In a passionate address, former Illinois Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger called for unity among Americans to defend democracy and uphold core values, emphasizing the need for action ahead of the upcoming elections on November 5. Kinzinger, who has been vocal about his discontent with the current direction of the Republican Party, expressed his belief that the party has strayed from its foundational principles, aligning itself instead with former President Donald Trump, whom he criticized as a \"weak man\" undermining the party's integrity.

Kinzinger highlighted the importance of patriotism, asserting that Democrats share a love for the country and a commitment to American values. He lamented the events of January 6, 2021, describing the Capitol siege as a moment that tarnished the tradition of peaceful power transitions, attributing the chaos to Trump's inability to accept defeat. He questioned how a party could claim to be patriotic while idolizing someone who attempted to overturn a legitimate election.

The former congressman urged his fellow Republicans to prioritize the nation over party loyalty, stating, \"We must put country first.\" He expressed solidarity with Vice President Kamala Harris, noting their shared commitment to the rule of law and democracy, despite differing policy views. Kinzinger concluded his remarks by encouraging all Americans to vote for candidates who uphold democratic values, reinforcing the idea that democracy transcends party lines and is essential to the nation's identity.