CBS News has announced the guest list for the November 1, 2026, broadcast of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." The program is scheduled to feature Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.
The upcoming broadcast precedes the 2026 midterm elections. "Face the Nation" has been a part of CBS programming since its debut on November 7, 1954.
In addition to the primary political guests, the program will feature David Becker, executive director and co-founder of the Center for Election Innovation & Research. Anthony Salvanto, the CBS News executive director of elections and surveys, is scheduled to provide a preview of the upcoming Election Day. The broadcast airs at 10:30 a.m. ET on CBS and begins streaming at 12:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBSNews.com.
Interviews on the program provide a platform for officials to discuss policy and administration. The inclusion of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent follows recent reports that the U.S. national debt reached $40 trillion as of August 2026, amid persistent inflation and market uncertainty. The presence of Senator Bernie Sanders and Governor Josh Shapiro allows viewers to hear from elected representatives on national issues just before the midterm elections.
The broadcast features a focus on election integrity and polling data intended to provide clarity on the upcoming midterm contests. These discussions serve as a precursor to the 2026 midterm elections. Candidates such as Florida Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon and Republican Representative Don Bacon have appeared on the program in recent months to discuss their platforms. Following the November 1 broadcast, the next milestone is Election Day, with polling analysis expected to influence the public's understanding of the legislative balance in the House and Senate.