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Jack Armstrong
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Michaelangelo
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Cindy Crawford
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Joe Getty
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Cindy Crawford
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Jack Armstrong
Okay, we could be here all day.
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Michaelangelo
And Joe Getty Armstrong and Getty.
Jack Armstrong
And now here's Armstrong and Getty.
Katie Green
Are moving closer.
Jack Armstrong
You believe the US Is moving closer.
Joe Getty
To striking Iranian nuclear Facilities.
Katie Green
Where's your mindset on that?
Jack Armstrong
Can't say that. Right. You don't seriously think I'm going to answer that question?
Michaelangelo
Will you strike the Iranian nuclear component and what time exactly, sir, sir, would you strike it?
Jack Armstrong
Would you please inform us so we.
Michaelangelo
Can be there and watch?
Jack Armstrong
I mean, you don't know that I'm.
Michaelangelo
Going to even do it.
Jack Armstrong
You don't know. I may do it, I may not do it.
Ted Cruz
I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.
Michaelangelo
A reasonably decent response, I think, to what do you think I'm going to tell you ahead of time and what are we doing here?
Jack Armstrong
Yeah, yeah. I mean, traditionally that was. I'm afraid I can't comment on that at this point. I liked his answer better.
Tucker Carlson
I do.
Michaelangelo
Too serious. What am I going to tell you? What do I. Yeah, y' all tell you right away so you can be there and watch. So if you follow any news, you've probably seen some clips of Ted Cruz being interviewed by Tucker Carlson. It's about two hours long. I watched the whole freaking thing. And except for a couple of spots, it wasn't hard to take in. It was combination of interesting and entertaining. Let me see how many views it's got on it so far. 7 million views on his Twitter and I know he gets multiples of that on his own website where it's actually a little easier to watch. And I think YouTube has it also. So I don't know what the. How many it'd be double digit millions. I'm sure it's over 10 million people have watched it already. So Tucker Carlson has a style of arguing with people that is designed to make you insane. And, and some of that's on display here. Let's, let's run through a little bit of Ted Cruz talking to Tucker.
Steve Bannon
The reason is twofold. Number one, as a Christian growing up in Sunday school, I was taught from the Bible, those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed. And from my perspective, I want to be on the blessing side of things.
Ted Cruz
Those who bless the government of Israel.
Steve Bannon
Those who bless Israel is what it says. It doesn't say the government of. It says the nation of Israel. So that's in the Bible. As a Christian, I believe that.
Ted Cruz
Where is that?
Steve Bannon
I can find it to you. I don't have the scripture off the tip of my. You pull out the phone and use the zone.
Ted Cruz
It's in Genesis. But so you're quoting a Bible phrase. You don't have context for it. You don't know where in the Bible it is. But that's like your theology. I'm confused. What does that even mean?
Michaelangelo
Perfect, perfect example of Tucker's incredibly unfair. So that's your worldview. You don't know. You don't know where in the Bible that is. You don't. You know which verse it is, but that's your worldview.
Jack Armstrong
No context. I thought that was fairly weak point by Ted Cruz.
Michaelangelo
Yeah, yeah, I, I agree.
Jack Armstrong
Certainly criticize that in other ways, good faith ways, but I agree.
Michaelangelo
Let's roll on with that line.
Ted Cruz
Tucker, I'm a Christian. I want to know what you're talking about.
Steve Bannon
Where does, where does my support for Israel come from? Number one. Number, because biblically we are commanded to support Israel. But number two.
Ted Cruz
Hold on, hold on. You're a senator and now you're throwing out theology. And I am a Christian. I am allowed to weigh in on this. We are commanded as Christians to support the government of Israel.
Steve Bannon
We are commanded to support Israel. And we're.
Ted Cruz
What does that mean?
Steve Bannon
We're told those who bless Israel will be blessed.
Joe Getty
But what.
Ted Cruz
Hold on. Define Israel.
Michaelangelo
This is important.
Ted Cruz
Are you kidding? This is a majority Christian country.
Steve Bannon
Define Israel. Do you not know what Israel is? That would be the country. You've asked like 49 questions about it.
Ted Cruz
So that's what Genesis. That's what God is talking about, the nation of Israel. Yes. And he's. So does that the current borders, the current leadership. He's talking about the political entity called Israel.
Steve Bannon
He's talking about the nation of Israel. Yet nations exist. And he's discussing a nation. A nation was the people of Israel is the nation. They're the descendants of Abraham.
Ted Cruz
Is that the same as the country run by Benjamin Netanyahu right now? Yes, it is.
Steve Bannon
And by the way, it's not run by Benjamin Netanyahu as a dictator. It's a democratic country that elected.
Ted Cruz
He's the prime minister.
Steve Bannon
Right, but just, just like, you know, America is the country run by Donald Trump. No, actually the American people elected Donald Trump. The same principle.
