Margaret Brennan hosts Face the Nation with Cassidy on Blanche confirmation

Margaret Brennan hosts Face the Nation this week with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who discusses his pivotal vote that secured Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general. Cassidy announced his support for Blanche on Friday, August 7, clearing the way for the Senate to confirm Trump’s former personal lawyer to lead the Justice Department.

Blanche was confirmed early Saturday morning in a narrow 50-49 vote. Cassidy’s backing proved decisive—with only two Republicans, Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joining all Democrats in opposition, the Louisiana senator’s yes vote provided the margin Blanche needed.

A television studio set with a moderator at a desk, facing an empty guest chair, soft studio lighting, professional news broadcast aesthetic

The confirmation capped one of the most contentious cabinet fights of Trump’s second term. Blanche had faced significant uncertainty in the Senate, with his nomination drawing criticism from both sides of the aisle. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced his nomination on August 4 by a vote of 12-10 along party lines, but his path to confirmation remained unclear until Cassidy’s public announcement on the Senate floor.

Cassidy’s appearance on Face the Nation comes as the Senate prepares for a five-week August recess. The timing underscores the urgency with which Republicans moved to secure Blanche’s confirmation before the chamber’s departure. The episode features other guests as well, including NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and independent Senator Bernie Sanders.

The U.S. Capitol building exterior in daylight, Senate chamber doors visible, American flags flying, solemn government architecture

Brennan, who serves as CBS News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent, has moderated Face the Nation since 2018. The weekly program airs Sunday mornings and features interviews with newsmakers, policy experts, and elected officials on the major political issues of the day. This episode marks Brennan’s continued focus on high-stakes confirmation battles and the Senate’s role in shaping the Trump administration.

Sources

CBS News — Face the Nation episode listing and guest confirmation for August 9, 2026
NBC News — Reporting on Cassidy’s support for Blanche and the confirmation vote
Reuters — Senate confirmation vote details (50-49) and Republican senator breakdown
PBS NewsHour — Cassidy’s announcement and path to confirmation
NPR — Todd Blanche confirmation details and Senate timeline
Washington Post — Analysis of the narrow confirmation and Cassidy’s decisive role