Congressman and Open Field Author Adam Kinzinger on the ‘Defining Moment’ of January 6th and What We Cannot Take for Granted this Election Year

Adam Kinzinger exemplifies what it means to stand up. Hours after the January 6 attacks on the Capitol, the Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel and then-Congressman from Illinois called for Trump's removal from office, fueling a wave of vitriol toward him from fellow Republican party members, family, and others. (Kinzinger was in the Capitol building when the riots took place.) Despite the heat, he never lost a step with his convictions. "Not just for January 6, but also for so many times in my congressional career, I took votes against the party or my district, and those are the ones I'm most proud of because I knew that I was doing something on principle," he tells The Sunday Paper. 

In the time since, Kinzinger has left the House and written a critically important book, Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country. He doesn't miss Congress "in the least," he admits. However, he is driven to save our democracy (a mission underscored by his pages in Renegade and recent role as a senior political commentator for CNN). That is because, as he says, democracy is on the ballot this year. 

We called the Congressman to discuss what's most essential for us all to be considering and doing during this critical election year for America. We also asked his advice for knowing when it's crucial to stand up.

A CONVERSATION WITH ADAM KINZINGER

It's been three years since January 6, a day when you were holed up in your office at the Capitol as it was mobbed. Congressman, how and what are you feeling these days?

It feels like forever ago and like yesterday at the same time. I never imagined when that was going down that three years later we'd find ourselves in the mess we're still in, [meaning] that some people deny it even happened and some people haven't taken their lessons. Over three years and over everything I've been through, it's kind of sinking in what a historic moment that was. It will be a defining moment between, does this country and self-governance fail or does it come back from that in a strong way and succeed? Unfortunately, that answer is still up in the air. But yeah, it just amazes me that it's been three years. 

We are in a critical year for America. We're in a presidential election year; the first caucus is this month. Where do you feel we are as a nation? 

We are extremely divided. We're a country that has had so many things given to us. Not in a bad way, but over time, we've had generations that have defended us and have made this country strong, and we've taken that for granted. We've assumed that self-governance would always be there to stay. And so, I feel that we're a country that's a victim of our own success. We're always looking for drama. We're always looking for division. We're always looking for an enemy. And unfortunately, we've turned inwards, and we've made that enemy and that drama ourselves. So, November of this year will be a defining moment. I recognize that they say every election is the most important election in our lifetime. I'm guilty of that. But this truly is. This is going to be a moment of: Do we succeed, or do we fail? America's story is yet to be written—I don't know if it's a happy or a sad ending yet.

Considering how divided we are and all the noise out there from the news headlines to the people in Congress to those running for the Presidency, what is your advice for how we should check our facts and vet people? 

I would say this: Even though this is an important election, it is very simple. This is an election based on: Do you believe in self-governance, or do you not? All you have to do is look at Donald Trump's own words. Not even the people who support him. Not even the people running for Congress. Look at his own words and take him seriously. When he says we should throw out parts of the Constitution, when he's been very clear about making the press and other Americans the enemy, take that seriously. 

So, I would say to folks, yes, have your opinions on issues. I'm not saying to go numb to very important issues out there. But your vote this year should be based on: Does democracy survive or does it not? If people try to tell you that January 6 didn't happen or that it was an inside job, I recommend that people automatically rule out anybody who takes that approach. Because let's be clear: Most of these people don't believe that, but they will lie to you because it benefits them. If your goal is to have somebody go into the Oval Office simply to attain power and who doesn't care about you or your family, then fine. But I don't think anybody really wants that.

Speaking up and out is something you know well. It is something that takes courage. If someone is scared to speak up to a family member or a friend at the ballot, whatever or wherever it may be, but they know it is the right thing, what do you say?

I say, pick your battles. Not every fight is a battle, so pick the ones you want to engage in. You will know in your heart when it's time to engage. You'll know it because, frankly, that fear will try to keep you from doing it. The scariest thing is the decision to do something, not actually doing it. It's like when you want to go to the gym. The worst part is actually going to the gym, not being at the gym. Or you want to jump into an ice-cold pool. What's the worst part? It's the decision to jump in; it's not once you're in there. That's the same with courage and doing the right thing. The scariest part is making the decision because you're stepping into the unknown. And as humans, we don't like stepping into the unknown. But once you're there, you will operate as you should. You will operate with courage, and you'll operate in the right way. And those will be the proudest moments of your life. 

Nobody has regrets for risks they took; they have regrets for risks they never took.

What do you hope the American people will be talking about and spending their time doing this year?

Take care of yourself. It's important to stay informed on the issues. But I would say, frankly, this is a both-sides problem. Some people get too obsessed. And you know, what happens is you put the weight of the world on your shoulders, and when you feel like you're not making a difference, you just give up. And that's what we don't need. Because, at this moment, the forces against democracy thrive on chaos, and the forces for it get exhausted by chaos. This is the moment to pick your battles wisely, to not carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, and to not give up. Whatever it takes, keep in this fight.

Adam D. Kinzinger served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023, representing Illinois’ Sixteenth Congressional District. Prior, Kinzinger served in the Air Force in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard and a Senior Political Commentator on CNN.