Transcript: Rye Barcott on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” June 7, 2026
Transcript: Rye Barcott on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” June 7, 2026
Transcript – The following is the complete transcript of an interview with Rye Barcott, a Marine veteran and founder of With Honor, a group dedicated to supporting military veterans and other public servants in their political careers. A portion of this conversation aired on June 7, 2026, as part of the “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” program. The interview was recorded on June 5, 2026, and delves into Barcott’s mission to highlight courage in leadership and inspire the next generation of civic engagement.
Interview Highlights
Barcott, who co-founded With Honor alongside the late David Gergen and a fellow Marine from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, spoke about the organization’s role in fostering a culture of integrity and cross-partisan cooperation. Over the past eight years, With Honor has contributed to the election of more than 100 individuals, with 50 currently holding positions in Congress. The organization emphasizes the importance of service, civility, and courage as guiding principles for public officials.
“MARGARET BRENNAN: Today, we’re joined by Rye Barcott, a Marine veteran and founder of With Honor, an initiative that empowers military veterans and others committed to public service. In the last eight years, your group has supported the election of over 100 individuals, with 50 now serving in Congress. What inspired you to compile this group of ten profiles in your new book?”
Barcott explained that his book, Courage Can Save Us: Ten Extraordinary Americans and the Fight for Our Future, features five Democrats and five Republicans, each with a background in military service or FBI experience. The selection process aimed to spotlight individuals who have demonstrated courage during challenging times, both on the battlefield and in political office.
“RYE BARCOTT: The idea for the book came from my work with With Honor. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many veterans and public servants who embody the values of service and integrity. I chose ten individuals who were in office during some of the most difficult periods for the country, and I wanted to explore where their courage originated. It’s not just about their actions in the military, but also their decisions in politics—like standing up for principles even when it’s unpopular.”
Barcott emphasized that courage can manifest in different forms, from physical bravery in combat to moral conviction in governance. He framed the book as a tool to connect with younger audiences, particularly students, who may feel disconnected from the political system.
“MARGARET BRENNAN: You’re clearly focused on inspiring younger generations, especially given the current climate of distrust in government. Pew Research reports that only 17% of Americans trust Washington to do what’s right most of the time. How do you reach a generation that seems disillusioned with the system?”
Barcott responded by highlighting the unifying power of military service. He noted that the military provides a shared sense of purpose, transcending differences in race, gender, and socioeconomic background. “For many young people, the feeling of isolation and lack of direction is common,” he said. “Military service offers a mission that’s bigger than oneself, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. That’s one of the key messages I wanted to convey in the book—showing how service can bridge divides and redefine what it means to lead with courage.”
Public Service as a Path to Courage
The conversation also touched on the broader implications of veterans’ trust in government. Barcott pointed out that veterans, along with nurses, are among the most trusted groups in the U.S., often spanning political ideologies. This trust, he argued, stems from their service mentality—a quality he believes is vital for maintaining a functional democracy.
“MARGARET BRENNAN: You mentioned the unique trust veterans hold. How does that relate to the ‘warrior ethos’ often discussed in the Pentagon?”
Barcott challenged the narrow interpretation of warrior ethos, which he said often focuses on physical attributes like lethality. “The military is a reflection of America itself,” he asserted. “It’s a melting pot of people from all walks of life. The true essence of the warrior ethos lies in the commitment to service, not just the ability to fight. That’s why veterans’ trust in government is so high—they’re often seen as the embodiment of integrity and sacrifice.”
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration in governance. “The current political climate is polarized, but I believe the military teaches us the value of working across party lines. These ten individuals in the book exemplify that—each made tough choices that required courage, whether in defending national interests or advocating for policies that benefit the greater good.”
Engaging the Next Generation
Barcott’s efforts to inspire youth include a partnership with Gallup to measure public perception of veterans. The organization’s work is funded in part by proceeds from his book, which he described as a resource for educators and students. “I wrote this book with the hope of making courage more tangible,” he said. “It’s not just an abstract concept—it’s something that can be studied, understood, and emulated.”
“MARGARET BRENNAN: How do you think students can apply these lessons in their own lives?”
Barcott suggested that courage is a mindset, not just an action. “Students need to see that serving others is a meaningful way to contribute to society. Whether it’s through voting, community involvement, or even small acts of integrity, they can become agents of change. The book aims to provide a blueprint for that journey.”
He also addressed the challenges of engaging a generation that feels the system is broken. “Many young people are anxious about their futures, but they’re still capable of driving progress. What they need is a sense of hope and a clear path to making their voices heard. Veterans and public servants like those in the book show that it’s possible to rebuild trust and lead with purpose.”
Conclusion
Barcott’s insights underscore the enduring relevance of military values in modern politics. As the interview concluded, he reiterated his vision for a future where courage is not just celebrated but cultivated. “The mission of With Honor and my book is to remind people that service is a powerful force,” he said. “When we prioritize courage in leadership, we create a more united and resilient nation.”
With Honor continues its work, bridging the gap between military experience and public service. As the country faces new challenges, Barcott’s message remains clear: the spirit of courage, both in the field and in the halls of power, is essential for shaping a better future. The organization’s efforts, combined with initiatives like his book, aim to ensure that this legacy endures and inspires generations to come.