Ep. 12 - Rep. Don Bacon

In this special edition of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance and Lynn Schmidt are joined by Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), retired Air Force Brigadier General and one of Congress’s leading bipartisan voices, along with Courage Can Save Us author and With Honor CEO Rye Barcott and Bacon’s longtime Chief of Staff Mark Dreiling. They discuss the role courage has played throughout Bacon’s life and career, how military service shaped his approach to leadership, the political cost of putting principle ahead of party, and why relationships, civility, and bipartisanship still matter in Congress. chris-lynn-mark-3.txtThe conversation also explores what it means to be a “legacy Republican,” the future of traditional Republican principles, America’s role in the world, and what the next generation can learn from leaders willing to stand against political pressure. Then, Bacon answers the question many within Our Republican Legacy have been asking: Would he consider running for President in 2028? He discusses what he believes the country needs from its next president and his desire to help build a Republican Party grounded in decency, free enterprise, peace through strength, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional leadership.Chapters0:00 Introduction and guest overview4:00 Personal reflections and the story behind the book6:37 Military service shaping congressional approach7:58 Service before self in modern politics9:38 Respect for election results and political integrity10:41 Dealing with social-media pressure and public backlash12:59 Trust and relationships across party lines14:46 The bipartisan veterans caucus and its significance17:22 Decisions, character, and leadership in Congress19:13 Congressman Bacon’s approach to difficult choices21:08 Principled stands and political risks23:01 Legacy Republican values and the party’s direction24:59 Civility and respect in politics27:27 Bipartisanship among congressional staff31:03 Future service and the next generation of leaders34:53 Congressman Bacon’s plans after Congress37:47 Courage in public life today41:33 Historical examples of courage42:58 What true courage looks like44:25 Closing remarks and call to actionLinksOur Republican Legacy WebsiteThe Latest ORL Media HitsORL’s Policy StatementsMake a Contribution to Our Republican LegacyDon Bacon’s WebsiteCourage Can Save UsLearn more about With Honor