Episode Overview

In the O'Reilly Update Morning Edition for February 19, 2026, host Bill O’Reilly offers his signature “no spin” analysis on the ongoing U.S. versus Canada rivalry, both on and off the Olympic ice. While focusing on the women’s hockey gold medal clash between the U.S. and Canada, O’Reilly dives into the deeper political and cultural divides fueling the competition, touches on current U.S.-Canada relations, and closes with characteristic wit.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S.-Canada Women’s Ice Hockey Rivalry

• O’Reilly highlights the significance of the Olympic gold medal match between the U.S. and Canadian women’s hockey teams.
  • [00:06] “The U.S. women's Ice Hockey team is playing Canada for the Olympic gold medal. The American ladies are a better team and most likely will prevail.”
• He acknowledges the longstanding and intense sports rivalry between the two countries.

2. The Political Undercurrents of the Rivalry

• The rivalry carries “partially political” undertones that extend beyond the rink:
  • [00:22] “The rivalry, however, is partially political, as it will be for the men's final, probably featuring Canada and the USA.”
• O’Reilly reflects on broader cultural differences:
  • [00:25] “America and its neighbor to the north are far apart culturally. And it's downright strange.”

3. Cultural and Political Differences Between the U.S. and Canada

• O’Reilly asserts that Canada has become more secular and “woke,” especially in big cities, with western provinces holding more conservative values:
  • [00:32] “Canada has evolved into a secular country that has accepted woke—not every province. The ones in the west are more conservative, but the big cities certainly are liberal.”
• He references Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a product of Canada’s liberal culture:
  • [00:39] “You couldn't elect a guy like Justin Trudeau if that were not the case.”

4. U.S.-Canada Relations: Trade, Defense, and Tension

• O’Reilly discusses former President Trump’s stance on Canada:
  • [00:43] “President Trump believes Canada has taken advantage of the USA in trade as well as defense, and there is some truth to that.”
• Relations are currently strained:
  • [00:48] “So relations between the two countries are at an all time low. In fact, Canadian travel to the States is down 25%. Not good, eh?”

5. Humor and Closing Thoughts

• Injecting humor, O’Reilly jokes about Wayne Gretzky becoming Canada’s Prime Minister:
  • [00:54] “Mr. Trump would like hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to be the prime minister, but that's not going to happen. Mr. Gretzky is too smart to enter that political arena. Pucks, sure. Schmucks. No.”
• He expresses hope for improved relations after the Olympics:
  • [01:03] “I always have a great time when I visit Canada and I anticipate the thaw will melt, but not until the Olympics is over.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[The] American ladies are a better team and most likely will prevail.” – Bill O’Reilly, [00:08]
• “America and its neighbor to the north are far apart culturally. And it's downright strange.” – Bill O’Reilly, [00:25]
• “Mr. Gretzky is too smart to enter that political arena. Pucks, sure. Schmucks. No.” – Bill O’Reilly, [00:57]
• “I always have a great time when I visit Canada and I anticipate the thaw will melt, but not until the Olympics is over.” – Bill O’Reilly, [01:03]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:06] – U.S. vs. Canada Women’s Hockey gold medal matchup preview
• [00:22] – Political undertones in the U.S.-Canada sports rivalry
• [00:32] – Canada’s cultural evolution and political leanings
• [00:43] – U.S.-Canada trade and defense tensions under Trump
• [00:54] – Wayne Gretzky and political humor
• [01:03] – O’Reilly’s personal take on Canadian relations and outlook post-Olympics

Overall Tone and Style

O’Reilly’s analysis is direct and laced with his trademark dry humor. He blends sports commentary with sharp political and cultural insights, giving listeners both context and a few laughs. The episode leans into current geopolitical tensions while ending on a hopeful, conciliatory note—reflecting O’Reilly’s “always looking out for you” approach.