Armstrong & Getty On Demand - Episode: Boy, That Area Rug Stuff Was Interesting

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

1. Presidential Pardons Controversy

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion surrounding recent presidential pardons issued by both President Biden and former President Trump, emphasizing the contentious nature of these actions.

Biden’s Pardons:

• John Stewart highlights that President Biden pardoned his family members in the final moments of his presidency, stating, “[Biden] is pardoning his brothers, their wives, his sister, other family members” (00:24).
• Tim Carney criticizes Biden’s decision, questioning the timing and fairness: “Did you auto-schedule your pardons? And second of all, what the man? You're just pardoning your whole family. It's not a great look” (00:40).

Trump’s Pardons:

• The conversation shifts to Trump's pardoning of over 1,250 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. John Stewart expresses his disapproval: “Trump could have picked a couple of protesters who were given too harsh a sentences, or maybe a lot of them. Instead, he decided to effectively declare the riot. Okay. And clear them all” (02:32).
• Jack Armstrong adds, “We have fashioned a system where if you are favored by the president, you can do anything or have done anything, which ain't the way the system's supposed to work” (01:51).

Key Insights:

• Both hosts agree that the blanket pardons undermine the rule of law and set dangerous precedents.
• They discuss the lack of accountability and the bipartisan abuse of the pardon system, suggesting the need for comprehensive reform.

2. Oval Office Redecorating and Symbolism

A significant portion of the episode delves into the symbolic changes in the Oval Office following the transition from Biden to Trump.

Changes Under Biden:

• John Stewart mentions that Biden had progressive symbols such as portraits of FDR, Che Guevara, and Karl Marx: “Biden had progressive hero FDR's portrait up and various labor leaders statues on his” (17:33).

Trump’s Redecorating:

• Jack Armstrong details Trump’s redecoration efforts: “Trump reinstalled the flags of all of our military services in the Oval Office. Biden had had them removed” (18:32).
• The Resolute Desk was adjusted to accommodate a new, more neutral area rug, replacing Biden’s blue one. Armstrong notes, “The blue rug Biden had used was swapped out for a more neutral one that Trump had used previously in his Oval Office” (16:43).
• John Stewart humorously criticizes the new decor, particularly the presence of a Churchill bust and the removal of MLK Jr.'s bust: “Churchill bust, even though Tucker Carlson's take is Churchill caused World War II” (15:45).

Symbolic Interpretation:

• The hosts interpret these changes as Trump’s attempt to reinforce traditional American values and distance the administration from progressive symbols, while also mocking the often superficial nature of such alterations.

3. Rule of Law and Pardon System Abuse

Armstrong and Getty engage in a robust debate about the erosion of the rule of law through the misuse of the presidential pardon power.

Bipartisan Critique:

• John Stewart and Jack Armstrong argue that both presidents have exploited pardon powers to favor their allies, eroding public trust in the justice system. Armstrong asserts, “Both of them [...] we have fashioned a system where if you are favored by the president, you can do anything or have done anything” (01:51).

Case-by-Case vs. Blanket Pardons:

• The hosts contrast selective pardons with the blanket approach taken by Trump: “He could have picked a couple of protesters who were given too harsh a sentences [...] Instead, he decided to effectively declare the riot. And clear them all” (02:32).

Need for Reform:

• Jack Armstrong emphasizes the necessity for a bipartisan effort to reform the pardon system, potentially requiring a constitutional amendment: “I think we have the beginnings of a bipartisan belief we need to reform our pardon system” (05:16).

Additional Critique:

• John Stewart points out inconsistencies in how different political groups handle criminal justice, mentioning that left-wing protests see lenient treatment for their members while similar actions on the right face severe repercussions: “It's a whole race to the bottom thing” (04:24).

4. Reflections on Political Polarization and Public Perception

The hosts explore how political actions and leadership impact societal norms and contribute to increasing polarization.

Violence and Accountability:

• The discussion touches on the violent actions during the Capitol attack and the subsequent pardons, with Stewart questioning the rationale behind pardoning aggressors: “I just do not understand that argument” (05:16).

