The Ripon Forum

Volume 55, No. 1

March 2021

WE HAVE TO MOVE BEYOND DONALD TRUMP

By on March 17, 2021

by ADAM KINZINGER

It was a sobering moment to vote in support of impeachment, knowing I would face criticism from family, friends, and those within my own party. As I walked over to take that vote, up to the United States Capitol — the symbol of our democracy — I thought about the violent insurrection that we as Americans witnessed and the angry rhetoric that inspired it. My vote was an easy one — not something I took lightly, but a vote I took confidently. It was a turning point for me as a Republican, as a Member of Congress, and as an American. It’s a day I will never forget.

The question now is: where do we go from here? Do we continue down the path of anger, vitriol, and hatred? Do we continue to pledge our allegiance to one man and cancel anyone who doesn’t wholly agree? Or do we step back, take a look at this inflection point and decide we need to change course? I have chosen hope and optimism, a future first mission that celebrates who we are as conservative Americans and sees the endless possibilities we have if we recognize our failures and vow to do better. We are the party of ideas and the party of opportunity.

Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve sought to do the right thing for the good of the people I represent and for the country as a whole. As a lifelong conservative, I voted for President Trump because I wanted to continue to build on the policy achievements borne by Congressional Republicans working with his Administration. But I’ve also been consistent in calling out the former President’s use of Twitter and how his rhetoric on social media and elsewhere had been incendiary and damaging, not to mention unbecoming of the highest office in the land.

The question now is: where do we go from here? Do we continue down the path of anger, vitriol, and hatred? Do we continue to pledge our allegiance to one man and cancel anyone who doesn’t wholly agree?

We are in unchartered waters, facing a difficult moment we have not experienced in modern history. I know I’ve lost supporters because of my impeachment vote and the stances I’ve taken, and I may even lose my job representing Illinois’ 16th District next election. But the damage being done to our democracy and the values we hold dear is simply unacceptable. And the losses I’ll personally face pale in comparison to what’s at stake: the soul of our nation.

To put it bluntly, we have to move beyond Donald Trump.

Over the last two months, I’ve thought a great deal about next steps and what the future of the Republican Party will be — what the future of our institution of government will look like. I’ve thought about what this moment in time will teach future generations. And I’ve looked at different options for holding those who stoked the flames of insurrection accountable to ensure it never happens again.

When it comes to public service, we have a responsibility to the people who have entrusted us with their vote — and to the office we hold. Each elected official swears an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, our founding charter and guiding document. This is our system of government, and we don’t always have to like it, but those who seek to undermine or destroy it must be held accountable now and always.

My vote to impeach was a vote of conscience, and a vote to uphold my oath to the best of my ability, without regard for any other cost. For me, the ultimate cost would be to run from this responsibility and turn my back on the nation I’ve risked life and limb to protect; the people who I vowed to serve with honor and integrity; the values instilled in me to do the right thing for the good of others.

The numbers in both the House and Senate make it quite clear that cooperation and bipartisanship will be critical for getting effective legislation to the President’s desk.

History is made in moments like these, and we each have a choice to make in rising to the occasion. I’ve made my choice, and I’m at peace with my decision.

We have to remember the principles of our conservative party, the values that define us, and the shared goals we have as a governing partner. The numbers in both the House and Senate make it quite clear that cooperation and bipartisanship will be critical for getting effective legislation to the President’s desk. I am prepared to work with my colleagues on issues that are deeply important to my constituents, such as our nuclear energy sector, our agriculture and trade, and manufacturing of goods here in the United States. I firmly believe we can get something big done for infrastructure, and I hope President Biden stays true to his promise of unity by bringing Republicans into the fold in these policy discussions. There are areas we can and should work together.

Moving forward means we must accept reality, be honest with ourselves and with our constituents, and recognize what’s at stake. This moment in time is an opportunity to turn the tide from personality politics and using fear to fuel the political world into a more optimistic, principled approach that puts the interests of the country first. That is the path I’m working towards, and I hope my fellow Republicans will join me.

Adam Kinzinger represents the 16th District of Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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