Adam Kinzinger Teams Up with Democrats
- Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger joins forces with Democrats in an 'awkward alliance'.
- Kinzinger expresses belief that his party is no longer conservative and shares 'bedrock' values with Democrats like Kamala Harris.
- This unexpected alliance could have significant implications on future political dynamics.
CHICAGO (CBS) – In a surprising turn of events at the Democratic National Convention, former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a Republican and vocal critic of Donald Trump, addressed the audience, highlighting an "awkward alliance" formed with Democrats to combat the former president. Kinzinger, who has been a lifelong Republican, expressed disbelief at his presence at a Democratic event, stating that his party has strayed from its conservative roots and now aligns with Trump, whom he described as self-serving. Kinzinger's remarks were pointed, labeling Trump as a "weak man pretending to be strong" and emphasizing that the January 6 Capitol attack marked a definitive break from the former president. He was one of only ten Republicans to vote for Trump's impeachment, citing the former president as a "threat" to the nation. Kinzinger lamented that Trump has "suffocated the soul of the Republican Party," suggesting that his influence has weakened the party's core values. The former congressman urged voters to prioritize their foundational values and support Kamala Harris. His appearance at the convention was seen as a strategic move to appeal to disenchanted voters who may be hesitant to support a Democrat but are equally opposed to Trump. Pat Brady, former chair of the Illinois Republican Party, noted that Kinzinger's endorsement could sway a crucial segment of the electorate, emphasizing the importance of his firsthand experience with Trump in rallying support against him.