O'Reilly Update Morning Edition, August 26, 2025 - Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis

Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis
Episode: O'Reilly Update Morning Edition, August 26, 2025
Host: Mike Slater (guest host for Bill O’Reilly)
Date: August 26, 2025

Episode Overview

Guest host Mike Slater steps in for Bill O'Reilly to discuss the significance of the American flag in light of a new executive order. The episode centers around the story of William Harvey Carney, a Civil War hero whose actions personify respect for the flag and the nation. Slater reflects on patriotism, sacrifice, and the meaning of American symbols at a moment of heightened political and cultural debate over flag desecration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Presidential Executive Order on Flag Desecration

Slater opens by referencing a significant policy move from the President:
"The president yesterday signed an executive order that says you can't burn the flag... this administration will prosecute anyone who incites violence or otherwise violates our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority." [01:02]
The announcement comes amidst national conversations about patriotism, protest, and legal rights.

2. The Story of William Harvey Carney

Slater introduces Carney as “the ultimate flag story” and describes his acts of heroism:
- Carney was a Black American soldier, born into slavery.
- Served in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, a prominent Union regiment.
- During the Battle of Fort Wagner in Charleston, SC, the color guard (flag bearer) was killed, and the flag fell during a chaotic retreat.
- Carney risked his life, suffering multiple gunshot wounds (right arm, right leg, chest, and nearly struck in the head), to retrieve the flag.
- Despite severe injuries, he managed to save the flag and bring it back safely.
Memorable quotes:
- “William went back into the battlefield to go get the flag… he was shot in his right arm, his right leg, his chest and a bullet whizzed by his head. But he got the flag.” [02:00]
- Upon returning: “Bleeding and barely able to move, he handed the flag over to his men and he said, ‘Boys, I only did my duty. The old flag never touched the ground.’” [02:39]
- Emphasis: Carney's heroism is a lens through which to reflect on contemporary symbolism and policy.

3. Reflection on Patriotism and Legacy

Carney’s actions are framed as a testament to the values embodied by the flag and the sacrifices made for the country.
Slater underscores that Carney had been born a slave—heightening the impact of his loyalty and courage:
- “Forgot to mention that William was born a slave.” [02:50]

Notable Quotes & Moments

On the New Executive Order:
“The president yesterday signed an executive order that says you can’t burn the flag.” [01:02]
William Carney’s Heroism:
“But William went back into the battlefield to go get the flag… he was shot in his right arm, his right leg, his chest and a bullet whizzed by his head. But he got the flag.” [02:00]
Carney’s Enduring Statement:
“Boys, I only did my duty. The old flag never touched the ground.” [02:39]

Timestamps

[01:02] — Announcement of executive order against flag desecration
[01:37] — Introduction to the story of William Harvey Carney
[01:53–02:39] — Carney’s bravery and his famous words
[02:50] — Emphasis on Carney’s background as a former slave

Conclusion

Mike Slater, substituting for Bill O’Reilly, uses the day’s news—a presidential executive order protecting the flag—to spotlight the story of William Harvey Carney. The narrative interweaves national policy, historical heroism, and the ongoing meaning of American symbols, offering a stirring call to reflect on the sacrifices made for the nation and the deeper values behind patriotic acts.

Transcript

A (0:01)

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations. Foreign I'm Mike Slater filling in for Bill O'Reilly. Stand by for the O'Reilly Update Morning Edition. I'm Mike Slider filling in for Bill O'Reilly. On this Tuesday, August 26th, I want to tell the story of William Harvey Carney. Why do we need to know the story of this gentleman? Because the president yesterday signed an executive order that says you can't burn the flag. The executive order says specifically that this administration will prosecute anyone who incites violence or otherwise violates our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority. When I'm thinking about the ultimate flag story, and there's so many good ones to share, but the story of William Harvey Carney jumps to the forefront. He was an American soldier during the Civil War. He was part of an assault on the battle of Fort Wagner. He was on the Union side. This was In Charleston, South Carolina. He was a member of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. In the battle, the color guard was killed. This was the person in charge of carrying the American flag. It was important for troop movements and also, of course, morale. So this color guard was killed and the Union side retreated under heavy fire. But William went back into the battlefield to go get the flag. And in his mission to go get the flag, he was shot in his right arm, his right leg, his chest and and a bullet whizzed by his head. But he got the flag. He somehow made it back to safety and bleeding and barely able to move. He handed the flag over to his men and he said, boys, I only did my duty. The old flag never touched the ground. Forgot to mention that William was born a slave. We'll be right back. Let's face it, the US Economy is under stress, national debt rising, trade war shaking the markets. And meanwhile, China is dumping the dollar and stockpiling gold. That's why I protected my savings with physical gold and silver. Theroux, the only dealer I trust, American Hartford Gold. And you can do this, get precious metals delivered to your door or place in a tax advantage. Gold, Iraq, they'll even help you roll over your existing IRA or 401k tax and penalty free with billions in precious metals delivered thousands of five star reviews and an A from the Better Business Bureau. You can trust American Hartford Gold as I do. Please call 866-326-5576 or text Bill to 998-899. Again, that's 866-326-5576, or text Bill to 998-899. This is Mike Slater from Politics by Faith filling in for the great Bill O'Reilly. More analysis later on today.