Ted Cruz
This is silly.
Michaelangelo
Plenty of unfair to go around because I don't exhausting. I don't buy Ted Cruz's. The Israel of Genesis can be transferred directly to the nation that we support, sometimes note support. Sometimes I mean, it seems like half goalie. But you did say run by Benjamin Netanyahu. And then when he says Benjamin, I didn't say it was a dictator.
Jack Armstrong
What is that? Right. He implies something unmistakably, then denies vehemently that he'd implied It. Yeah. A pox on both their houses so far.
Michaelangelo
Well, so the thing I took away mostly from it was Tucker, going back to a number of times we have drug addicts dying in the streets, so why are we giving so much money to Ukraine and Israel? And I just do not understand that.
Steve Bannon
Woke.
Michaelangelo
Right. Point of view, that they're connected in any way or that what is our obligation to drug addicts dying in the street? I. I don't know. I don't even understand that.
Jack Armstrong
Well, there are. There are multiple layers of. Of not persuasive to that. Number one, it's just a plain false choice. We can either support Ukraine or help drug addicts in the streets. It's a false choice. There are a thousand of million different programs, different priorities, different areas where waste, fraud, and abuse happen that we could free up the money if.
Tucker Carlson
If we.
Jack Armstrong
If we were motivated to. The second layer is. You're making a really good point. It's what are you gonna do? What are you. What do you. So even if I accepted your false choice, what's your plan? What are you gonna use the money for?
Michaelangelo
Yeah, we in California have thrown tens of billions of dollars at this and ended up with more drug addicts on the street.
Jack Armstrong
It just strikes me as an argument for dumb people. You want to emphasize domestic concerns over international concerns, that's fine. That's a perfectly sound argument. But then. Or a point of view. I happen to disagree with it for reasons that we've stated many times. You know, I'm reminded the old saying, you might not be interested in politics, but believe me, politics is interested in you. You might not be interested in the rest of the world, but believe me, they're interested in us and our stuff and our freedom of navigation and our trade and the rest of it and our land and our resources. And so I just.
Ted Cruz
What?
Jack Armstrong
What. So what do you suggest? Well, it's just. It's a false choice and it's silly.
Michaelangelo
We played this one earlier, but it is so freaking good. And it contains one of my favorite phrases that I'll probably use the rest of my life. They were discussing. Tucker was accusing Ted Cruz of taking money from a variety of lobby groups that lobby on behalf of Israel. And so then saying Ted Cruz is in the pocket of Israel and does their bidding and that sort of thing. That's where we are on this.
Ted Cruz
It's just interesting because what you're now describing in a very defensive way, I will say is foreign influence over our politics.
Steve Bannon
No.
Ted Cruz
And you began. And it's so transparently obvious to everybody. I don't know why you would be embarrassed of it. You've said that you are sincerely for Israel. I believe you. I don't think you have some weird agenda. You seem to. By the way.
Steve Bannon
By the way, Tucker, it's a very weird thing, the obsession with Israel when we're talking about foreign countries.
Ted Cruz
Hardly an obsession.
Steve Bannon
You're not talking about Chinese, you're not talking about Japanese, you're not talking about the British, you're not talking about the French. The question, what about the Jews? What about the Jews?
Ted Cruz
I'm an anti Semite.
Steve Bannon
Now you're asking the questions, Tucker. You're asking, why are the Jews controlling our foreign policy? That's what you just asked.
Ted Cruz
Hardly saying that. And I have.
Steve Bannon
That is exactly what you just said.
Ted Cruz
Well, actually, I can speak for myself and tell you what I am saying.
Jack Armstrong
Good.
Ted Cruz
On behalf, not simply of myself, but on my many Jewish friends who would have the same questions, which is to what extent, and it's interesting, you're trying to derail my questions by calling me an anti Semite, which you are.
Steve Bannon
I did not.
Ted Cruz
Of course you are. And rather than be honorable enough to say it right to my face, you are sitting in a squeezy, feline way, implying it or just asking questions about the Jews. I'm not asking questions about the Jews. I have. There's nothing to do with Jews or Judaism. It has to do with a foreign government.
Steve Bannon
Isn't Israel controlling our foreign policy? That's not about the Jews.
Ted Cruz
You said. I'm asking.
Steve Bannon
And by the way, you're the one that just called, I think is sleazy feline. So let me clear.
Michaelangelo
And that happens really early in the two hour discussion. So they both bring up the other person's insults regularly through the. You call. You keep calling me an anti Semite. No, I didn't. You call me a sleazy feline.
Jack Armstrong
Yeah, yeah. I feel like I'm overhearing, like a really bitter, stupid argument, like it's a food court at a mall or something. And I keep thinking, all right, I gotta, I gotta go back. I can't keep listening to this. Maybe, just maybe 30 more seconds.
