The Last Republican is a Cautionary Tale on American Democracy

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that during an election year our country would witness two assassination attempts on a former POTUS, immigrants being accused of eating animals or political and party division of ideals as it exists in today’s world.  Yet, this reality is the aftermath of the day our democracy nearly ceased to exist.

On January 6th, hundreds of MAGA supporters stormed our nation’s Capitol with the intent to harm the sitting Vice-President, Speaker of the House and numerous other Senators and Congress officials who refused to go along with the lie that the 2020 election was stolen.

Displaying an unwavering commitment to putting country over self, Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger sacrificed his career and personal relationships by publicly demanding accountability for Donald Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection. Filmed during Kinzinger’s final year in Congress, The Last Republican reveals behind-the-scenes insights into the January 6 committee hearings, while delving into what drove him to take a stand as well as the lasting impact of his decision.

Director Steve Pink  formed an unlikely and often hilarious friendship and despite their political differences, Pink and Kinzinger’s mutual respect and shared humanity offer a timely reminder that civil discourse is possible even in a deeply divided America.

What’s important to note about this documentary is that it’s the perfect example of an elected official who purposefully puts country above party – something that all officials take an oath to execute and has somehow over the decades become more about back alley deals, corporate greed and ego instead of serving the very population who elected them to office.

For Kinzinger, to witness his own peers and constituents turn against him and Liz Cheney passing a bill to kick them out of the Republican Party was heartbreaking. This retired Air Force pilot and U.S. representative for Illinois grew up in a conservative household where he was encouraged to investigate his political aspirations, while upholding the Constitution for the country he loved.

One of the few revelatory moments of the film are when Kinzinger realized all of these incidents were not about a political view, but about holding up your beliefs as there are some red lines you simply just can not cross.  Not to mention footage of the now former President only addressing the nation the day after realizing he could be removed from power due to the 25th Amendment.  FYI…the 25th Amendment was introduced after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. It highlights the need for more structured procedures for handling situations where the president is unable to perform their duties. So simply, in case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

As we all now know, the former POTUS is such a narcissist that he would have never allowed his VP to hold power over him.

The Last Republican serves as a blueprint to how American government became divided from the inside out, yet illustrates that one voice, one vote and one stand for democracy can make a difference.

As we enter into this next election cycle, be vigilant and intentional about your vote.  Just like Kinzinger, being popular or right doesn’t matter as much as having a concrete point of view and a conscience.