Transcript: Rep. Seth Moulton on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026

On August 23, 2026, Rep. Seth Moulton, a Democrat from Massachusetts, appeared on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan to discuss his primary challenge against incumbent Senator Ed Markey. Moulton, who has been advocating for generational change within the Democratic Party, acknowledged that Markey and he share many policy positions, but emphasized the need for fresh perspectives in light of ongoing changes in the world.

Moulton pointed out that Markey, who has been in Washington for 50 years, still struggles with modern technology, as evidenced by his confusion regarding different phone apps and his attempt to downplay AI advancements. Moulton argued that it is time for new leaders who can adapt to the changing times and provide fresh ideas, rather than perpetuating the same campaign strategies and policies.

The congressman also touched on his past efforts to challenge the Democratic establishment, including his unsuccessful attempt to oust Nancy Pelosi from leadership in 2016, 2018, and his criticism of President Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021. Moulton emphasized that his position is genuine and represents the desires of many Democrats in Massachusetts, as evidenced by a recent poll showing that more than 70% of Democrats in the state want new leadership within the Democratic Party.

Regarding the plight of Afghans left behind in the chaos of the 2021 withdrawal, Moulton highlighted his office's ongoing efforts to assist and rescue these individuals. He also criticized outgoing President Biden's immigration policies, which he believes have effectively halted Afghan immigration. Moulton outlined his plans to continue working behind the scenes to secure safety for Afghans and to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform at the policy level.

Moulton concluded by stressing the importance of securing majorities in the House and Senate, emphasizing that his efforts, including raising funds for candidates through his Serve America initiative, are crucial for achieving this goal.