Truth Over Party: Why One GOP Congressman Still Supports Ukraine

04/07/25 • 35 min

Moral clarity in foreign policy is increasingly rare in today's political landscape, which makes my conversation with Congressman Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) so refreshing. A self-described "Reagan Republican" and retired Air Force brigadier general, Bacon stands firmly in support of Ukraine against Russian aggression, even when this position puts him at odds with many in his own party.
Congressman Bacon brings unique credentials to foreign policy debates, with nearly 30 years of military service that included postings throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. He argues passionately that Ukraine represents a clear case of "right versus wrong, an invader versus a victim," and warns that abandoning Ukraine would have catastrophic consequences for global stability.
We dive deep into why some politicians remain silent on these issues, with Bacon suggesting we've entered a "post-truth America" where winning political battles takes precedence over doing what's right. The toxic social media environment creates an atmosphere of intimidation that silences many who might otherwise speak out. He shares candid stories of facing attack ads and organized resistance at town halls simply for trying to have honest conversations about complex issues.
The stakes couldn't be higher, according to Bacon. If Russia prevails, the entire rules-based international order could collapse, with China watching closely as it considers its own plans for Taiwan. "I'd rather prevent a war than have to get into one," he explains, advocating for immediate defensive support to deter future aggression from authoritarian regimes.
Whether you agree with his politics or not, Congressman Bacon's willingness to stand on principle rather than partisan loyalty provides a powerful reminder that moral courage still exists in American politics. Listen now to hear from a representative who believes character and truth still matter in public service.

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Previous Episode

From Spy to Whistleblower: John Kiriakou's Journey Inside the CIA's Torture Program

John Kiriakou, former CIA intelligence officer turned whistleblower, takes us deep inside the world of American intelligence operations and the moral dilemmas faced by those tasked with protecting national security. His decision to expose the CIA's torture program highlights the personal and professional consequences when conscience collides with classified operations.
• Early passion for Middle Eastern affairs sparked by the 1979 Iran hostage crisis
• Natural talent for intelligence recruitment, securing multiple foreign assets where others struggled
• Transition from analyst to operations officer due to his people skills and extroverted personality
• CIA actively seeks individuals with "sociopathic tendencies" who can work in ethical gray areas
• Decision to blow the whistle came after President Bush suggested "rogue CIA officers" were responsible for torture
• Simple surveillance techniques often prove more effective than complicated tradecraft
• Critical shortage of officers fluent in strategic languages like Chinese creates ongoing intelligence gaps
• Current CIA using artificial intelligence to predict which employees might become whistleblowers
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Next Episode

Facing Forward: Michael Fanone's Survival, Testimony, and Fight for Democracy

Former DC Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone pulls no punches in this unflinching conversation about the January 6th Capitol attack and its profound impact on his life. With remarkable candor, Fanone takes us through the harrowing moments when he was beaten by the mob, suffered a traumatic brain injury, and experienced a heart attack—all while defending the seat of American democracy from insurrectionists.
"I thought I was going to die," Fanone reveals, describing the "most significant adrenaline dump" of his life that kept him "high as fuck" for a week following the attack. What makes his story particularly compelling is how his twenty-year career as a narcotics officer prepared him for adversity but couldn't fully prepare him for the magnitude of violence he faced that day. Even more disturbing was the realization that he nearly lost his life not just over politics, but over deliberate lies spread by Donald Trump.
The conversation examines the personal cost of speaking truth to power as Fanone details the institutional betrayal he experienced when his own police department opposed his congressional testimony. He shares how the Department of Justice's stance toward him "turned on a dime" after the political winds shifted, and how he now lives with constant death threats that affect not just him but his family.
Despite these challenges, Fanone remains refreshingly authentic—a gun owner and outdoorsman living in rural Virginia with his coon hounds, who turns "into a soccer dad" at 3:30 every day to pick up his kids. He offers unique perspectives on political leadership, arguing that America desperately needs authentic voices who speak from experience rather than poll-tested talking points.
Perhaps most powerful is Fanone's warning about the current state of American democracy and his belief that ordinary citizens, not politicians, will lead the resistance against authoritarianism. "It's going to be average guys and gals like me and you," he insists, calling on Americans to prioritize defending democracy before returning to other policy disagreements.
Whether discussing Trump's pardons, the 13-block walk rioters made to reach the Capitol, or his upcoming film project with Sean Penn, Fanone combines raw emotion with sharp analysis—offering a vital perspective on one of the most consequential events in recent American history.

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