Michaelangelo
There was some reason Ted Cruz was willing to engage in this for two hours, though. That's a lot to commit to an interview. And he, he had to keep saying to Tucker, look, can you be a little less condescending? Could you be a little less snarky with everything I say? You know, I wish we had some examples to, to continue to sit there well, it was usually when Tucker would just make noises, you know, like. Right. You know, that sort of stuff. Do you need to be so snarky? Yeah, I'm here. I'm willing to talk about this as long as you want and discuss the issues. But I think. I think Ted Cruz, and I mean, I'm not being crass about this, I think he actually sees the division in the Republican Party. He's probably going to run for president against J.D. vance and try to get the nomination. He finished second to Trump when he ran in 16. I mean, he was the last man standing other than Trump. I think he wants to continue to be able to reach that Tucker crowd, maybe the JD Vance crowd, while bringing along whoever else to get the nomination. That's the only reason I can think that he would put up with the snarkiness and the condensation for two hours.
Jack Armstrong
Did the. Did. Did it get to substance in a satisfying way at times? I mean, because what's frustrating to me in listening to these clips is that they will touch on an interesting point, but one or both of them, mostly Tucker, but both of them will not. They will try to score rhetorical points as opposed to saying, okay, if I hear you correctly, you're advocating this. Here's why.
Tulsi Gabbard
Where.
Jack Armstrong
Where I think you're wrong.
Michaelangelo
Well, I just.
Jack Armstrong
It's just sword play.
Michaelangelo
I am between a couple of guys. That's not cool. I went into it leaning toward Ted Cruz anyway, and I don't. I definitely don't always agree with Ted Cruz. When he first came on the scene, read from his book, thought it was fantastic. But then he got corrupted by, you know, D.C. and everything that happens, where you got to start playing the game to stay in office. And he's done all kinds of things that I hate, but I was on his side going into this interview. So it felt to me like any attempt to get to any substance always got derailed by Tucker. Tucker is the greatest at baiting you into tangents on things, and then you're arguing about the tangent.
Jack Armstrong
Right. He's like, you know, getting back to the sword fighting metaphor, and I mean that literally. He senses when you are at all a rhetorical threat to you, and that's when he employs his various trickery.
Michaelangelo
What do you mean by threat?
Jack Armstrong
If you're just using those threats.
Michaelangelo
Are you threatening me? Is that what you're doing?
Jack Armstrong
No, no. Is that what you're doing?
Michaelangelo
Well, you just said threat. Would you like to rewind the tape? And by the way, why are you being so defensive all of a sudden you've gotten very, very defensive. And I just wonder.
Jack Armstrong
I must have been working on this.
Michaelangelo
I must have hit a hot spot with you or something to be so defensive and then to threaten me.
Jack Armstrong
I know you're a graduate of the Tucker Carlson School of Bullying. That's really skillful. Well done.
Michaelangelo
I was just, I was taking all that in and thinking this would be so easy to do. And so then right there, you'd be defending yourself for the next five minutes. I didn't threaten you. You just did. I think we all heard it. We all heard you threaten me.
Jack Armstrong
Well, and not only that, I don't even remember what we were talking about.
Michaelangelo
Yes, exactly.
Jack Armstrong
Yes.
Joe Getty
Wow.
Michaelangelo
He is so good at that.
Jack Armstrong
Well done.
Michaelangelo
And then he constantly. Why are you getting so defensive? I just, I'm just. I'm curious.
Jack Armstrong
I'm just asking because you're attacking me over and over again. Duh.
Steve Bannon
Who just called me, I think a sleazy feline, right?
Michaelangelo
Oh my God. It'd be easy to do if you want to make enemies for life. It would be very easy to engage in conversations like that with your friends.
Jack Armstrong
If it's been years since you've been punched in the face and you think that might be enjoyable. Right. More on the way, like Tucker.
Michaelangelo
Stay here.
Katie Green
Armstrong and Getty.
Joe Getty
You know what's great about your investment account with the big guys? It's actually a time machine. Log in and zoom. Welcome back to 1999. It's time for an upgrade. At public.com you can invest in almost everything. Stocks, bonds, options and more. You can even put your cash to work at an industry leading 4.1% APY. Leave your clunky, outdated platform behind. @Public.com Go to Public.com and fund your account in five minutes or less. Pay for by Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Full disclosures@public.com disclosures looking for a smarter.
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Joe Getty
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Michaelangelo
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Jack Armstrong
Don't worry, we'll get you taken care of.
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Michaelangelo
I was looking at the text line. A number of people really enjoyed my Tucker Carlson impersonation. It's very easy to do. You just pick a word or a phrase. You take it out of context. You try to put them on the defensive and you get really, really quiet and contemplative while they get madder and.
Jack Armstrong
Matter and hop from angle to angle to angle.
Michaelangelo
Right. So nobody can follow what you're even talking about. And then you laugh like that.
