The Elitist Media don’t often pass up on an opportunity to convey their disappointment in the American people, which is part of what makes them the Elitist Media. Memorial Day is no different, as CBS’s Margaret Brennan closes out an interview of two Medal of Honor recipients by trying to get them to bash America.
But our heroes rebuff this weak enticement, and instead offer a glimpse of the kind of character our nation needs to see more of:
WATCH: CBS's Margaret Brennan tries to goad two Medal of Honor recipients into bashing America, gets rebuffed
— Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) May 24, 2026
MARGARET BRENNAN: And before I let you go, we are coming up on this 250th anniversary of the American experience. I know I can't ask you a question like, are you… pic.twitter.com/X24S8YWmmc
MARGARET BRENNAN: And before I let you go, we are coming up on this 250th anniversary of the American experience. I know I can't ask you a question like, are you optimistic? There's no way that two Medal of Honor winners could say they're not optimistic. So what specifically makes you optimistic? Because this country, at times, can feel dark, these days, there's a lot of darkness. What makes you feel optimistic?
WILL SWENSON: Well, ultimately, because we're in Washington, D.C., and everything revolves around politics, we have to remember that politics aren't everything. American lives continue on. Children are born, children go to school. Lives are achieved. Dreams are achieved. This country is a great place. It's not politics. It's not just what's the news bites coming off of media. Ultimately, we continue forward as a country, continually imperfect, continually evolving forward, always trying to achieve a more perfect union. That's what's important to remember, what we can achieve aspirationally. No other place in history, time or on this planet have ever gotten to where we are today. We need to be proud of that, and we need to remember that is what we stay focused on, what we can be.
BRENNAN: What we can be, and the promise of it. What makes you optimistic?
MATT WILLIAMS: You know, I agree with Will. I think, you know, it's- it's so important to remember who we are as a country, and take an opportunity to celebrate that, and think about all the- the challenges that we've overcome, how far we've actually come. You know, I think if you- if you frame it that way, you think very deeply about our trials and tribulations from beginning to today, we've made tremendous strides. Our country is, you know, we're a super- global superpower. Our economy is doing well. All those things are great. And- and take politics aside out of this whole conversation. Just talk about our communities, that- that we live in, and the people that you surround yourself with, and your families, and the opportunity to be free and, you know, choose what school you go to, and where you want to live and do what you want to do, and what career path you go down or don't if you want to, you know, I mean, there's so much to be positive about. And I think the opportunity to celebrate America's 250th birthday, you know, over the course of this next year is- is amazing. There's so many great places to visit. You know, the National Mall is going to be full of Americana. And what we're going to- celebrating ourselves, which I think we should take the time to do. I think it's very important. You know, across the country, you know something we're very passionate about at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, is- is a- is a phenomenal beacon that stands to- to talk about and house our, not only our story, the story of the Medal, and what the Medal represents itself. And I would challenge people to go there and celebrate our history as well. You know, it's so important. There's so many great things to go do and great things to visit and don't just take part in it, because it's something to do on a weekend, right? Think about why you're doing it, and when you're there in the crowds and you're- you're enjoying yourself, and you're taking your family to go talk about our country and celebrate our country, actually celebrate it. Be grateful for what you've got and the opportunity that was provided for you. If you do that, I don't see how you can't be optimistic about our future.
BRENNAN: Well, thank you. Thank you both, and thank you for your service.
WILLIAMS: Thank you.
BRENNAN: We'll be back.
“Politics aren’t everything,” isn’t that the truth. Much-needed perspective from Lt. Colonel (RET) Will Swenson, who instead appealed to the greatness of our country. Swenson gave a powerful reminder that, warts and all, America is the greatest country in the world.
Command Sergeant Major (RET) Matthew Williams offered an equally eloquent response, reinforcing the idea of America as a land of opportunity and freedom. Likewise, Williams made a call to celebrate our nation’s history.
America has always seen her fair share of turbulence, going back to the Founding. And at each and every stage of our history, there have been heroes that have stepped up above and beyond the call of duty. Some, as noted by President Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg, giving “their last full measure of devotion” to the defense and preservation of our fundamental freedoms.
Brennan’s evocation of dark times fails to take this into account, which is why it was so dissonant. Our patriots were right to shut it down.
