Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026

The transcript of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” (Aug. 9, 2026) opens in Washington with a debate over whether a divided Democratic Party can win the fall contests for the House and Senate. Brennan also discusses the Senate’s summer adjournment and turns to Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who delayed leaving for an in-person appearance. The interview follows Friday’s one-vote confirmation of President Trump’s attorney general nominee, Todd Blanche, despite concerns about alleged politicization of the Justice Department. Cassidy says he expected criticism for his vote while insisting he worked to understand the issues. Other segments reference Michigan primary dynamics, public health challenges, and NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.