In a recent interview, Congressman Adam Kinzinger noted the changing reputation of Rudy Giuliani, from being hailed as 'America's mayor' to being critiqued for promoting unsubstantiated claims of election fraud after the 2020 presidential contest. Giuliani and his legal team reportedly insisted they had evidence to support these allegations, but have not provided such evidence to date. Critics argue this pattern of spinning tales without backing them up with evidence is also a characteristic of former President Donald Trump and his camp.
Kinzinger asserts that Giuliani's fall from grace is significant, stating how he had once earned a place in American hearts which could have seen schools named after him, a possibility now unlikely due to his recent controversial actions. The Congressman also noted Giuliani's behavior of 'punching down', particularly towards two black women, named Ruby Freeman and Shea Moss, who had worked as vote counters during the election.
These two women, according to Kinzinger, have suffered undue harm due to Giuliani's baseless insinuations. The Congressman denounced such actions, referring to it as a 'fascist way' of intimidating political opponents. The objective of such maneuvers, he mentions, could be to discourage individuals from working in vote counting in the future.
Freeman and Moss have publicly shared the negative impacts these false accusations have had on their lives, leading to feelings of fear and ostracization within their communities. Kinzinger believes that Americans must question their values and how they want to be viewed as human beings when they accept or find humor in such damaging effects on innocent citizens.
Although many Americans still view Freeman and Moss as heroines, a sizeable faction continues to believe the 2020 election was stolen. Kinzinger called this 'twisted logic'. He concluded the discussion by addressing Giuliani’s legacy, suggesting that the man who was once a beloved figure may eventually be remembered as a trouble-maker and instigator in American politics. However, the Congressman left a window open for redemption if Giuliani chooses to tell the truth.