Jack Armstrong
So on a related topic, we got an email, a number of emails about the the decision whether to join Israel in attacking Iran's nuclear program, that sort of thing, including Justin the truck driver got a lot of attention. Had a handful of emails in reaction to that, including this from Frank now or two yesterday aired in an anti Semitic and ageist screed from a listener I know you aired in an effort to demonstrate you listened to a variety of points of view, which is not a bad thing to do. Well, that's only part of the reason we read it. It was also partly just to let you hear that point of view, to know what we're dealing with. But in this case I think you went too far. His odious views, totally void of logic in historical context and informed by hatred, did not deserve your platform. Thank you for your input, Frank. Justin the truck driver from Sacramento responds in a way with a follow up wisdom of under 30 people explained because they know better than older people. The Internet for all its problems, has done one thing very well, open up the marketplace of ideas. Previously taboo subjects like Zionism and Jewish power are openly discussed. Boomers and younger Gen Xers are reflexively allergic to this topic and instantly become snowflakes, calling anyone who talks about this subject hateful, anti Semitic and Nazis. And then he goes on for a couple of paragraphs explaining how the Jews seek to control the other, the entire earth and actually hate Christians in the United States. Oh, if that's not what anti Semitic is, I'm not sure what the term means.
Michaelangelo
Yeah, that guy, that guy complaining about us yesterday kept calling us boomers. We are Gen Xers.
Jack Armstrong
Yes, proudly so. Rob in beautiful Kentucky writes, justin asserts that men under 30 have a clearer understanding that boomer than boomers and older Gen X of the state which the world currently finds itself. He then goes on, none too subtly to doubt what I consider the basis of most deep state and puppet master conspiracy theories. The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the fake document of the supposed Jewish plot to take over the world. And I would say that he's right in that people, not just men under 30, are more susceptible to such nonsense because they were raised with the Internet, which makes such garbage easily available to the weak minded. Before the Internet one would actually have to seek out such information, but now with just a couple of clicks. You can sit in front of a screen and have all the twaddle you want fed directly to you. It's truly sad that these people think of themselves as being open minded or in the know when reality they're just tools for content creators to get clicks. Twaddle, I say.
Michaelangelo
Here's a little breaking news. If it's true, CNN says Steve Bannon was seen walking into the White House this morning. Who would be talking to Steve Bannon? It's almost got to be Trump, right?
Jack Armstrong
Probably.
Michaelangelo
He wants the Bannon point of view on all this. If he takes the Bannon point of view, we ain't bombing.
Jack Armstrong
Might be the opposite. Stay tuned. Armstrong and Getty and here we have a specimen from the early 2000s, a legacy investing platform.
Steve Bannon
Please don't touch the exhibit folks.
Jack Armstrong
It could crash.
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Tulsi Gabbard
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Ted Cruz
I'm asking about your allegation and the prime Minister of Israel's allegation that Iran is tragically murdered.
Steve Bannon
Killing terrorists is a good thing. Killing people who are trying to murder Americans is a good thing. Because if you're America first, you want to protect America. And so taking out killing Osama bin Laden was a fantastic.
Ted Cruz
But you don't really believe that they're trying to murder Trump or you?
Steve Bannon
Yes, I do. Yes, I do.
Ted Cruz
Why aren't you calling for military action against Tehran right now?
Steve Bannon
Because they're not very effective in terms of hitmen. Their hitmen are not very effective?
Ted Cruz
I do think so. They're hitmen, but not the bad kind, the efficient kind.
Steve Bannon
No, they're just.
Ted Cruz
What are you saying?
Steve Bannon
They're a weak country who is on its knees. And I think we need to.
Ted Cruz
Then why are we so afraid of them? Why are they the biggest threat if they're a weak country that's on its knees.
Steve Bannon
Because they're trying, I'm trying to keep track, they're trying to develop.
Jack Armstrong
Well.
Steve Bannon
Be a little less snarky.
Ted Cruz
I know, you're right. That is a problem that I have. I'm sorry.
Michaelangelo
Katie, your response?
Jack Armstrong
He's just such a dick. He's good at it.
Michaelangelo
Ted did a good job of staying pretty calm through the whole thing.
Jack Armstrong
That is world class dickory right there. I mean, I thought it was a.
Michaelangelo
Decent point Tucker was making. So it got into the whole Netanyahu the other day saying Iran was behind two assassination attempts on Donald Trump. And when I heard that, I thought, what? No, they weren't. And then he kind of fudged it a little when he was asked about that Iran has been trying to kill Donald Trump. That is true and is known. But they weren't behind those two attacks.
Jack Armstrong
But then, so no, I heard that exchange. Yeah, Netanyahu was trying to hint darkly, but it didn't happen, didn't come off.
