Her works inspires us to bridge our differences and recognize the gravity of our collective existence. Her pieces have changed the landscape of the country and influenced the dialogue of our society. Never more profoundly than her tribute to the americans who fell in vietnam by cutting a wound into the earth to create a sacred place of healing in our nations capital. [ applause ] Lorne Michaels. [ applause ] one of the most transformative entertainment figures of our time, Lorne Michaels followed his dreams to new york city to create a sketch show that brought satire, whit and comedy to homes around the world. As executive producer, saturday night live has entertained audiences across generations, reflecting and shaping critical elements of our culture, political and national life. Lorne michaels creative legacy stretches into late night televisions, sitcom and the big screen challenging us to laugh. As one of his shows signature characters would say, well, isnt that special. [ applause ] newton minow. Newt minow. As a soldier, counselor to illinois and chancellor to the supreme court, he has been deeply committed to his family, the law and the american people, his dedication to serving and empowering the public is reflected in his efforts to ensure the broadcast media educates and provides opportunity for all. Challenging the media to better serve their viewers, his staunch commitment to the power by ideas and information has transformered telecommunications and its influential role in our society. [ applause ] dr. Eduardo j. Padron. [ applause ] as a teenager refugee from cuba, Eduardo Padron came to the United States to pursue the american dream, and he has spent his life making that dream real for others. As president of the Community College he once attended, his thoughtful leadership and commitment to education have transformed Miamidade College into one of the premier learning institutions in the country, earning him praise around the world. His personal story and lasting professional influence prove that success need not be determined by our background but but our dedication to others, our passion for creating america is as inclusive as it is prosperous. [ applause ] Robert Redford. [ applause ] Robert Redford has captivated audiences from both sides of the camera through entertaining Motion Pictures that often explored vital social, political and historical themes. His lifelong advocacy on behalf of preserving our environment will prove an enduring legacy as his films, as will support for independent filmmakers across america. His art and activism continue to shape our nations culture h heritage inspiring millions to laugh, cry, think and change. [ applause ] diana ross. [ applause ] a daughter a daughter of detroit. Diana ross helped create the sound of motown with her iconic voice, from the groundbreaking work with the supremes to a solo career that has spanned decades, shes influenced generations of young shaped our nations musical landscape. In addition to a grammy Lifetime Achievement award, diana ross established herself as an actor, earning an oscar nomination and a global award. With over 25 albums, unforgettable singles and Live Performances that continue to captivate audiences around the world, diana ross still reigns supreme. [ applause ] next up, vin scully. [ applause ] with a voice that transcended a sport and transformed a profession, vin scully narrated americas past time for generations of fans. Known to millions as the sound track of summer, he found the time, he found time to teach us about life and love while con chronicaling routine plays and historics. His colorful accounts reverberated through the bleachers, across the airwaves and into our homes and imaginations. Hes an american treasure and a beloved story teller. And our countrys gratitude for vin scully is as profound as his love for the game. [ applause ] bruce f. Springsteen. [ applause ] as a songwriter, a humanitarian, americas rock and roll laureate and new jerseys greatest ambassador, Bruce Springsteen is quite simply the boss. Through stories of ordinary people, from vietnam workers to steel workers, his songs capture the pain and promise of the american experience. With his legendary estreet band, Bruce Springsteen leaves everything on stage an epic, communal Live Performances that have rocked audiences for decades. With empathy and honesty, he holds up a mirror to who we are as americans chasing our dreams and as human beings trying to do the right thing. Theres a place for everyone in Bruce Springsteens america. [ applause ] cicely tyson. [ applause ] for 60 years cicely tyson has graced the screen and the stage enlightening us with her groundbreaking characters and calls to conscious, humility and hope. Her achievements as an actor, her devotion to her faith and measures for equality for all americans, specially women of color, have touched people of all generations. To sounder to the trip to bountiful, Cicely Tysons character explore the possibilities of america. [ applause ] [ cheers and applause ] so just on a personal note, part of the reason that these events are so special to me is because everybody on this stage has touched me in a very powerful, personal way. In ways that they probably couldnt imagine. Whether it was having been inspired by song or a game or a story or a film or a monument, or in the case of me being introduced to michelle, these are folks who have helped make me who i am and think about my presidency. And what also makes it special is this is america. And its useful when you think about this incredible collection of people to realize that this is what makes us the greatest nation on earth. Not because of what [ applause ] not because not because of our differences, but because in our difference we find something common to share. And what a glories