Face the Nation

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who is seeking reelection this year, said Sunday on "Face the Nation" that officials must "lead by example" as campaign rhetoric grows increasingly heated nationwide. He referenced the 2025 arson attack on the governor's residence, which occurred after he and his family held a Passover Seder there, saying threats against him and his family have increased since then based on his religion. Shapiro said the hostility "weighs on" him but hasn't deterred him from running again. He criticized rhetoric in races like Michigan's closely watched Senate contest as "dangerous" and "hateful," urging a return to decency in politics.

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) defended President Trump's decision to meet with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, calling Rodríguez a "necessary evil" while the country awaits free and fair elections. Speaking on CBS News's "Face the Nation," Salazar said Trump has created a "new blueprint" for dealing with dictators and predicted a transition toward democracy in Venezuela.

Rodríguez, formerly Venezuela's vice president, became interim leader after a U.S. military operation captured President Nicolás Maduro in January on drug trafficking charges. She has criticized Trump over Maduro's capture but has cultivated an oil-export relationship with Washington, and Trump has praised her willingness to "make Venezuela great again." The administration removed her from a sanctions list in April. Salazar has also pressed the administration to distinguish political exiles from criminal deportation targets, citing the case of detained journalist Luis Galeano. Salazar faces Democrat Eliott Rodriguez in Florida's 27th District this cycle.

A new Detroit News/WDIV-TV poll of 600 likely Michigan voters, conducted by the Glengariff Group Aug. 31-Sept. 3, found only 29% approve of President Trump's 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods, including cement, wine, dairy and hockey sticks, while 64% disapprove. Opposition was strong among Democrats (93%) and independents (73%), with even a quarter of Republicans disapproving. About 62% said the tariffs hurt Michigan's economy, and 72% expect higher prices. Trump's approval among Michigan voters fell to 35%, the lowest recorded in either of his terms by this pollster.

The findings carry political weight ahead of November elections, with Republicans like Rep. Tom Barrett and Senate nominee Mike Rogers treading carefully—criticizing aspects of the trade dispute while avoiding direct attacks on Trump—as Democrats including Sen. Elissa Slotkin and gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson use the tariffs' costs to attack GOP opponents. Business groups and voters interviewed cited rising consumer costs and strain on Michigan's auto, dairy, agriculture and tourism sectors tied to trade with Canada.

Rep. John James (R-Mich.), a candidate for Michigan governor, said on CBS News's "Face the Nation" that his state's upcoming elections are "ground zero for this republic," framing the race as a fight against socialism with national stakes. James argued that if Democrats prevail in Michigan, similar politics would spread nationwide.

James criticized Michigan Democrats, including Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, for past association with streamer Hasan Piker, citing Piker's 2019 remark that "America deserved 9/11" ahead of the attack's 25th anniversary. El-Sayed, who has had recent primary success as part of a progressive and democratic socialist wave within the party, recently said he has "no plans" to campaign further with Piker, joining other Democrats distancing themselves from the streamer's comments on American Jews and Israel. El-Sayed has rejected the socialist label but supports progressive priorities such as abolishing ICE and Medicare for All. The exchange highlights growing intraparty tension among Democrats over ideological direction ahead of 2026.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear reiterated Sunday on CBS News's "Face the Nation" that he has "heard absolutely nothing back" from Sen. Mitch McConnell, more than two months into the senator's absence. Beshear said he wishes McConnell good health but called the Republican-controlled Senate unaccountable, saying McConnell "absolutely refuses" to address the public directly even briefly, and faulted Senate Majority Leader John Thune for deferring to McConnell's office rather than ensuring senators have the capacity to serve.

McConnell, 84, has not cast a Senate vote since June 11 following a fall and hospitalization at his Capitol Hill home in mid-June. He later disclosed a brief loss of consciousness and pneumonia, moved to a rehab facility, and was discharged to recover at home on Aug. 6, with no timeline for returning to work. His office says he has no fractures, concussion, heart attack, or stroke and continues physical therapy while engaging on Senate business. Some Senate Republicans, including Sen. Roger Marshall, have expressed confidence McConnell will return before his term ends; he is not seeking reelection. The Senate returns from recess Sept. 14.