Ex-Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a vocal GOP critic of Trump's, endorses Biden ahead of debate

WASHINGTON — Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, the Illinois Republican who forcefully repudiated then-President Donald Trump after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, endorsed Democratic President Joe Biden on Wednesday, blasting the presumptive GOP nominee as a “direct threat to every fundamental American value.”

Kinzinger’s endorsement came one day before Biden and Trump square off in Atlanta for their first 2024 presidential debate. And the Biden campaign hopes that the endorsement helps him win over moderate Republicans who feel alienated by Trump.

In a video message, Kinzinger said his life has been guided by the belief that America is a beacon of freedom. "So while I certainly don’t agree with President Biden on everything, and I never thought I’d be endorsing a Democrat for president, I know that he will always protect the very thing that makes America the best country in the world: our democracy,” he said.

“Donald Trump poses a direct threat to every fundamental American value," Kinzinger continued. "He doesn’t care about our country. He doesn’t care about you. He only cares about himself, and he will hurt anyone or anything in pursuit of power.”

Responding to Kinzinger, Biden said on X: This is what putting your country before your party looks like. I’m grateful for your endorsement, Adam.”

When asked for comment on Kinzinger's endorsement of Biden, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung responded, “Who’s Adam Kinzinger? Isn’t he the crybaby?”

After the Capitol riot, Kinzinger was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for incitement of insurrection — the former president’s second impeachment. He also voted to create the select committee to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and was