According to Newsweek, Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican Representative, has officially thrown his support behind President Joe Biden, cautioning against the potential return of former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election race.
Kinzinger, a prominent figure from Illinois, has been an outspoken critic of Trump within the Republican Party, particularly concerning the latter's baseless allegations of election fraud.
He was among the ten House Republicans who voted for Trump's impeachment following the violent protest at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, instigated by Trump's supporters contesting the 2020 election outcome.
Kinzinger's endorsement of Biden was made public through a post on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter. "As a proud conservative, I've always put democracy and our Constitution above all else. And it's because of my unwavering support for democracy, that today, as a proud conservative, I'm endorsing Joe Biden for re-election," Kinzinger stated in a video shared on his account. He acknowledged his disagreements with Biden on certain issues but emphasized his belief in Biden as the candidate who will "always protect" democracy.
Kinzinger also issued a stark warning about the implications of a second Trump term. "Donald Trump poses a direct threat to every fundamental American value. He doesn't care about you. He only cares about himself. And he'll hurt anyone or anything in pursuit of power," he cautioned.
Biden expressed gratitude for Kinzinger's endorsement on X, stating, "This is what putting your country before your party looks like. I'm grateful for your endorsement, Adam." The Biden campaign has been actively courting anti-Trump Republicans, especially those who previously supported former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in the GOP presidential primary. These disillusioned Republican voters could potentially tip the scales in the swing states that will ultimately decide the election outcome.
Kinzinger's endorsement of Biden has elicited a mixed response on social media. One user, @PatriotTakes, commended Kinzinger's decision, stating, "Adam Kinzinger is a former Republican Representative who investigated January 6th. He knows Trump is awful and a threat to the country. Today he endorsed Joe Biden." However, writer Philip Reichert was less impressed, commenting, "Lol a coordinated endorsement from Adam Kinzinger is going to do less than nothing for Biden."
Georgia Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also weighed in on the endorsement, sarcastically remarking, "Oh look, Kinzinger finally came out of the closet. As usual, we knew all along, so not a surprise and none of us care."
Kinzinger's endorsement comes on the eve of the first presidential debate between Biden and Trump, where they will address key issues such as the economy, immigration, and reproductive rights. The debate will also provide an opportunity for both candidates to address concerns about their age, as polls indicate a close race. A recent Morning Consult poll, conducted from June 21 to 23 among 10,159 registered voters, revealed a tie, with both Biden and Trump garnering 44 percent support in the national popular vote.
As the election race heats up, the endorsement of a prominent conservative figure like Kinzinger for a Democratic candidate underscores the complexities and shifting alliances within the current political landscape. It remains to be seen how this endorsement will influence the election outcome and the future direction of the Republican Party.
Login