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Meet the US Marine veteran fighting a new battle to save America’s soul
Former US Marine officer Rye Barcott is trying to reduce partisan division in Washington by helping veterans from both parties run for Congress. Through his organisation, With Honor, he argues that leaders need to work across party lines to tackle major challenges and protect American democracy.
Barcott also backs stronger US support for Ukraine, saying he believes Ukrainians can prevail against Russia. With Honor brings Republican and Democratic leaders to Ukraine to witness the effects of modern weapons, including AI-operated systems. His new book, *Courage Can Save Us*, profiles five Republicans and five Democrats who have crossed political divides; a donor is funding hundreds of thousands of copies for schools.
In short
- Rye Barcott is helping veterans from both parties seek office.
- He calls for stronger support for Ukraine.
- His book spotlights politicians who bridge party divides.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
With political division making it harder to address shared problems, supporting veterans who can work across party lines may help rebuild trust and make Congress more effective. Giving students examples of politicians who cooperate could also show that disagreement need not prevent public service, while stronger support for Ukraine may be seen as defending a country’s sovereignty and democratic institutions.
The case against
Cross-party cooperation is valuable, but recruiting candidates through a particular organisation may still advance its own priorities and does not by itself resolve substantive disagreements or address why voters feel poorly represented. Some may also question whether a donor-funded book distributed widely in schools gives students a balanced account, and argue that greater US support for Ukraine carries costs and risks that deserve careful scrutiny.
Explained simply
The US political system is dominated by two parties, Republicans and Democrats. In Congress, lawmakers from both parties make federal laws and decide how public money is spent, but sharp disagreements can make it harder to agree on policy.
Rye Barcott is a former US Marine officer who founded With Honor, an organisation that supports veterans seeking elected office. It works with people from both parties and promotes cooperation across party lines, drawing on veterans’ experience of serving alongside people with different views.
The war in Ukraine began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, and US support for Ukraine has become a debated issue in Washington. Barcott’s work links that debate with a broader question: how leaders with opposing political views can work together on challenges facing the country.