The Last Republican Review | Adam Kinzinger’s Profile in Courage

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As a documentary enthusiast who has seen my fair share of political films, I must say that “The Last Republican” stands out as one of the most compelling and heart-wrenching pieces I’ve come across recently. The story of Adam Kinzinger is not just about politics; it’s about loyalty, principles, and the changing tides of a party.

Kinzinger, a decorated military aviator and lifelong Republican, embodies the quintessential American success story. His unwavering commitment to his beliefs and the country he loves is evident throughout the film, even as he faces betrayal from his former colleagues, friends, and even family members.

The documentary doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities Kinzinger faced when he refused to bend to the will of a party that had shifted dramatically under Trump 2.0. It’s a stark reminder of how easily principles can be sacrificed for political gain.

What sets “The Last Republican” apart is its focus on Kinzinger as a person, not just a politician. His life experiences, from his time in the military to his upbringing, are woven seamlessly into the narrative, painting a vivid picture of a man who has remained steadfast in his convictions despite the odds.

In a lighter note, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony that Trump 2.0, the very figure who caused Kinzinger so much strife, will likely enact policies that Kinzinger has always supported. It seems the old adage holds true: Politics makes for strange bedfellows indeed!

I highly recommend “The Last Republican” to anyone interested in politics, American values, or simply a good documentary. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of sticking to one’s principles and the cost that often comes with it.

As the anniversary of the January 6th uprising approaches and Donald Trump prepares for another term as U.S. President, “The Last Republican” presents an extraordinary account of bravery and resolve amidst formidable challenges, blind loyalty, and outright falsehoods concealing despicable cowardice. Filmmaker Steve Pink (best recognized for his comedic films) spent a year chronicling the last days in office of Adam Kinzinger, a Republican politician.

After serving as a US Representative from Illinois who strongly aligned with conservative values, voting 93% of the time with Trump, Kinzinger became one of only two Republicans on the House Select Committee investigating the January 6th Attack. Alongside Liz Cheney, he chose to impeach Trump and suggest criminal charges against him for the Justice Department. However, following these actions, Kinzinger faced expulsion from office and relentless attacks by the party he had devoted his career to.

Adam Kinzinger’s Unwavering Principles

The documentary titled “The Last Republican” begins with an intriguing scene. Kinzinger is in his last interview with Pink, taking place in a vacant office prior to his departure from Congress. They share some light-hearted banter about a liberal filmmaker working on a documentary featuring a devoted, Reagan admirer like Kinzinger. Kinzinger playfully remarks that he couldn’t resist the opportunity to work with the director of “Hot Tub Time Machine.”

The laughter fades away as we travel back a year to 2021, when Pink encountered Kinzinger’s apprehensive and cautious staff for the first time. Given the circumstances, it was understandable that they felt skeptical. Kinzinger’s office was under constant attack due to his involvement with the committee, causing an influx of death threats against them on a daily basis. Pink would later document these threatening messages. To ensure their safety, panic buttons were installed beneath their desks, and they received regular wellness checks from the Capitol Police every hour.

Adam Kinzinger vividly remembers his astonishment as Trump refused to acknowledge his loss in the 2020 election against Joe Biden, spreading the unfounded claim that the election was rigged or “stolen.” This fabricated story was roundly disproven in courts by Republican election officials, numerous legal challenges, and even Trump’s own Attorney General Bill Barr, who labeled the allegation as baseless. On January 6th, the day Congress verified the election outcomes, Sofia Kinzinger, Adam’s wife who was heavily pregnant with their first child at the time, shared his concern when he ordered them and his staff to stay home.

The Red Line of Jan. 6

The uprising served as a “boundary” for Kinzinger. He was taken aback when the Republican Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, visited Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, FL, to express loyalty and subservience towards Trump. This was surprising given that just days before, they had harshly criticized Trump following the attack. However, they swiftly changed their stance after witnessing Trump’s strong control over the MAGA supporters and party. Kinzinger felt that his principles of constitutional integrity and religious values could not be compromised by blindly following a known liar and demagogue.

As someone who has witnessed the tumultuous world of politics firsthand, I can’t help but be captivated by the dramatic turn of events surrounding Adam Kinzinger. Known for writing the beloved John Cusack films “High Fidelity” and “Grosse Pointe Blank,” Kinzinger is now finding himself ostracized within his own Republican party, a stark contrast to his once-promising political career. The scenes unfolding before us are reminiscent of a runaway freight train, as Kinzinger and his wife, on the brink of parenthood, face relentless attacks from Trump’s fervent MAGA followers. It’s heartbreaking to see such a public figure endure such vitriol, and I can’t help but feel a sense of sympathy for the struggles he’s facing in this tumultuous political landscape.

How can a staunch advocate for conservative values who refused to bend to Trump and never lied for his support end up being called a betrayer and backstabber? The explanation is straightforward: He didn’t succumb to Trump and wouldn’t deceive to gain his endorsement. Tensions escalate dramatically when Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, without consulting or informing Kinzinger, publicizes his appointment to the January 6th Committee. Kinzinger was aware this decision would be detrimental to his career, but as a man who had sworn to uphold the Constitution, he felt compelled to fulfill this duty.

A Republican Pariah

In its second installment, ‘The Last Republican’ effectively contrasts Kinzinger’s conservative background with the turbulent backlash he faces from old political allies, friends, and relatives. Born into the Republican party, Kinzinger, a seasoned military pilot who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, has maintained his conservative beliefs since childhood. Narratives and memorabilia from Kinzinger’s parents underscore this upbringing, validating his unwavering principles.

Kinzinger’s honest pain and the betrayal felt by his family are deeply heartfelt. It’s hard not to feel outraged watching him tenderly hold his newborn while every Republican votes to reprimand him and Liz Cheney. Everything he had tirelessly fought for seemed to vanish in a cloud of misinformation. The criticism against Kinzinger was relentless, with Fox News leading the charge, delighting in making him their target. Tragically, Kinzinger yearned for fair representation from conservative media outlets. However, he was unable to avoid being labeled as an MSNBC and Democratic Party ally, a label he could not shake off.

Kinzinger Lost the Battle but Not His Beliefs

Pink chose to present Kinzinger using his own statements, backed by footage showing his committee work and subsequent challenges. This way, Kinzinger could be seen as a hero on his own terms. Despite developing a friendship during filming, Pink did not endorse or support Kinzinger’s political views or conservative agenda. Instead, they both agreed to make the documentary to demonstrate that individuals with differing opinions can still find common ground based on truth and American values. This statement may sound less confrontational and more collaborative when discussing the collaboration between Pink and Kinzinger in creating the documentary.

The Last GOP Member

The title “The Last Republican” doesn’t signify a joyful conclusion or a valiant crusade for justice. Kinzinger’s narrative is rooted in unwavering principles. He didn’t shift; the Republican Party did. Those who once stood with Kinzinger knelt when they observed the direction the political climate was shifting. The bitter irony lies in the fact that Trump 2.0 will implement laws and policies that Kinzinger has long advocated for. The Last Republican is a creation of Media Courthouse Documentary Collective and the Conformist. It will have a limited theatrical debut starting on January 3rd at New York City’s Film Forum; secure your tickets and check showtimes here.

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2025-01-04 02:07