you thing that is. What a great gift that is to america. So, i want all of you to enjoy the wonderful reception that will be taking place afterwards. Michelle and i have to get back to work, unfortunately, but i hear the food is pretty good. And i would like all of you to give one big rousing round of applause to our 2016 honorees for the president ial medal of freedom. Give it up all right. The medal of freedom ceremony at the white house and the president goes out with a bang with some incredible individuals that really we should be thankful for no matter where you are on the political spectrum. Hello, im neil cavuto. This is your world. The dow is at 19,287 to be exact. Up 67 points on growing optimism that the country is headed for even better times here and that some of the signals were getting out of president elect trump could indicate robust activity. Its always in the details. One to watch as well is what was going on with the russell 2000. A good barometer of Smaller Company strength. That is up 11 now just since the election. Keep in mind, this is an index populated by Small Company stocks and the betting seems to be whatever happens in a Trump Administration, whether its a trade war that started, that is the cynical view out there, not necessarily everyone buys that, that these guys will benefit regardless. The dow is at the highest level it has ever been, that would be a 5 leap or so at these levels. All right, lets get a gauge of this with market watchers Brian Redbird and larry glazer. Lets begin with you, larry. What do you make of what the markets seem to be saying, at least since the election . Neil, who would have thought the dow would be at 19,000 right now making new highs after the dismal start we saw at the beginning of this year. And you can only chalk it up to optimism about progrowth economic policies. But people are hopeful of lower taxes, less regulation and Lower Health Care costs, but most importantly more growth in the economy. And that is what is getting priced into stocks. But again, although optimism is high, expectations are also getting very high at these levels right now. And we know change comes very slowly in washington. So we want to temper that expectation, recognize that as money goes from cash and bonds into stocks, recognize that, look, we start with a very High National debt to make all these changes. And we have a debt at 9 trillion in the obama administration, even a republican administration, they have a tough time passing many of the policies. So we need to be cautious at these levels. Recognize were optimistic, but it will be some time before all these things happen. What do you make of the weather, offsetting concerns about rising Interest Rates, they are rising for all the right rates for improved economic activity, but the fear is that if they keep rising, it could put a damper on u. S. Profits abroad, and all that. You know the drill and people are worried about that. Do you think that is a justifiable fear that kind of reigns on this party or what . Well, i think the only way Interest Rates are going to keep rising and rise consistently is if the economy improves. Obviously, trump has a lot of work to do. Larry said it himself, theres a decent amount of work to do, so we have to be a little bit patient. But with that being said, if we see that, if over the next three to six months, we see the right people getting into office and see them doing the right things, then i think that will keep moving the market higher as well as moving Interest Rates higher. So i think the Interest Rates will pull back in the market and be good opportunities for people to step in on the pullbacks. With that being said, i think the market will recover and keep moving higher with a higher interest rate. Brian, one of the things we have noticed is that this market has had an incredible run, even before the election. A lot of democratic friends of mine say, well, that happened under a democratic president. The dow essentially tripling a lot of other averages, soaring, that will be a hard act for donald trump to top. Even though it leads to much of the activity the last couple of weeks, it could in large part be because of Donald Trumps election, but what do you make of this being hard to keep going, just by the sheer force. Well, you know, i think there is clearly something new going on here. This isnt this isnt just something that donald trump inherited. The market is looking at what hes saying. And by the way, the important thing here to notice is hes staying on message. Every time he talks, hes talking about growth. Hes talking about taxes. Energy, finances, he is talking about regulatory reform. This is what is so important. If he stays on message, this can continue. If he gets off message, if he starts talking about trade issues that the markets are worried about, big tariffs, youll see problems. But he can keep this going if he stays on message. All right. Larry, one of the things about trade, is its small stocks that benefit in that environment. Because they dont get caught up in the trade. They dont get caught up in all of this stuff, so they have been overlooked. Maybe not so much now, what do you think . Well, were really talking about larry, i keep forgetting there are two, i apologize. Profound change is what were talking about. We see the leadership of the small market being small capped, that is an optimistic sign. This is looking like the Small Business president. Those are the businesses that have been left behind in this economy by the last several administrations. So were so excited to see the leadership coming out of mainstream. Money spent in retail and not on wall street. Thats a big deal. And International Challenges affect big companies, not necessarily small companies, to do their business here. And growth comes