Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand – "Let's Try To Put This One Behind Us"
Episode Information:
- Title: Let's Try To Put This One Behind Us
- Release Date: June 5, 2025
- Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
- Description: The official, On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show! Accept no substitutes!
1. Introduction
The episode begins with Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty diving straight into a heated political discussion, eschewing the usual intros and advertisements. The primary focus centers around Elon Musk's outspoken opposition to a significant legislative bill referred to as the "big beautiful bill." This episode navigates through Musk's criticisms, the political ramifications within the Republican Party, and broader themes of political tribalism and fiscal policy.
2. Elon Musk’s Opposition to the Big Beautiful Bill
Musk's Criticisms and Public Statements:
Elon Musk has taken a strong stance against the "big beautiful bill," urging Republicans to "rip up the bill." Jack Armstrong introduces the topic:
“Musk is also calling on Republicans to rip up the bill.” [00:00]
Joe Getty elaborates on the severity of Musk's comments, highlighting his demand that lawmakers be fired for supporting the bill:
“Including where he said lawmakers should be fired for voting for the bill, calling it a betrayal...” [00:42]
Reactions from the Republican Party and President Trump’s Circle:
The hosts discuss the backlash Musk's statements have generated within President Trump's orbit. A senior White House official mentioned that while Musk's attacks were unexpected, they weren't entirely surprising given his increasing vocal opposition.
“President's orbit are furious about Musk's posts...” [00:42]
Jack Armstrong adds that Senators are under pressure to avoid starting over with the bill, especially since the President wants it on his desk by July 4th:
“Senators I've spoken to say they do not have time to start all over...” [00:30]
Analysis of Musk’s Influence:
Joe Getty assesses Musk's influence, noting his consistent focus on the unsustainable national debt and questioning why Musk remains steadfast in his principles despite political pressures.
“Elon has been talking about the debt being unsustainable and the biggest threat to America for years...” [02:43]
Jack Armstrong suggests that mainstream media might be overlooking the intense tribalism fueling these political dynamics.
“The media no longer notices the tribalism, the naked, like, unmitigated tribalism...” [03:28]
3. Political Tribalism and Its Evolution
Changing Political Loyalties:
The conversation shifts to the evolution of political tribalism, with Joe Getty expressing frustration over politicians abandoning their long-held principles in favor of party loyalty. He contrasts historical figures like Rand Paul, known for fiscal conservatism, with the current trend of unwavering party allegiance.
“No, no, no, you stick with your tribe. And if somebody breaks away from the tribe, that's really, really weird.” [03:46]
Impact of Tribalism on Legislation:
Armstrong and Getty discuss how this deep-seated tribalism affects legislative processes, making bipartisan cooperation nearly impossible.
“It's no good for the country. But the mainstream media doesn't care what's good for the country.” [08:52]
4. The Future of the Big Beautiful Bill
Likelihood of Passage:
Despite Musk's vehement opposition, both hosts agree that the bill is likely to pass. Citing insights from David Drucker, a seasoned congressional reporter, they argue that the lack of support for fiscal restraint among Republicans will ensure the bill's progression.
“As long as Trump wants this bill, this bill is likely to pass one way or the other.” [09:21]
Contention and Criticism:
The bill faces criticism for its extensive spending, with Getty labeling it a "disgusting abomination" and expressing skepticism about any substantial reforms.
“It's going to be more or less what it is now. It's going to be, it's going to be a disgusting abomination.” [11:39]
Executive Producer’s Commentary:
Jack Armstrong emphasizes the predictability of the bill's passage, lamenting the lack of genuine consideration for the country's fiscal health.
“It's the world's most predictable disaster.” [09:21]
5. Little KJP’s Political Shift and New Book
Transition from Democrat to Independent:
Joe Getty introduces Little KJP's new book, which chronicles her experiences in the White House and her decision to leave the Democratic Party to become an Independent.
“Little KJP has a new book out about her experiences in the White House and also has announced she's leaving the Democratic Party and is becoming an Independent.” [19:20]
Media and Public Reaction:
The hosts discuss the media's lukewarm reception to her departure, contrasting it with the potential uproar if a similar figure had left the Republican Party. They critique the mainstream media’s selective coverage and dismissive attitude.
“If Sean Spicer had come out and said, I'm leaving the Republican Party, what an earthquake of a news story that would have been.” [23:06]
Character Assessment:
Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty analyze Little KJP's tenure as White House Press Secretary, acknowledging her challenges in the role while also criticizing her performance.
“She was either gonna do it or resign... Those were her two options.” [20:36]
6. Brief News Highlights
a. High School Sports and Transgender Policies:
The hosts touch upon the Minnesota high school softball team featuring a transgender pitcher dominating the state championship, amidst ongoing debates and legal challenges stemming from previous attempts to pass restrictive sports policies.
“A girl’s softball, Trans pitcher dominates and wins the state championship.” [28:25]
Joe Getty cites Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's defense of inclusive sports, emphasizing the benefits of participation and the harms of exclusion.
“In addition to getting exercise and the fun of competition, playing sports comes with so many benefits to young people.” [31:08]
b. Ice Baths – Health Benefits vs. Media Skepticism:
A discussion on the popularity of ice baths and cold plunges is presented, with Joe Getty expressing skepticism about media reports questioning their efficacy.
“Cold plunges are very popular, but a new study shows they may interfere with blah blah blah.” [34:33]
Jack Armstrong speculates that cold plunges might be beneficial for some individuals depending on genetic factors.
“It might depend on genetics or other factors.” [35:32]
c. Business News – Airline Partnerships:
The hosts humorously critique advertisements for airline partnerships, specifically JetBlue and United Airlines, as well as Spirit and Frontier, highlighting the impending consolidation in the airline industry.
“JetBlue and United Airlines are forming a new partnership... Spirit and Frontier hooking up this summer.” [28:41]
7. Technology and Future Discussions
Gene Editing and AI:
Towards the end of the episode, Armstrong and Getty delve into the speculative topic of gene editing, discussing the possibility of altering human genetics to optimize traits like sleep patterns. This segues into discussions about the intersection of AI and gene editing technologies.
“You can edit your genes to where you're... you're a five-hour-a-night person for sleep.” [35:53]
AI-Generated Music:
The episode features a segment where the executive producer, Hanson, showcases an AI-generated song inspired by their show. Both hosts express astonishment and a hint of concern over AI's capabilities.
“With just a few prompts, 70s soft rock, couple of phrases, it crafts this song.” [17:20]
8. Conclusion
The episode concludes with Armstrong and Getty reflecting on the state of American politics, media influence, and the challenges of maintaining fiscal responsibility amidst partisan divides. They emphasize the importance of staying informed beyond mainstream media narratives and encourage listeners to critically assess information sources.
Notable Quotes:
-
Joe Getty on Tribalism:
“You think the normal thing to do would have been to just go along with Trump. The abnormal thing to do is to continue to believe what you've been saying for years.” [03:28]
-
Jack Armstrong on Media Blindness:
“The media no longer notices the tribalism, the naked, like, unmitigated tribalism.” [03:28]
-
Joe Getty on Legislative Support:
“As long as Trump wants this bill, this bill is likely to pass one way or the other.” [09:21]
-
Joe Getty on Little KJP’s Shift:
“She sounded way more intelligent, thoughtful, and believable herself in all the clips that I heard than she ever did at the White House podium.” [19:20]
This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a deep dive into the complexities of current American politics, highlighting the clash between prominent figures like Elon Musk and entrenched political interests. The hosts adeptly balance humor with critical analysis, providing listeners with insightful perspectives on pressing national issues.