Michaelangelo
But then, so Ted Cruz and Tucker got into that conversation and Ted Cruz said, yes, it's well known Iran is trying to kill the President of the United States and has, you know, has sent people over probably in the United States. And, and Tucker's thing was, if they're trying to kill the President, United States, and we know that, why aren't we bombing them already? I mean, you talk about an act of war, you're trying to kill the President United States. So that, that's what that whole conversation was about, right?
Jack Armstrong
Yeah, fair enough. But again, now I'm not even going to engage in his bad faith arguments. It's a waste of time.
Michaelangelo
Could you be a little less snarky? He said, yeah, you're right, I probably should.
Jack Armstrong
Yeah. That was an utterly insincere apology too. It was, that was more sarcasm, more snark, obnoxious. So you were, as we went to break the last segment, concerned that, yes, Bannon's trip to the White House might.
Michaelangelo
Portend one, two interesting things. So Tucker mentions in his two hour long interview with Ted Cruz that I listen the whole thing of they got into who likes Trump the most. And Tucker said, I talked to him last night for a long time and I thought, wow, that's interesting. So that was Monday or Tuesday night. He was on the phone with Trump who called him kooky Tucker, Tucker Carlson. And then the CNN's reporting that Steve Bannon was seen walking into the White House this morning, I assume to talk to Trump. I don't know who else would be talking to Steve Bannon. So is Trump looking for a final, hey, Steve Bannon, explain to me why this is a bad idea from somebody or.
Jack Armstrong
No, the opposite. So Trump is not looking for advice from those people. He's telling them what time it is in. In a situation where Marjorie Taylor Greene and AOC are singing from the same page of music, which is really something. And President Trump's political base is at least somewhat divided over the prospect that the US could join Israel's assault. The White House is trying to tamp that down. In recent days, White House officials have quietly reached out to MAGA influencers, according to people familiar, aiming to explain Trump's possible shift away from a diplomatic solution. They're trying to get them on the reservation.
Michaelangelo
Okay, so he was talking to Tucker Carlson on the phone to say, look, Tucker, this is why we got to do it right.
Jack Armstrong
And you got to quit your. Your yapping.
Michaelangelo
Hmm. And you think he's doing the same with Steve Bannon this morning?
Jack Armstrong
Yeah, I suspect so. Yeah. And I'll bet he or JD Vance or somebody is hammering mtg, too.
Michaelangelo
So you said that they're singing from the same playbook, but you didn't say what their song is. They're both Marjorie Taylor Greene and AOC against bombing Iran.
Jack Armstrong
Yeah. Don't get involved in a Middle Eastern war. Yeah, indeed. In fact, mtg. I can't remember what she looks like. Do we have any police? Blonde, bad built, Bush body.
Michaelangelo
Oh, that's her.
Jack Armstrong
Oh, that's her. Right. She tweeted the other day. Anyone slobbering for the US to become fully involved in the Israel Iran war is not America first slash. MAGA appearing on Matt Gaetz television show. Wait a minute. Matt Gaetz has a television show? Anyway, song in the afternoon when the.
Michaelangelo
Kids get out of school.
Jack Armstrong
Oh, boy. Da da da. Green said a Middle Eastern war will pull America back 20 years.
Michaelangelo
I am pretty amazed by the people that. That are willing to believe that MAGA is its own separate thing where you can badmouth Trump's decisions and we're our own power base. I don't think that's true. I guess we'll find out in the next couple of years. I think MAGA is Trump.
Jack Armstrong
I would disagree. Subtly, I think it is a. A fairly cohesive interest group or group of voters and writers and thinkers. In the same way like the open borders crowd is. And I'm not saying one's as big as the other bigger or whatever. Or the gay rights crowd. Is. Or it's a belief. It's a belief system. It's kind of.
Michaelangelo
I don't know, I guess we'll see in coming elections. I don't think they'll win any elections. Well, they haven't unless Trump is on the ticket to bring that crowd along. It's like Obama. I mean, Obama could win elections because he was so popular, but nobody could. Nobody. When he wasn't on the ticket, it didn't make any difference.
Jack Armstrong
Yeah, yeah. By the way, the White House also reached out to Charlie Kirk, conservative activist. Bannon, clearly. And this article I'm looking at mentions Mark Levin, doesn't mention Ben Shapiro, but I know a lot of your woke.
Tucker Carlson
Right.
Jack Armstrong
Type say, yeah, those. But those people are just spouting the talking points of the Jews because they're about Israel, they're not about the United States, which is a hell of a thing to say about Mark Levin, for instance, also. And you know what? I've got to be fair. Matt Gaetz, in talking to mtg, said President Trump rescued the Republican Party from the doom of neoconservatism. I think it's a fair question to ask those folks who want to entangle themselves in an Iranian war. What's your plan for the day after?
Michaelangelo
Yeah, that's always a good one.
Jack Armstrong
Well, that's absolutely necessary. Sometimes people ask questions like they're rhetorical questions. It's not a rhetorical question. I think this is a fine question and I think Trump would be willing to answer it.
