'No brainer for me': Former GOP congressman Adam Kinzinger on why he is endorsing Biden

Summary

Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger endorses Joe Biden for president, emphasizing his unchanged conservative values and criticizing the current Republican Party's loyalty to Donald Trump. Kinzinger stresses the importance of defending democracy for future generations, contrasting Biden's policies with the perceived threat posed by Trump. The discussion also explores potential vice-presidential picks for Trump, highlighting the strategic and psychological considerations behind the choices. Kinzinger's endorsement reflects his commitment to country over party and a belief in the fundamental importance of preserving democratic principles.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ Adam Kinzinger, a Republican Congressman, endorses Joe Biden for president, emphasizing the importance of defending democracy over party loyalty.
• 🌟 Kinzinger reflects on his past as a rising star in the Republican Party, asserting that he has not changed his beliefs but the party has moved away from its principles.
• 🔍 The party's shift is attributed to its focus on allegiance to one man, Donald Trump, who is accused of attempting to overthrow a legitimate election.
• 👶 Kinzinger's decision is influenced by his desire for his son to grow up in a country with a strong democracy, making his endorsement of Biden a 'no brainer'.
• 🇺🇸 Despite disagreements on policy issues with Biden, Kinzinger stresses the paramount importance of defending democracy, a stance he believes aligns with conservative values.
• 🎭 The conversation speculates on Trump's potential vice presidential pick, suggesting it could be a strategic move to influence the upcoming debate and election.
• 🤔 The debate's outcome might reveal Trump's VP choice, as it could serve as a distraction or a reinforcement of his campaign narrative if he feels he is losing.
• 💡 Kinzinger suggests that Biden's strength lies in one-on-one interactions, where he can connect with people and understand their struggles, which could be advantageous in the debate.
• 🤝 The discussion highlights the contrast between candidates, with Biden's potential to draw support by standing up to Trump and defending the integrity of the election.
• 🤔 The potential VP candidates mentioned include J.D. Vance, Doug Burgum, and even wildcards like Sarah Huckabee Sanders or Nikki Haley, each with different implications for the campaign.
• 🔑 Kinzinger criticizes those who refuse to support either Trump or Biden as cowardly, arguing that in the face of a threat to democracy, policy differences are secondary.

Q & A

Why did Congressman Adam Kinzinger endorse Joe Biden for president?

Congressman Adam Kinzinger endorsed Joe Biden because he believes the Republican Party has changed and is now solely focused on allegiance to one man, Donald Trump, who he accuses of trying to overthrow a legitimate election. Kinzinger wants to preserve democracy for future generations.

What does Adam Kinzinger believe has changed about the Republican Party over the years?

Adam Kinzinger believes that the Republican Party has moved away from its principles and policies and is now solely focused on allegiance to Donald Trump, rather than upholding democratic values.

How does Adam Kinzinger describe his own political evolution?

Kinzinger states that he has not changed his beliefs; rather, he has grown and moderated slightly over time. He asserts that it is the party that has left him, not the other way around.

What does Kinzinger believe is the most important issue in the upcoming election?

Kinzinger believes that the most important issue is the defense of democracy, which he sees as being under threat by Donald Trump's actions and rhetoric.

What does Brad Todd, a Republican strategist, predict about Donald Trump's vice presidential pick announcement?

Brad Todd predicts that Donald Trump will likely announce his vice presidential pick during or shortly after the first debate, as Trump enjoys big moments and stages.

What does the discussion suggest about the strategy of Donald Trump's campaign team?

The discussion suggests that Trump's campaign team is trying to keep things on track and is prepared to contain Trump's behavior, especially during the debates.

What factors might influence Donald Trump's choice of vice presidential candidate?

Factors influencing Trump's choice could include the candidate's ability to appeal to certain voter demographics, their potential impact on the party's future, and their ability to overshadow or complement Trump's own image.

Why might J.D. Vance be considered a questionable choice for vice president by some?

J.D. Vance might be considered questionable because he could be seen as contorting his views to fit political situations and may not stand for strong principles, which could be a liability in a debate against Kamala Harris.

What makes Marco Rubio a formidable vice presidential candidate according to the discussion?

Marco Rubio is seen as formidable because of his experience in politics, his ability to connect with Hispanic voters across the country, and his image as the future of the country.

Why did Adam Kinzinger feel it was important to endorse Joe Biden explicitly rather than just not supporting Trump?

Kinzinger felt it was important to endorse Biden explicitly because he sees not supporting Trump but not endorsing Biden as a form of cowardice. He believes that if one sees Trump as a threat to democracy, it is important to actively support the alternative to prevent such a threat.

What does President Biden's response to Kinzinger's endorsement suggest about his view on party loyalty?

President Biden's response suggests that he appreciates Kinzinger's decision to put country before party and sees it as an example of true leadership and commitment to democracy.

