Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode: It's Gooshing Up My Mouth
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host/Authors: Joe Getty & Jack Armstrong
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the "It's Gooshing Up My Mouth" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Joe Getty and Jack Armstrong delve deep into the controversial decision by President Joe Biden to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. The episode navigates the murky waters of political accountability, the sanctity of the rule of law, and the pervasive cynicism plaguing American politics today.

Biden’s Pardon of Hunter Biden

The discussion opens with a critical examination of President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Both hosts express concern over the implications of such an action on the integrity of the justice system.

• Joe Getty (00:30):
  "It was far from just commuting a sentence or letting the boy off the hook without fully feeling the weight of the consequences of his actions. It is this bizarre Nixon on steroids."
  Getty draws a parallel to historical instances of presidential pardons, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of pardoning a family member.

• Jack Armstrong (03:50):
  "I am a duck. My life is a duck. Quack, quack, quack."
  Although seemingly humorous, Armstrong uses this metaphor to highlight the perceived absurdity and superficiality of Hunter Biden's memoir, suggesting it lacks substantive accountability.

Comparison with Trump’s Pardon Approach

The conversation shifts to contrast Biden's actions with former President Donald Trump's approach to pardons, particularly focusing on the potential for abuse of pardoning powers.

• Joe Getty (05:00):
  "The current President of the United States has so much respect for the law that he said he would not pardon his son."
  Getty lauds Biden’s stance as a commitment to the rule of law, contrasting it with Trump's more self-serving pardon strategies.

• Jack Armstrong (05:45):
  "President Biden saying, 'I will respect whatever this jury decides' versus Donald Trump after his conviction..."
  Armstrong underscores the stark differences in how the two presidents handle legal accountability.

Impact on Rule of Law and Political Hypocrisy

A significant portion of the episode critiques the erosion of the rule of law and the rise of political hypocrisy, where leaders appear above the very laws they pledge to uphold.

• Joe Getty (07:01):
  "Have you ever encountered Joe Biden before? Seriously, the guy's a congenital liar. Not a joke."
  Getty vehemently criticizes Biden’s credibility, implying that his actions undermine the principles he advocates.

• Jack Armstrong (11:26):
  "Our cynicism about government is pretty damn new."
  Armstrong reflects on the growing distrust and cynicism towards governmental institutions, attributing it to contemporary political maneuvers.

Media and Cultural Reflections

The hosts also address the role of media in shaping public perception and the cultural implications of political actions.

• Joe Getty (06:03):
  "CNN is dying, MSNBC is dying, and they all may soon go away or become shells of their former selves."
  Getty criticizes major media networks, suggesting their decline is symptomatic of broader cultural shifts.

• Jack Armstrong (17:56):
  "Leather pants seem to be a thing. I've noticed quite a few women."
  While seemingly off-topic, Armstrong uses fashion trends as a metaphor for cultural changes and societal distractions from pressing political issues.

Concluding Thoughts

In their final segments, Joe Getty and Jack Armstrong summarize their viewpoints, reemphasizing the need for accountability and integrity in leadership.

• Joe Getty (25:32):
  "We need to institute a culture of accountability and efficiency in our mandatory programs."
  Getty broadens the conversation to include systemic reforms beyond individual accountability.

• Jack Armstrong (39:03):
  "Hunter Biden's not above the law."
  Armstrong reiterates the central theme that no individual, regardless of their status, should be exempt from legal scrutiny.

Key Takeaways

• Presidential Pardons: The episode scrutinizes the implications of President Biden pardoning his son, questioning its alignment with the rule of law.

• Political Accountability: The hosts highlight a disturbing trend where political leaders may leverage pardons for personal or familial gain, eroding public trust.

• Media Influence: There's a critical look at how media outlets contribute to or reflect the growing cynicism towards government institutions.

• Cultural Shifts: Armstrong and Getty touch upon how cultural phenomena, such as fashion trends, can both distract from and reflect deeper societal issues.

• Call for Reform: Both hosts advocate for a renewed culture of accountability, not just at the personal level but also within broader systemic structures.

Notable Quotes

1. Joe Getty (00:30):
   "It was far from just commuting a sentence or letting the boy off the hook without fully feeling the weight of the consequences of his actions. It is this bizarre Nixon on steroids."

2. Jack Armstrong (03:50):
   "I am a duck. My life is a duck. Quack, quack, quack."

3. Joe Getty (05:00):
   "The current President of the United States has so much respect for the law that he said he would not pardon his son."

4. Jack Armstrong (05:45):
   "President Biden saying, 'I will respect whatever this jury decides' versus Donald Trump after his conviction..."

5. Joe Getty (07:01):
   "Have you ever encountered Joe Biden before? Seriously, the guy's a congenital liar. Not a joke."

6. Jack Armstrong (11:26):
   "Our cynicism about government is pretty damn new."

7. Joe Getty (06:03):
   "CNN is dying, MSNBC is dying, and they all may soon go away or become shells of their former selves."

8. Jack Armstrong (17:56):
   "Leather pants seem to be a thing. I've noticed quite a few women."

9. Joe Getty (25:32):
   "We need to institute a culture of accountability and efficiency in our mandatory programs."

10. Jack Armstrong (39:03):
    "Hunter Biden's not above the law."

Conclusion

"It's Gooshing Up My Mouth" offers a sharp and uncompromising look at the current state of American politics, particularly focusing on the sanctity of the rule of law and the dangers of political hypocrisy. Through candid discussions and pointed critiques, Joe Getty and Jack Armstrong challenge listeners to reconsider their perceptions of leadership and accountability in today's tumultuous political landscape.