Public Reaction:

• Armstrong and Stewart express frustration over the lack of uniform accountability, suggesting that excuses for wrongdoing have become normalized: “They behave with such contempt for those norms for years and years” (06:41).

Long-term Consequences:

• John Stewart reminisces about attending a Trump rally in 2016, noting how initial enthusiasm gave way to violence and neglect from authorities: “We predicted that at the time and here we are” (09:27).
• The hosts warn of an impending “race to the bottom” in law enforcement and public policy, predicting dire societal outcomes if current trends continue.

5. Humorous and Lighthearted Segments

Interspersed with serious discussions, Armstrong and Getty provide moments of levity and humor, offering personal anecdotes and playful banter.

Gaming and Personal Life:

• John Stewart shares his struggles with losing at chess against his child, leading to humorous exchanges about parenting and competitiveness: “I realized this is not me encouraging the boy anymore. This is me fighting for my life” (13:07).

Oval Office Tidbits:

• The hosts joke about the supposed installation of a Diet Coke button in the Oval Office, playfully mocking the idea of presidential amenities: “The Diet Coke button is back, set up and ready to go” (14:19).

Technical Glitches:

• A segment where the hosts experience a technical malfunction during a playback of a speech, leading to comical frustration: “The clip died. I will try it again though. Let's see what happens” (19:42).

6. Current Events and Political Appointments

Towards the latter part of the episode, Armstrong and Getty discuss recent political appointments and their implications.

Marco Rubio’s Appointment:

• Tim Carney reports on Marco Rubio’s unanimous approval by the Senate as Secretary of State, highlighting bipartisan support: “This guy, speaking for Trump, isn't just a MAGA guy. The whole Senate, half of which is Democrat, said, this is the guy we want” (33:55).

Rubio’s Foreign Policy Stance:

• Marco Rubio is quoted emphasizing an “America First” approach, prioritizing national strength, safety, and prosperity in foreign policy: “Does it make us stronger, does it make us safer? And does it make us more prosperous?” (35:02).
• The hosts dissect Rubio’s statements, arguing that foreign aid can be a strategic tool rather than mere charity: “Foreign aid is not charity, it's bribery if it's used correctly” (35:16).

7. Audience Engagement and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with interactions reflecting audience opinions and the hosts’ perspectives on political discourse.

Listener Feedback:

• Jack Armstrong shares an email from a listener expressing the desire to take a break from discussing Biden and Harris, to which he humorously agrees: “It's going to be a blank space in my life, a void for a while” (30:46).

Philosophical Musings:

• John Stewart quotes George Will, reflecting on the fleeting impact of political administrations on personal lives: “Most people realize around age 7 that the universe, under its current administration produces many disappointments” (27:16).

Final Thoughts:

• The hosts express concerns about the future of American politics, emphasizing the need for stability and the dangers of continued polarization and abuse of power: “If it continues to be a race to the bottom of lawlessness, it's going to end in a very, very ugly place” (08:57).

Notable Quotes

• John Stewart ([00:24]): “From President Biden that he is pardoning his brothers, their wives, his sister, other family members. He says it's all just normal.”
• Tim Carney ([00:40]): “First of all, Biden, you're at the inauguration. Did you auto schedule your pardons? And second of all, what the man?”
• Jack Armstrong ([01:51]): “We have fashioned a system where if you are favored by the president, you can do anything or have done anything, which ain't the way the system's supposed to work.”
• John Stewart ([02:32]): “If you believe the videos, which I do, there are people beating on cops with sticks and clubs and stuff like that.”
• Marco Rubio ([35:02]): “Does it make us stronger, does it make us safer? And does it make us more prosperous?”

Conclusion

In this episode, Armstrong and Getty navigate through the murky waters of presidential pardons, the symbolic gestures within the Oval Office, and the larger implications of political polarization on American society. Balancing serious critique with moments of humor, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current events, urging for accountability and systemic reform. Their engaging dialogue, punctuated with notable quotes and personal anecdotes, offers both insight and entertainment for those seeking to understand the complexities of contemporary politics.