Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) differs with many Republicans on military intervention in Syria, but the Air Force pilot offered few kind words for President Barack Obama when discussing the Commander in Chief’s failed leadership on action against the country, saying Obama is “unable to make the case for American exceptionalism.”
Kinzinger spoke candidly with the DC Young Republicans at the Capitol Hill Club on Monday night, addressing the potential military intervention in Syria and the fracture existing within the GOP. The Illinois Republican has come under fire from his conservative base for being an outspoken proponent of military intervention, but the Air Force pilot noted America choosing not to intervene could create chaos on the world stage, especially as the American people grapple with a President who’s unwilling to stand up for his country.
“We have a President that is absolutely unable to make the case for American exceptionalism because he doesn’t believe in it. We have a President who is absolutely unable to make the case for why we have to be powerful, because I think in his heart of hearts, he doesn’t really believe that America should be the most powerful country in the world,” Kinzinger said. “… I also think he believes in a America that is not necessary out being the strongest country in the world.”
He went on to note the danger of America backing off as a world superpower, noting that while Russia and China would be obvious choices to fill the void left by the U.S., they lack the capabilities to be a world leader. Instead, Kinzinger said, chaos and terror begin to take over, as demonstrated by the recent uprising in Egypt.
“You know what happened that day? President Obama was playing golf, and Kerry was on his yacht,” the Air Force pilot said. “And if you don’t think that matters, talk to an ambassador from a country out there who was steaming mad because he said that picture of your President golfing and your Secretary of State on his yacht sent reverberations around Egypt that America doesn’t care. And what happens when America doesn’t care? Chaos.”
Kinzinger joins a small faction of Republicans — which includes fellow military vet and Arkansas Rep. Tom Cotton — pushing for military intervention in Syria, with Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) leading the charge against America’s involvement.
The Illinois Republican was quick to note, though, that differing from the GOP’s base doesn’t equate to being a RINO — Republican in Name Only — and said the party cannot make its members beholden to neither House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) nor outside groups.
“We have to be independent thinkers,” Kinzinger said.
He continued, taking a shot at Cruz and Paul.
“It is time we stand up to these people, by the way. You know them all. I won’t say their names. But they’re the people who get on the news and they make a pronouncement and then every person now thinks that’s the new position of conservatives. It’s not,” Kinzinger said.
Both Cruz and Paul, Tea Party darlings, have been strong opponents against the U.S. taking action in Syria arguing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s use of chemical weapons poses no national security threat to the U.S. But, as Congress moves closer to voting on a resolution for military intervention, there is growing skepticism the measure will pass the House of Representatives.