Michaelangelo
I think the question is less needed now than it was after, obviously Iraq or, you know, you know, eliminating Hamas in Gaza. Then who's going to run it? You can't let Iran get a nuclear weapon. The end. I think Trump's opinion, in my opinion on that. And yeah, looking at the next day is a very good idea and should plan as best you can. But no matter what the answer to that is, they can't have a nuclear weapon. You can't let them have a nuclear weapon because you haven't answered the question, what's next?
Jack Armstrong
Right. It reminds me in a weird way of our discussion through the decades about illegal immigration and especially, especially back in the day in Cal Unicornia, people would say, as if they're asking a rhetorical question and a powerful, devastating question, yeah, who's gonna pick the lettuce? And we crafted the answer. Somebody or nobody or a machine. Meaning if lettuce pickin is the tail that wags the entire dog of the United States, we're screwed.
Cindy Crawford
Right?
Jack Armstrong
You've got to enforce the law. The one non negotiable is we've got to have coherent immigration policy and we've got to follow it. And if it ends up that nobody picks the lettuce and we all have to eat kale instead or lettuce is triple the expense or whatever, that just the one possibility or the one option is untenable. It's unacceptable. That is what we meant. Same way. The one unacceptable option is the freaking Mullers having a nuclear bomb and the desire to wipe out humanity in the name of their Islamist vision.
Michaelangelo
Well, first of all, some of you probably remember my one man play, a world without lettuce. It was. It ran briefly, it closed very quickly. It just, it didn't catch on. I think it needed some songs.
Jack Armstrong
I urge you to rewrite.
Michaelangelo
I should have made it musical in retrospect as opposed to. Yeah. So that's interesting that Trump feels like he needs to convince Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson before he does this.
Jack Armstrong
I wrote you a song. Bacon, nothing and tomato. But you rejected, I'll remind you, the bnt.
Michaelangelo
Yes, I'll have a bnt.
Jack Armstrong
Where and this is the moment in the show, Joe could no longer talk about this stuff seriously.
Michaelangelo
Yeah, that's true. But interesting. I'll be darned. Trump has been risked on both the risks and benefits of bombing Fordo, according to CBS News. Yeah, I assumed that. And his mindset is that disabling it is necessary because of the risk of weapons being produced in a relatively short period of time. Sources say. So he seems to have been. He's completely convinced.
Jack Armstrong
Oh, that's right. I'm sorry, I had one more thing I wanted to throw in about Steve Bannon specifically. He said yesterday that Trump really needs to articulate his views, not just a maga, but to the American people of why we would get involved in another war over there as a combatant. So that was Bannon sending message to Trump, who apparently. Excuse me, called for Bannon to come to the White House to talk to him. But Bannon also said this, and this is yesterday, before coming to the White House today, he called on supporters to pray for Trump and he predicted that the MAGA movement wouldn't fully splinter over Iran. Quote, we don't like it, maybe we hate it, but you know, we'll get on board.
Michaelangelo
He said, oh, that was pretty get. Get along. Ye. By his standards.
Jack Armstrong
Yeah, yeah. There will be no mutiny on the good ship maga. According to Steve Bannon.
Michaelangelo
Did he walk into the White House looking like a half a homeless person?
Jack Armstrong
Probably.
Michaelangelo
Yeah, we will finish strong. Next Armstrong and Getty.
Joe Getty
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Michaelangelo
Our best policy Whoopi Goldberg on the View just said black people in America have it as bad as women in Iran. So that's helpful on this. Juneteenth Boy, she's a moron. She's either a moron or she's being deliberately provocative in a really not healthy way.
Jack Armstrong
Does she need the money or the attention? I don't know. It's odd. Speaking of getting attention, Tulsi Gabbard, who I have called a crackpot, among other things, a clip of her from a hearing, congressional hearing in March was getting a lot of attention this week in which she essentially denied, she said, according to intelligence, Iran does not have a nuke or blah blah blah. We're about to play it for you.
Tucker Carlson
Right?
Jack Armstrong
We're about to play it for you. But then the clip generally after about 18 seconds ends. And what she said next I thought was really interesting too. So this is both halves of it together.
Katie Green
The IC continues to assess that Iran.
Ted Cruz
Is not building a nuclear weapon and.
Katie Green
Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003. The IC continues to monitor closely if Tehran decides to reauthorize its nuclear weapons program. In the past year, we've seen an erosion of a decades long taboo in Iran on discussing nuclear weapons in public, likely emboldening nuclear weapons advocates within Iran's decision making apparatus. Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is at its highest levels and is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons.
Michaelangelo
That is interesting. Why did people leave that out?
Jack Armstrong
It's not as dramatic. Maybe they were trying to say I Don't know. They might have had a couple of different purposes. And was that for the crowd that's.
