Democracy on Trial: Adam Kinzinger (interview) | FRONTLINE

Adam Kinzinger was a U.S. representative from Illinois from 2011 until 2023 and was one of two Republicans to serve on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Prior to his election to Congress, Kinzinger served in the Air Force and continues to serve as a pilot in the Air National Guard. He is the author of “Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country.”

The following interview was conducted by Kirk Documentary Group’s Mike Wiser for FRONTLINE on Oct. 31, 2023. It has been edited for clarity and length.

#Frontline #Interview #AdamKinzinger

FRONTLINE is produced at GBH in Boston and is broadcast nationwide on PBS. Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Additional support for FRONTLINE is provided by the Abrams Foundation, Park Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Heising-Simons Foundation, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund, with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation, and additional support from Koo and Patricia Yuen. Additional support for this program is provided by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation.

[robinbellamy]

In 1997, I attended the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC) to become a Sergeant. In one of the classes I learned there were two types of courage. Physical courage and moral courage. Physical courage putting you life at risk and moral courage is standing up for what is right. Physical courage will earn you medals and moral courage will earn you enemies.

[karenthistle]

Thank you, Adam Kinzinger, for serving your country at great personal expense with skill, courage, and integrity

[EarthChild]

He is absolutely stellar, great answers! He is a real American choosing country over party.

[ehayes]

Integrity at its best! Thank you Honorable Adam Kinzinger! I appreciate your talents and how you communicate!

[kathleenwing]

Excellent Commentary. Thx Adam for everything you do for our country.

[candacegray]

Adam Kinzinger's courage is huge. Thank you for the honesty and integrity.

[franciscojmedina]

Thank you, Congressman, for your continuing courage to stand up to fear and ignorance on behalf of some of our fellow citizens. Thank you.

[kelvikelv]

*Adam Kinzinger has a become a True American Hero!* It takes a tremendous amount of conviction, integrity and courage to *"Do what's right", * even in the face of adversity and danger. Danger, not only yourself, but the ones you Love and have sworn to protect! As a former Soldier and now a Veteran, I salute you Adam Kinzinger!

[carolgirl]

Thanks you for standing up for our country!!! Justice Matters!

[h.h.]

Thank you soooo much for your great work and service Adam Kinzinger!!!! 👍👌👏👏👏💪💪💪🙏🙏🙏

[lyspaere]

Leadership is lonely and a moral choice, not something one does for fun. Adam, we salute you.
PBS Frontline, I love you, and I recommend you to everyone for the quality of interviews you share with us, and the key people you choose to interview. You don't even tell us exactly what to think, you let us listen to primary sources. Your series about Putin made me feel so refreshed on the recent history of the state of affairs with Russia (you don't hear the news reminding you the context and nuances that we're so quick to forget when analyzing the present), and I'm so thrilled to see this series published.

[ProfessorChaos]

I wish there were more politicians that viewed their work as public service like Adam

[denisesargent]

Thanks PBS for sharing this inspiring interview with Adam Kinzinger. We can not ever forget that dark day in history. Adam Kinzinger is one of many of the brave patriots who stood beside our Constitution with conviction of the truth. 🇺🇸💙🇺🇸

[ghggp]

Thank God there are people who stand for honesty and integrity! Bravo January 6th committee!
Thank your Frontline for great reporting as usual!
We needed to hear this!

[dhulshof]

This Canadian thanks you Mr, Kinzinger ❤

[Barracuda-fw]

This is going to be great!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸
The committee did an excellent job!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[Tomr]

Mr. Adam Kinzinger is the true definition of Men of Honor!🙌👏

[David-qdff]

This man is what America should promote.

[randomoldlady_]

Wow - excellent interview! We are so lucky in so many ways that these people were so perfect for the roles they were put in. That Adam has a military background and had the guts to do what he did and continues to do - like he said it is like war. He even admitted he didn't want to be chosen, but when put to the task he just did it to the fullest extent. Love to hear him talk. Brings back my faith in people - and he is a rare man unfortunately in this political system

[evonaustin]

Thank you Senator Kinzinger for your most important part in the Select Committee and your willingness to do so. We need good people in positions such as yours. God forbid the day when we don't. Praying for you, your family, and our country. Praying also for your and your family's safety. Godspeed. Hugs!!