Outlines

00:00

🗳️ Kinzinger's Endorsement of Biden and Reflection on GOP

In this paragraph, Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger discusses his decision to endorse Joe Biden for president. He reflects on his political journey, stating that he has not changed his beliefs but rather the Republican Party has shifted away from its principles, focusing instead on allegiance to Donald Trump. Kinzinger emphasizes the importance of preserving democracy and criticizes Trump's efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the election. He also shares his commitment to his oath to the Constitution and his desire for a strong democracy for future generations.

05:02

🤔 Speculations on Trump's VP Pick and Political Strategy

This paragraph delves into the speculation surrounding Donald Trump's potential vice presidential pick. Various candidates are mentioned, including J.D. Vance and Doug Burgum, with analysis on their suitability and potential impact on the election. The discussion highlights the strategic considerations Trump might be making, such as choosing a candidate who could appeal to different demographics or help secure certain states. The conversation also touches on the potential for Trump to use the VP announcement as a distraction or a way to shift the narrative, especially in the context of the upcoming debate with Joe Biden.

Keywords

💡Endorsement

Endorsement in the political context refers to a public declaration of support for a person, cause, or organization. In the video, Adam Kinzinger, a Republican Congressman, endorses Joe Biden for president, indicating a significant shift in political alignment and a strong statement against his own party's direction under Donald Trump.

💡Allegiance

Allegiance is the loyalty or devotion to a person, group, or cause. The script discusses how the Republican Party's allegiance has shifted from principles and policies to a single individual, Donald Trump, which is a central theme in Kinzinger's critique of the party's current state.

💡Overthrow

To overthrow means to remove from power, typically by force or illegal means. The script mentions that Donald Trump did his best to 'overthrow a legitimate election,' highlighting the narrative of election fraud that has been a contentious issue in American politics.

💡Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through elected representatives. The script emphasizes the importance of preserving democracy and the fear that it is under threat, as expressed by Adam Kinzinger's concern for his son's future.

💡Rising Star

A 'rising star' is a term used to describe someone who is quickly gaining recognition and is expected to have a successful future, often in politics. Adam Kinzinger refers to himself as a 'rising star' in the Republican Party, indicating his previous high expectations within the party before his break with its current direction.

💡Policy Issues

Policy issues refer to matters of government actions or inactions that affect the public. In the script, Kinzinger acknowledges potential disagreements on policy issues with Joe Biden but emphasizes that the defense of democracy is more critical than these differences.

💡Constitution

The Constitution is the fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. Kinzinger states that his oath is to the Constitution, not to any individual, underscoring his commitment to the foundational principles of the United States.

💡VP Pick

VP Pick refers to the selection of a vice-presidential candidate in an election. The script discusses speculation about who Donald Trump might choose as his running mate, which is a significant strategic decision in a presidential campaign.

💡Debate

A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public setting, especially as a feature of a political campaign. The script mentions the importance of the first debate in the election campaign and how it might influence the timing of Trump's VP pick announcement.

💡Strategist

A strategist is someone who plans and directs the long-term strategy and goals of an organization or a political campaign. Brad Todd, a Republican strategist, is mentioned in the script as providing insights into the potential VP picks and their implications for the campaign.

💡Preservation

Preservation means maintaining something in its original or existing state. In the context of the script, Kinzinger is committed to the preservation of democracy, which is a central theme of his endorsement of Biden and his critique of the current state of the Republican Party.

Highlights

Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger endorses Joe Biden for president, emphasizing the importance of defending democracy.

Kinzinger discusses his evolution as a politician, stating that he hasn't changed but the party has, moving away from principles and policies.

The Congressman highlights the party's allegiance to one man, Donald Trump, and his efforts to overturn a legitimate election.

Kinzinger's motivation for endorsing Biden is to ensure a strong democracy for future generations, including his young son.

He emphasizes his oath to the Constitution and the importance of preserving democracy, despite policy disagreements with Biden.

Republican strategist Brad Todd predicts that Trump may announce his VP pick during or after the first debate.

Todd credits Trump's campaign team for keeping the campaign on track despite challenges.

Discussion on the strategy behind Trump's potential VP pick and the impact on the campaign's momentum.

The importance of Biden's ability to connect with the American people on a personal level during the debate.

Analysis of the potential VP candidates and their implications for the GOP and the election.

Concerns about J.D. Vance as a VP candidate due to the potential impact on the Senate balance.

Speculation about unconventional VP picks like Sarah Huckabee Sanders or Nikki Haley to surprise the public.

The potential threat Marco Rubio poses as a VP candidate due to his appeal to Hispanic voters.

Kinzinger's call for Republicans to put country before party and the significance of his endorsement of Biden.

Criticism of Republicans who refuse to support either Biden or Trump, labeling it as cowardice.

