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O'Donnell: "No Man Behind" Phrase Outdated for Women in Combat

4/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell criticized War Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of 'we leave no man behind,' calling it outdated.
During a segment on The Last Word, O'Donnell argued military language now includes women in combat.
He cited World War II and the Vietnam War to illustrate a rhetoric-reality gap.
O'Donnell said modern rescue missions differ from past conflicts, so the phrase should reflect current service members.

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Story summary

MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell criticized War Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of 'we leave no man behind,' calling it outdated.
During a segment on The Last Word, O'Donnell argued military language now includes women in combat.
He cited World War II and the Vietnam War to illustrate a rhetoric-reality gap.
O'Donnell said modern rescue missions differ from past conflicts, so the phrase should reflect current service members.