from within. If a consumer does well, that is twothirds of the u. S. Economy. That is why Small Businesses are doing so well right now. Larry, there is a focus on the cabinet, too, of who donald trump surrounds himself with. We have ben carson who could play a role in that. How important is that to you . Its pretty important. Obviously, we want to see larry said it himself, we have a situation where we finally have a Small Business president. If you talk about any entrepreneurs over the last eight years, nobody would tell you they were happy with what the cabinet was doing, with what the president was doing, you couldnt find an spre entrepren happy. So we are excited with donald trump to see a real situation where its going to be good for the Small Business. And if he picks the right cabinet, that will make entrepreneurs out there and Small Business owners even want to take more risk as its going in the right direction. Guys, thank you very much. We will bring you uptodate on this. Of course, the dow is at 19,000, the first time we have ever been there. We are also getting word that donald trump has already left the trump tower en route to florida. Hes going to spend his thanksgiving break there. And im always selfish about these things because my immediate thought is, hes only left trump tower now. What they do is close off avenue streets, the entire lincoln tunnel to traffic, no one can access that. And im looking at a sevenhour commute getting home. I live seven miles away. Thats just me. Karl mcshane is at the trump tower. We are awaiting more cabinet announcements. Reporter that could be, neil. I think hes going east, he could be going to la quaaguardi. I only care about you. The latebreaking story from the wall street journal this afternoon, neil, is that the president elect is leaning in their reporting towards asking mitt romney to be his secretary of state. Again, the report in the wall street journal is one we have not independent confirmed, but thats adding to a day already quite dramatic. Earlier today mr. Trump left her at trump tower to head a few blocks west to the headquarters of the New York Times for a meeting there, one that he tweeted earlier in the morning had been called off and canceled. It was not and happened. Among the topics discussed we are told, potential conflicts of interest for mr. Trump with his business hes run for so many years. And his new job, soon to be president of the United States. Maggie haggerman, one of the reporters of the times tweeted out a quote from donald trump saying, the law is totally on my side. The president cant have a conflict of interest. That was a tweet from trump or quote from trump. He said later in that meeting that he still plans to hand over his business to his children, as hes said all along. Now, finally neil, to wrap up, there were important meetings here at trump tower. The Vice President elect mike pence was here, the former mayor of new york, Rudy Giuliani was here. And he talked to ben carson. His meeting was the most newsworthy of the day because mr. Trump said he was considering dr. Carson to be the secretary of house and urban development. Back to you. Dr. Ben carson is joining me now. He poopooed trying to join the donald trump cabinet, but as much as he tries to separate himself, he keeps getting reeled back in. They are interested in having you as the hud secretary. Would you be interested in that . Well, you know, our inner cities are in terrible shape. And they definitely need some real attention. You know, there have been so many promises made over the last several decades, and nothing has been done. So it certainly is something that has been a longterm interest of mine. And ill be thinking and praying about it seriously over the has it been altered, sir . We have had offers, yes. And is it the hud position . I would say that was one of the offers that is on the table. What would steer you to take the job for which a lot of folks say, hey, you have these ample medical degrees and one of the nations top neurosurgeons. What do you know about doing this . I know that i grew up in the inner city. And have spent a lot of time there. And have dealt with a lot of patients from that area. And recognize that we cannot have a strong nation if we have weak inner cities. And we have to get beyond the promises and start really doing something. And also, you know, the amount of corruption and graph and things that have shell games that are played, we have to get rid of all that stuff and need to start operating things in an efficient and effective way. After what you make of the talk that mitt romney could be joining you in that cabinet, if that was the case . Well, it shows that president elect trump is perhaps not as thinskinned as many think he is. Hes had very substantial talks with mitt romney sure he would o do anything of substance if he didnt believe we are told the team has a different view, though. They have long memories, too, and remember what mr. Romney said about him, and that there is still a lot of bad blood there, but if its true, the president elect doesnt seem to matter as his own team of rivals come. He does tend to make good choices. When you look at his businesses around the world, you know, he doesnt micromanage them, but he manages to pick people who do a very good job of managing. Do you agree with him about, that is, the president elect and what hes said about the media, apparently he was letting folks know at the New York Times when he was there today how much he was bothered by what he interpreted to be biased reporting. Said the same to media executives yesterday, how do you think that will go in the Trump Administration with the press . Do you bypass the press . I dont think you bypass the press. I think you face the issue. Its a problem. The press is the only Business Prot