Kinzinger's view on the urgency of defending democracy against the threat posed by Trump, beyond mere policy differences.

Transcripts

Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger.

I've seen you in many roles

over the years,

and here you are in a new role.

You're taking a stand

and in a significant way.

Today,

you are just endorsing

Joe Biden for president.

You know,

just just for a moment,

when you hear Kayla's reporting on him

looking straight to the camera

and connecting with people.

When you think about where you were,

you know, superstar

Republican congressman

and now you're here endorsing Joe Biden.

Look, that's

what's amazing is

so what, eight years ago,

I was called like a rising star

in the Republican Party.

And I didn't change what I believed.

I mean,

you know, you grow up,

a few views change,

moderate a little bit.

But I'm the same person.

The party has absolutely left me

because it's not

swearing allegiance

to any kind of principles

or policy anymore.

It's all about swearing allegiance

to one

man who did his best

to overthrow a legitimate election,

convinced a third of the American people

that the election was stolen.

And my two and a half year old son

deserves to be raised in a country

with a strong of a democracy,

as I have been raised.

And so it was a no brainer for me.

And I just want to emphasize

what you just said.

You said you haven't changed. Right.

So in other words, the rising

star Adam Kinzinger,

seen as a future

Republican presidential candidate,

is the same guy.

Yeah. Interesting. Joe Biden.

Yeah,

because the party

no longer knows what it believes anymore.

It's all based on,

you know,

what does somebody say at one moment?

What does what is Donald Trump saying?

I've refused to swear

allegiance to a man.

My oath is to the Constitution.

And again, to preserve this country

and this democracy,

for my kid

to honor my grandfather

who fought in World War Two,

I believe the right thing to do

is to say,

we may disagree

on some policy issues with Joe Biden,

but the most important thing

is defense of this democracy.

And as a conservative,

I'm I'm

committed to preserving this democracy.

You know.

Brad Todd, obviously

you're a Republican strategist.

And, you know,

we hear about Trump

maybe announcing his VP pick tomorrow

or the day after.

This is a guy who is seen as,

you know, presidential candidate

for the GOP.

He could be one day, not this GOP,

but and many who are in his position.

A few of them are now possible V.P.

candidates.

They went a very different way than Adam

Kinzinger has gone.

So do you think that that's

we're going to hear who that person is

here in these next hours day?

I do.

I think that Donald

Trump loves the big moment

and he loves the big stage.

And I think this is the biggest stage

perhaps in this campaign.

This first debate's really important.

I would be really surprised

if we don't wake up Friday

morning and know

and we might know

during the debate tomorrow night.

Now, that surprises you

because you're giving you're giving

a little bit of a quizzical Bakari. Look.

I don't know if

it surprises me a little bit.

I think that the camp first of all,

Donald Trump's campaign staff

or team deserves a lot of credit

because they've actually kept

the train on the tracks

as well as it possibly could be.

Susie and Jason have done their best

to try to contain Donald Trump.

You hear that?

They're trying to contain him tomorrow.

If he is losing the debate, then, yes,

we'll know who his vice

presidential pick is.

If he thinks he's owning the debate

and you're able to see the structure

of the debate benefit him.

And when I say structure,

I mean the mikes, cutting off,

no crowd, etc.,

Then there's no way that they're

not going to ride that cycle out.

And so it's going to be

he has something in his back pocket

in case things

go off the rails,

blame the moderators, blame

the media, and then, oh, hell,

let's take back the cycle.

But, you know, the real struggle for both

these candidates is to try to focus

the race forward.

It's always hard for a candidate

who's this old to focus the race forward.

And the very number one thing

Trump could do to focus

the race forward is to talk about

who might be next.

Unless he chose

and unless he chooses another 70.

You're a white man. Well, let's bring.

Say first I want to say

thank you for your leadership,

because I wish there were more people

who picked country over party

and your former party, Republican Party.

But I think that Donald Trump

will, too,

bacardi's point he'll pick

if things are going off the rails,

if he feels like Joe

Biden is given it, too.

I'm really leaning

and talking to the American people,

which I think Joe Biden will do

and is really good at that

if ever interact with him one on one,

which most Americans don't

get the chance

to interact with the president.

But if you do one on one,

that is when Joe Biden thrives.

So if he can make the people

who are watching

that debate feel like

he is in a conversation

with with them

sitting at their kitchen table saying,

I understand your struggles.

That could really work in his favor.

And then Donald Trump will say,

oh, ABC is my my vice presidential

candidate and Joe Biden to say, great,

thanks for the news.

Back to what I was saying,

because regardless of who it is,

he should use that same person

to draw the contrast

that they're not going to do

with somebody sitting to

my left would do.

And that is stand up to Donald Trump

and say the election was not stolen.