Michaelangelo
Trying to work the they're not close to a nuke, that's just Netanyahu trying to stay in office crowd?
Jack Armstrong
Yes, yeah, but. And then the crowd that thinks Tulsi's a crackpot and or shouldn't be in the administration floated that to. So look at the division within Trump world.
Michaelangelo
Well, but to, but, but, but. In reality, her boss, the President, was asked what he thought of what she had to say, and he said, I don't care what she thinks. And she wasn't in. She isn't in these security meetings. You don't have your Director of National Intelligence in the big meetings. That is a heck of a deal. I don't know how you don't resign under those circumstances.
Jack Armstrong
Yeah, yeah, me too. I don't know what the DNI does day to day.
Michaelangelo
It is a. Is another layer added after 9, 11. Unnecessary. People always think you got to fix things with more layers of people in government and offices.
Jack Armstrong
I don't, I don't know that it's unnecessary. There's definitely the danger of what you're suggesting, but it could be like 10 people. And, and just because it's an umbrella organization meant to make sure that the CIA is sharing with the FBI, who is sharing with the nsa, who's sharing with the diagnosis, make sure they're not siloed stove piping. Jack described. Well, I was. Others have described it.
Michaelangelo
I was listening to Ken Pollock being interviewed, and he's been in the intelligence agencies forever. I was listening to him on a podcast yesterday, and it came up and he said the DNA DNI was created. It doesn't really have a purpose. It's, it's, it's hard to figure out what they're supposed to be doing, so.
Jack Armstrong
Right.
Michaelangelo
That's what I thought, and I was glad to hear him say that.
Jack Armstrong
That's funny. I forgot my own point. I was driving toward the idea that, you know, maybe he doesn't need Tulsi Gabbard in the meetings because she's not the CIA. She's just the person who makes sure the CIA is sharing with the FBI.
Michaelangelo
Right.
Jack Armstrong
So you have the CIA and the FBI in there.
Michaelangelo
Yeah, that makes sense. Of course, having the President say, I don't care what you think is not a good look.
Cindy Crawford
It's final thoughts.
Jack Armstrong
I'm strong, ready.
Cindy Crawford
It's final thoughts.
Michaelangelo
I mean, I've been told, I don't care what you think. And I Found it hurtful. Here's your host for Final Thoughts, Joe Getty.
Jack Armstrong
Hey, let's get a final thought from everybody on the crew because we care what they think deeply. Let's begin with Michelangelo, our technical director. Michael, final thought? Yes. Support your kids. Lemonade stands. Anytime I see a little lemonade stand in the neighborhood, I pull over. I give them a dollar too.
Michaelangelo
Absolutely.
Jack Armstrong
I will say though, the quality of lemonade is always suspect. So I've had some good stuff and I've had stuff that I've had to spit out the windows.
Michaelangelo
When Henry did his a couple years ago, him and his buddy, they were fresh squeezed actual lemons from our trees. It was really good.
Jack Armstrong
Oh, gimme. Katie Greener, esteemed newswoman, has a final thought. Katie. I think you guys will be thrilled.
Michaelangelo
To know that the band name and ambiguous genitalia is up for grabs. Not taken yet.
Jack Armstrong
Let's kick out the jams, huh? Jack, a final thought.
Michaelangelo
How long will my son and I lasted a Dodgers game when neither one of us are that interested? Hm. Do you think there's enough at the old ballpark, just between the food and the vibe, to keep you entertained for a while?
Jack Armstrong
People watching.
Michaelangelo
People watching. Yeah, you're exactly right.
Jack Armstrong
I would hope so. I have two final thoughts. This is unprecedented. Number one, I've called Tulsi Gabbard a crank. Definition, an eccentric person. Especially one who is obsessed by a particular subject or theory. Okay, I see as a crank. And also, streaming is king. May this past May, last month. First time ever Americans watching television being streamed outnumbered cable and network TV combined.
Michaelangelo
I'm actually surprised it took this long for that line to be crossed. Armstrong and Getty wrapping up under their grueling four hour workday.
Jack Armstrong
So many people. Thanks. A little time go to Armstrong and getty.com. a lot of great clicks there for you. Trust me on that.
Michaelangelo
Will we be at war by this time tomorrow? God bless America. Armstrong and Getty.
Joe Getty
There are two ways to look at this.
Jack Armstrong
Which side are you on?
Michaelangelo
This is a national emergency.
Ted Cruz
This is a mess.
Michaelangelo
It's cold, it's true.
Tulsi Gabbard
Come on, you bunch of weenies, grow up.
Jack Armstrong
Okay, for those of you that don't understand. Okay, let me say, let me say one, one thing.
Ted Cruz
You're a senator. Who's calling?
Steve Bannon
You're the one.
Ted Cruz
You're the one who don't know anything about the country.
Steve Bannon
No, you don't know anything about the country.
