Democracy at stake
On Tuesday, the former U.S. representative visited the
University of Rhode Island, where students and community members have been
mulling and debating the meaning of democracy this fall.
Kinzinger’s visit was a warm one—at times humorous—with little talk of blue or red and more discussion of the impact of the political on the personal and what recent and current events mean for young people today.
The candid conversation was hosted by his former colleague and friend James
Langevin, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001-23 known for
reaching across the aisle in both his political work and post-legislative life.
Talking points
A large audience filled Edwards Hall to hear the former
congressman from Illinois detail democracy in action, and under fire, with his
former colleague.
Kinzinger’s chat with Langevin was an addition to the
University’s fall Honors Colloquium lecture series,
which is examining the risks facing democracy.
“A key takeaway from this year’s Honors Colloquium is that
institutions alone can’t prevent democratic backsliding,” said Ashlea Rundlett,
an assistant professor of political science, opening the night. “Democracy’s
resilience hinges on individuals with the moral courage to uphold democratic
norms, even at the expense of their own goals or careers. Congressman Adam
Kinzinger exemplifies this courage, having challenged misinformation and
defended the rule of law at great personal and political cost.”
When Kinzinger discussed that recent history, he asked
students to look beyond Jan. 6, 2021, calling for increased attention to issues
over personalities and people, and for citizens to become more active
participants in democracy.
Both Kinzinger and Langevin provided firsthand insights on
the events of Jan. 6. Kinzinger said that Americans, always united by a fiery
passion to defend their rights, have increasingly become identified by
political affiliation—a marked change from when he first ran for political
office as a college student, at age 20, or began serving in Congress in 2011.
Kinzinger said he ultimately chose his own path, motivated
more by individuals, including his fellow servicemember and friend Andreas
O’Keeffe, who died in Iraq, and his newborn son—choosing to stand by his
conscience, despite political consequences. Kinzinger said standing up for
democracy in opposition to his party was a role he didn’t always seek or
welcome.
“Today, we are self-selecting into groups by belief,” he
said. He spoke of the influence of money and how the Republican party saw a
drastic jump in funds raised, stoking fear to get votes and dollars.
Both described Jan. 6 as the worst day of their lives,
recalling the chaos at the Capitol. The violence of the day was not a surprise
to Kinzinger, based on tweets and threats he had seen on social media.
A member of the Air National Guard, he was glad to see Guard
troops in Washington, D.C., but was also dismayed they had to be there.
He admits having his own regrets from that time but says he
wouldn’t do anything differently. He asked the students in Edwards Hall to work
for America and to believe in the U.S. and its institutions.
“There’s a lot more, in reality, we agree on than we don’t
in this country,” he said, noting the need for differences of opinion. “Every
country needs a progressive movement and a conservative movement. The
progressive movements push us forward and the conservative movements pull us
back when needed. Bipartisanship may not be the hottest news topic but it helps
you get things done.”
Students in the audience found Kinzinger’s story engaging,
and appreciated the chance to hear firsthand about events they had previously
only seen or read about online. Others remarked that it felt unusual to hear
lawmakers from opposing parties have such a respectful and agreeable
conversation. Those in the audience also serving in the military appreciated
the chance to hear from a fellow veteran about his experiences.
Megumi Sinniah, a master’s student in international
relations, commented, “It was refreshing for me to see a political leader
emphasize honor and values. I appreciated hearing more about compromise as part
of the political process.”
Election security
Langevin also introduced one of the themes of the evening’s
talk, erosion of trust in the electoral process.
“Elections are a test,” he said, “something we safeguard and
depend upon in this country. Every four years, or less, we elect our leaders in
elections run by our friends and neighbors, who work from morning to night,
depending on one another to uphold our system.”
He said it’s highly damaging to have leaders express doubt
in this process, that lack of trust in the electoral system directly impacts
America’s role in the world.
“In the past, we all agreed on the rules of the game,” added
Kinzinger. “Our Constitution was a compromise between its signers. Today, to
have a former president and other leaders say the electoral system doesn’t
work, that votes don’t count, is highly inflammatory in a country based on
revolution. Anger begets violence if people feel their rights are being taken
away from them.”
“Exaggeration like this is not only fascist, it’s
dangerous,” he said.
November
A win by Vice President Kamala Harris would be important to
witness this fall, Kinzinger said, citing confidence in her ability to deal
with foreign leaders and events.
“I don’t agree with all of her politics,” he said. “I would
like to see her work together toward a more balanced budget, address the
deficit, and bring chip manufacturing back to the U.S. I’m concerned about debt
and tariffs.”
Kinzinger also spoke to some of the reasons why some men are
drawn to support Trump, at a time when masculinity and its role is part of the
debate about this presidential election.
“Donald Trump pretends to be a model of masculinity and to
some men who feel left out, that is appealing.”
“To the young men in this room, I say, it’s okay to be
masculine. Young men have been told masculinity is toxic and that’s not true.
It’s okay to be masculine. Masculinity is many positive things—defending the
defenseless, fighting for what’s right; masculine traits are good if used in
the right way. What Trump represents is not.”
Langevin ended the evening on a positive note.
“Bipartisan work is not the most exciting and doesn’t garner
news,” he said, “but it happens more than people think.”
To the students, he said: “Be active, be moved. Listen and
fact-check your leaders. Register to vote and make sure your vote is counted.”
URI’s Honors Colloquium will next host Risa Brooks,
speaking on “The Role of Militaries in Democratic Decline” on
Oct. 22. All colloquium talks are free and open to the public. Register here for updates on future
speakers and visit here to view talks by this
fall’s prior speakers.