And I believe and.

I will go out on a limb

and say he may be sitting to your left.

I doubt he actually is,

although maybe,

maybe you've got your evolution.

But let me ask you, Congress,

The Wall Street Journal backing Burgum.

Yeah.

Doug Burgum for vice President J.D.

Vance said

earlier today that he'd be disappointed

if he's not human,

if he didn't admit he be disappointed

if he weren't selected.

Which which way are you hearing This

could go?

And these are

and obviously you could have Marco

Rubio could have someone else,

but you've got sort of a young future

as you're talking about options. Yeah.

And then you have Doug Burgum, who's

a very different

sort of a choice for Trump.

Doug Burgum is Trump's safe choice.

He's his choice

if he doesn't want to be overshadowed.

And the thing that Donald Trump fears

more than he fears nuclear war

or anything is being overshadowed.

I thought you were going to say

black women.

Go ahead. I'm sorry.

So I think Doug Burgum

is that safe choice?

But I can tell you, no matter

what happens at the debate tomorrow,

Donald Trump

is going to be blaming somebody.

He'll blame the moderator.

So blame

I don't know, the air conditioning,

whatever it is,

because everything he does, he's

a victim of and he's the recipient of.

Aaron, Can I say one thing,

though, about the VP?

The thing that makes J.D.

Vance a questionable candidate

is that that's still a Senate seat

and where the Senate

is really in the balance.

And yes,

people say that Ohio as a red state,

solid red, solid red.

But as an Ohioan,

I'm telling you,

there's still ways for Sherrod Brown

and for Democrats to win in that state.

When you just look at some of the issues

in Ohio and support,

that's like

I would have to give that seat open.

I wanted to comment.

That's a good point.

I wanted to comment

just briefly on the vice

presidential pick.

I think Doug Burnham is a lot It's very

I like him personally,

but it's a very stale pick.

I think that Donald Trump chooses

a wild card that we're not talking about.

I think he chooses

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

or even if he really is serious

about winning the White House

chooses a Nikki Haley.

I think we're going to see something

that is going to shock the conscience.

I would also say this as a Democrat,

their only vice presidential candidate

that gives me pause is Marco Rubio.

That is the.

Marco Rubio, not J.D. Vance.

Or J.D. Vance is a lightweight.

J.D.

Vance contorts himself into pretzels.

He's Audi A4 As he sits,

he doesn't stand for anything.

Kamala Harris would literally shred him

shred burger.

Marco Rubio's formidable

because he's been in the stove before.

He has a

if if Marco Rubio

is able to talk to Hispanic voters

throughout the country,

not just in Florida, but Arizona, Nevada,

it it becomes a problem.

And Marco Rubio

looks like the future of the country.

The problem is Marco Rubio's

ambition is probably

not sexy to Donald Trump.

You know, I think if he picks J.D.

Vance,

if he's worried about

shaping the Republican Party

after he leaves, he picks Doug Burger.

Maybe he's worried about

running the government if he wins

and he picks Marco Rubio.

If he's worried about

winning the election, all.

Those three,

personality wise,

I think we can all pick option C.

But everybody.

Worries from psychologically.

But everybody would agree that

that if he chooses Nikki Haley

that this is a completely different race.

Right. Yeah.

I don't know if she'd take it,

but I'll take one thing we can

actually offer. Maybe

one thing I can

guarantee is Donald

Trump will not make the pick.

That's the best for the party

after he leaves,

because the party to him

is not something that he believes in.

It's not policies that he believes in.

It is a tool for him to gain power

and drop these convictions again.

I want to ask you about something.

You are endorsing

Joe Biden over Donald Trump.

You're calling yourself

a proud conservative, like you said.

You're not saying you've changed

your party. That's changed.

President Biden

responded to your endorsement.

He said this is what putting your country

before your party looks like.

I'm grateful for your endorsement, Adam.

Now, there are major Republicans

who have said they won't support Biden

or Trump, right?

And they're not

they're just not going

where you're going.

Why did you feel

it was so important

to take that extra step?

Because I think when you say

I'm not going to vote for Trump,

but I can't support Biden, it's a it's

honestly cowardice

because what you don't want,

you're like, oh,

I still want to be viable in the GOP.

Look, I'm sorry.

There are third party

candidates in America.

It's your right to vote for him

or to write somebody in.

But it is really between Donald Trump

and Joe Biden.

And if you think Donald

Trump is as dangerous as I do,

as people like Mike Pence has said he is,

then the difference

is a policy difference

with Joe Biden and policy.

We're going to debate these same things

in 100 years.

A threat on democracy

is something

that can really damage us now to a point

where we won't even have the luxury

of debating policy differences.

With an ending that none of us,

none of us at this table. Right.

Who all live loving moments

like this because of the debate

and the conversation.

Thank you all very much.