Armstrong & Getty On Demand: Episode "Feed Them To The Dogs" Summary

Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Description: The official, On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show! Accept no substitutes!

1. Introduction to Hunter Biden's Pardon [01:25 - 05:38]

The episode opens with Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delving into the contentious topic of President Joe Biden's pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. They dissect the specifics and broader implications of the pardon, questioning its timing and scope.

• Joe Getty Critiques the Pardon Duration: "A few years, five years, 10 years. It needs to be 11." ([01:28])

• Jack Armstrong Questions the Legality: "This is not where he got convicted and sentenced to five years. I'm commuting his sentence because he's my boy." ([03:03])

The hosts argue that the 11-year blanket pardon undermines the integrity of the Justice Department and sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in legal matters.

• Joe Getty on Judicial Rejection: "Six judges... have all rejected that after looking at it." ([05:40])

They emphasize the lack of transparency and potential for abuse, comparing the pardon to historical examples where pardons were used to shield individuals from prosecution without due process.

2. South Korea's Declaration of Martial Law [16:58 - 25:09]

Armstrong and Getty shift focus to an international crisis as South Korea declares martial law for the first time in four decades. They examine the domestic unrest and political maneuvers that led to this drastic measure.

• Joe Getty Describes the Chaos: "It looks like they settled on deploying troops to prevent lawmakers from entering the National Assembly." ([17:56])

• Jack Armstrong Draws Parallels to January 6th: "It has a very January 6th look to it." ([19:26])

The hosts discuss the implications for South Korea's democracy, questioning whether the military and police will uphold the new regulations or defy the president's orders, as seen in historical contexts like Tiananmen Square and Yeltsin's Russia.

• Joe Getty on Potential Outcomes: "Members of law enforcement... are blocking politicians from getting back into the National Assembly." ([17:56])

They speculate on the future actions of President Yoon and the resilience of South Korea's democratic institutions in the face of political instability.

3. US Foreign Policy and Global Implications [26:13 - 31:28]

The conversation transitions to broader foreign policy issues, focusing on the United States' strained relations with China and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

• Joe Getty on US-China Relations: "There’s economic warfare going on... inevitable between the United States and China." ([26:13])

• Jack Armstrong on Middle East Dynamics: "Trump has made his support for Israel and against Iran unmistakably clear." ([27:12])

The hosts analyze recent sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on China, highlighting the escalating tensions and potential for economic and military confrontations. They also discuss the complexities of Middle Eastern politics, referencing Trump's policies versus current administration approaches.

• Joe Getty Highlights Strategic Failures: "Bob Woodward... Hamas invaded. And MBS still wants to do it." ([30:38])

The dialogue underscores the challenges in achieving diplomatic resolutions and the impacts of leadership decisions on international stability.

4. Kamala Harris Campaign Critique [33:12 - 42:50]

Armstrong and Getty critique Kamala Harris's recent campaign missteps, focusing on a controversial video released by the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

• Joe Getty on DNC's Video Release: "She sounds like a drunk, crazy person... Why did they put that out?" ([34:16])

• Jack Armstrong on Rhetoric Failure: "What was the point of that greeting card rhetoric strung together poorly?" ([40:34])

They argue that the DNC's decision to broadcast a flawed segment of Harris's private conversation undermines her campaign and reflects strategic mismanagement. The hosts speculate on the intentions behind the video release and its effects on voter perception.

• Joe Getty on Internal Campaign Struggles: "We were doing interviews constantly, but somehow the narrative took hold that she wouldn't answer questions." ([38:28])

The hosts express frustration over the perceived lack of support and ineffective communication strategies employed by Harris's team, questioning the overall direction of the Democratic campaigns.

5. Conclusion and Final Insights [43:30 - 44:25]

As the episode nears its end, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the discussed topics, emphasizing the recurring themes of political manipulation, erosion of democratic norms, and the consequences of leadership decisions.

• Joe Getty on Legacy and Accountability: "This has gotten and will continue to get quadrupled the scrutiny of just commuting the sentences." ([06:09])

• Jack Armstrong on Institutional Resilience: "This is a real test of the institutions of that particular democracy." ([24:39])

The hosts conclude by urging listeners to remain vigilant and informed, underscoring the importance of holding leaders accountable to preserve democratic integrity and prevent the abuse of power.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joe Getty: "Hunter, I'll give you a pardon. A few years, five years, 10 years. It needs to be 11." ([01:28])

• Jack Armstrong: "It's a sort of blanket license for lawlessness." ([03:49])

• Joe Getty: "We're not allowing Palestinians into this country. That would be a disaster." ([31:28])

• Jack Armstrong: "She's either incompetent or shameless or just being put in an impossible position." ([12:37])

• Joe Getty: "Seal all the charges against Hunter Biden, slam the door on any future indictments." ([08:05])

• Jack Armstrong: "You can't be angry at Clinton for the Mark Rich thing. You can't be angry at Trump for Gerald Kushner's dad." ([06:11])

Key Themes and Insights

1. Political Patronage and Legal Immunity: The episode critically examines the implications of presidential pardons used for personal associates, highlighting concerns over legal integrity and potential abuse of executive power.

2. Democratic Stability and Military Intervention: South Korea's declaration of martial law serves as a case study for the fragility of democratic institutions and the risks of military involvement in civilian politics.

3. US Foreign Policy Tensions: The discussion underscores escalating conflicts with China and complexities in Middle Eastern relations, emphasizing the strategic challenges faced by US leadership.

4. Campaign Mismanagement: The critique of Kamala Harris's campaign strategies reflects broader concerns about effective leadership, communication, and internal party dynamics within the Democratic Party.

5. Institutional Accountability: Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty advocate for robust institutional checks and balances to prevent the erosion of democratic norms and ensure leaders remain accountable.

Conclusion

In "Feed Them To The Dogs," Armstrong and Getty provide a robust critique of contemporary political maneuvers both within the United States and internationally. They shed light on the potential dangers of unchecked executive power, the importance of maintaining democratic integrity, and the need for strategic foresight in foreign policy. Their analysis encourages listeners to critically evaluate leadership decisions and advocate for transparency and accountability in governance.