Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand – "I Was Not Saying 'Oh Good' To You Dying"

Release Date: May 13, 2025 | Host: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction

In the episode titled "I Was Not Saying 'Oh Good' To You Dying," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty engage in their characteristic blend of political commentary, humor, and cultural critique. Broadcasting live from the Abraham Lincoln radio studio at the George Washington Broadcast Center, the duo delves into pressing geopolitical issues, economic concerns, and intriguing social headlines, all while maintaining their signature light-hearted banter.

2. Middle East Geopolitics: Saudi Arabia’s Project 2030 and US Relations

The conversation opens with a discussion on the evolving relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Joe Getty references a New York Times article highlighting former President Joe Biden's initial stance against Saudi Arabia's pariah status following the Khashoggi incident. However, he notes the swift pivot back to embracing Saudi leadership under President Trump:

Joe Getty [02:13]: "Biden went over there to meet him and beg for help... Now we're fully on back with Trump getting the red carpet treatment..."

Jack Armstrong critiques Biden's approach, labeling him a "senile idiot," and emphasizes the pragmatic necessity of maintaining relationships with oil-rich nations despite moral qualms.

Saudi Arabia's ambitious Project 2030 is a focal point, aiming to position the kingdom as a global technological hub by 2030, with significant investments in AI and green energy. The hosts debate the feasibility of such grand plans, considering internal challenges like dissent and extremism:

Joe Getty [03:56]: "Saudi Arabia wants to be the capital of the world... But they're dealing with fundamentalist opposition that could derail these ambitions."

3. The Potential Meeting Between Putin and Zelensky

Armstrong and Getty touch upon the anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They express skepticism about its occurrence and potential outcomes:

Jack Armstrong [05:45]: "I think Putin may have written a check for more... It's the old switcheroo."

The uncertainty surrounding this diplomatic engagement underscores the ongoing tensions in the region.

4. Trump’s Engagement with Qatar and Concerns Over Gifts

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around former President Donald Trump's interactions with Qatar. The hosts debate the implications of accepting high-value gifts, such as planes, from foreign entities:

Joe Getty [06:33]: "Who turns down a gift? Who turns down a free plane? Who would do that?"

Jack Armstrong raises concerns about potential surveillance risks associated with such gifts:

Jack Armstrong [07:49]: "Could there be anything more complex and difficult to search than a zillion-dollar wildly tricked out 747?"

They contemplate the challenges of detecting hidden surveillance devices in sophisticated aircraft, reflecting broader worries about national security and foreign influence.

5. Economic Updates and Federal Budget Concerns

Transitioning to economic discourse, Armstrong and Getty discuss the alarming growth in federal expenditures. Referencing Ron Johnson's analysis, they highlight the ballooning federal outlays from $4.45 trillion in 2019 to an anticipated $7.03 trillion, marking a 58% increase relative to GDP:

Jack Armstrong [26:02]: "From 2019 to this year we've gone from 4.45 trillion to 7.03."

The hosts criticize Congress's inability to implement meaningful budget cuts, attributing the surge to persistent pandemic-related spending without current justification. They further explore the inefficiencies and corruption within programs like Medicaid and food stamps, emphasizing the societal implications of broad government dependency:

Joe Getty [23:32]: "I want the return of shame. You should be ashamed of yourself if you're grabbing food stamps and you're an able-bodied man."

6. Social and Cultural Headlines: From Inflation to Psychopaths

Katie Green, serving as the news anchor segment, presents a series of eclectic headlines that the hosts dissect with their trademark wit:

• Inflation Trends: USA Today reports a four-year low in inflation attributed to Trump's tariffs. Armstrong remains optimistic about sustained low inflation but debates its broader economic impact.

• Workforce Challenges: The Wall Street Journal editorial emphasizes the overreach of food stamp programs, citing over 41 million Americans enrolled and the detrimental effects on workforce participation.

• Technological Advances: A study highlights a ping pong-playing robot capable of returning balls at 31 mph, sparking discussions on automation and human interaction.

• Psychological Insights: Newsweek presents findings that psychopaths may appear more attractive, leading to concerns about social trust and personal relationships.

• Satirical News: The Babylon Bee humorously reports Trump accepting an Imperial-class Star Destroyer from Emperor Palpatine, blending politics with pop culture references.

Notable Quote:

Katie Green [15:45]: "Study warns that psychopaths are more attractive and that someone who is a narcissist makes them look more trustworthy."

7. Listener Mailbag and Community Interaction

Engaging with their audience, Armstrong and Getty address listener feedback. A prominent critique from a listener named Brad challenges their coverage of tariffs, arguing that the impact on small businesses is underrepresented. The hosts respond by reiterating their previous discussions on the complexities and unintended consequences of tariff implementations:

Jack Armstrong [35:04]: "We've covered how tariffs become a cesspool of swampy lobbying and how favorites get picked and winners and losers are chosen by government."

Additionally, they feature thoughtful contributions from listeners like Paolo, who theorizes about the global angst and rapid environmental changes outpacing human adaptability:

Paolo [33:06]: "We're changing our environment much faster than we're able to change ourselves right now."

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the intertwined nature of geopolitical strategies, economic policies, and social dynamics. They express cautious optimism regarding Trump's strategic maneuvers in the Middle East and economic stance against China while remaining critical of government overreach and systemic inefficiencies. The hosts emphasize the need for reassessing societal values and individual responsibilities amidst evolving global challenges.

Closing Quote:

Jack Armstrong [30:06]: "Trump is setting up a two-front strategy. You've got the oil leverage in the Middle East, the economic leverage on China."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Joe Getty [02:13]: "Biden went over there to meet him and beg for help... Now we're fully on back with Trump getting the red carpet treatment..."

• Jack Armstrong [07:49]: "Could there be anything more complex and difficult to search than a zillion-dollar wildly tricked out 747?"

• Joe Getty [23:32]: "I want the return of shame. You should be ashamed of yourself if you're grabbing food stamps and you're an able-bodied man."

• Katie Green [15:45]: "Study warns that psychopaths are more attractive and that someone who is a narcissist makes them look more trustworthy."

• Jack Armstrong [30:06]: "Trump is setting up a two-front strategy. You've got the oil leverage in the Middle East, the economic leverage on China."

This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary issues, blending insightful analysis with engaging dialogue. Whether discussing international diplomacy, economic policies, or societal trends, Armstrong and Getty provide listeners with a thought-provoking commentary on the state of the world in 2025.