Jack Armstrong
On that high note, thank you for your attention to this matter. Armstrong and Getty.
Joe Getty
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Jack Armstrong
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Katie Green
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Jack Armstrong
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Michaelangelo
On for a while.
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Michaelangelo
Bleach Use as directed Stuck in the.
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Both the Apple App Store and Google.
Jack Armstrong
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Jack Armstrong
This is an Iheart podcast.
Armstrong & Getty On Demand: Episode Summary – "Bacon, Nothing & Tomato"
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host: Armstrong & Getty
Publisher: iHeartPodcasts
In the "Bacon, Nothing & Tomato" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty engage in a deep and dynamic discussion centered around a high-profile interview between Senator Ted Cruz and media personality Tucker Carlson. The episode delves into the nuances of political discourse, media strategies, and the intricate dynamics within the Republican Party, especially in the context of U.S. foreign policy towards Iran.
The core of the episode revolves around the extensive two-hour interview between Senator Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson. Armstrong and Getty dissect the interaction, highlighting Cruz's defensive stance and Carlson's provocative tactics.
Cruz's Defense of Israel and Critique of Carlson's Questions:
Senator Cruz attempts to justify U.S. support for Israel by invoking biblical references, which leads to a contentious exchange. Cruz emphasizes his Christian beliefs, stating, "Those who bless Israel will be blessed," (05:06) aiming to align his political stance with his religious convictions. However, Carlson challenges him on the specificity and applicability of these references, questioning the direct correlation between ancient scriptures and contemporary political alliances.
Analysis of Media Strategies:
The hosts analyze Carlson's interviewing style, noting his tendency to bait guests into tangential debates rather than focusing on substantive policy discussions. Michaelangelo remarks, "Tucker is the greatest at baiting you into tangents on things, and then you're arguing about the tangent," (14:10), highlighting the distraction from core issues.
Impact on Republican Party Dynamics:
Armstrong and Getty explore how this interview reflects the broader divisions within the Republican Party, especially concerning leadership and policy directions. They speculate on Cruz's motivations, suggesting he might be positioning himself for a presidential run against figures like J.D. Vance and seeking to bridge different factions within the party.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on U.S. foreign policy towards Iran, spurred by recent statements and potential military actions.
Weapons Development and Military Action:
The conversation touches upon Iran's nuclear program, citing statements from figures like Steve Bannon and Tulsi Gabbard. Getty notes, "Navy Federal Credit Union to qualify for the $250 Bonus, car purchase and financing must be completed by September 2, 2025," (25:08), although this appears to be an advertisement and is likely a transcription error.
White House Engagement with MAGA Influencers:
Armstrong discusses recent developments where White House officials have reached out to MAGA influencers to consolidate support for potential military actions against Iran. He states, "Trump is telling them what time it is in a situation where Marjorie Taylor Greene and AOC are singing from the same page," (31:57), indicating efforts to unify the base on foreign policy decisions.
Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty critically assess the effectiveness of political discourse and media interactions.
Critique of Anti-Semitic Rhetoric:
The hosts address concerning comments from listeners, specifically highlighting anti-Semitic and ageist remarks. Armstrong condemns such viewpoints, stating, "It's truly sad that these people think of themselves as being open-minded," (23:16), reinforcing a stance against hate speech.
Reflection on Media Influence:
Michaelangelo reflects on the power of media personalities in shaping political narratives, emphasizing the importance of discerning substantive discussions from rhetorical battles.
Jack Armstrong [03:05]:
"You don't seriously think I'm going to answer that question?"
Ted Cruz [05:08]:
"We are commanded as Christians to support the government of Israel."
Michaelangelo [14:10]:
"Tucker is the greatest at baiting you into tangents on things, and then you're arguing about the tangent."
Jack Armstrong [09:55]:
"Politics is interested in you. You might not be interested in the rest of the world, but believe me, they're interested in us."
Jack Armstrong [31:26]:
"Trump is not looking for advice from those people. He's telling them what time it is."
The episode offers a critical examination of modern political discourse, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining substantive policy discussions in an era dominated by media sensationalism and partisan divides. Armstrong and Getty advocate for a more informed and rational approach to political dialogues, encouraging listeners to look beyond rhetorical tactics and focus on meaningful policy implications.
By dissecting the Cruz-Carlson interview, the hosts illuminate the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and internal party dynamics, urging listeners to remain vigilant and informed amidst complex political maneuvers.
Media Tactics: Understanding how media personalities may steer conversations away from substantive issues.
Political Alignment: Recognizing the underlying motives of political figures in interviews and discussions.
Foreign Policy Implications: Grasping the significance of U.S. actions towards Iran and the internal debates shaping these policies.
Combatting Hate Speech: Acknowledging and addressing the rise of harmful rhetoric within political discourse.
Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the core discussions and insights presented in the episode.