney for daring to investigate an attack on the U.S. Capitol. Because nothing says “law and order” like punishing those who want to uphold it.
“It’s one thing to vote against the president and vote for impeachment or vote for the creation of the committee, but by getting on the committee, I knew I’m not just making a decision to be on the committee — I am making the decision to end my political career. Am I ready for that?” – Adam Kinzinger
Kinzinger’s stand for truth cost him dearly. He and his family faced death threats from Trump supporters, proving once again that nothing says “patriotism” like threatening violence against elected officials and their loved ones. Even Kinzinger’s parents faced abuse from family and friends, because apparently, blood isn’t thicker than MAGA water.
From GOP to DNC: Kinzinger’s Unlikely Endorsement
In a twist that would make George Orwell reach for his typewriter, Kinzinger has now endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. He’s even actively campaigning for her, in what he calls an “awkward alliance” with Democrats to defend truth, democracy, and decency. Because nothing screams “defending democracy” quite like endorsing a candidate from the party you’ve opposed your entire career.
“Donald Trump is a weak man pretending to be strong. He is a small man pretending to be big. He is a faithless man pretending to be righteous. He’s a perpetrator who can’t stop playing the victim” – Adam Kinzinger
Kinzinger’s scathing critique of Trump as a man who has “suffocated the soul of the Republican party” would be more impressive if it hadn’t taken four years of chaos, two impeachments, and an insurrection for him to reach this conclusion. But hey, better late than never, right?
The Last Republican or the First Turncoat?
As “The Last Republican” heads for an Oscar-qualifying run, one can’t help but wonder: Is Kinzinger truly the last of a dying breed of principled conservatives, or is he just the first in a long line of political chameleons, ready to change colors when the winds shift? Only time – and perhaps a sequel documentary – will tell.
In the meantime, we can all look forward to the surreal spectacle of a former GOP congressman stumping for a Democratic VP. It’s a brave new world in American politics, folks. Buckle up and pass the popcorn – this show is far from over.
