Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Listen To This & We Expect Your Gratitude"

Release Date: May 20, 2025 | Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty | Produced by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the "Listen To This & We Expect Your Gratitude" episode of the Armstrong & Getty On Demand podcast, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a range of pressing political and societal issues. From dissecting Jake Tapper's controversial book on President Biden to exploring China's expanding espionage efforts in the United States, and scrutinizing the complexities of the American healthcare system, Armstrong and Getty provide their insightful takes on matters shaping the nation.

Dissecting Jake Tapper's "Original Sin"

Timestamp: 01:10

The episode kicks off with a critical discussion of Jake Tapper's forthcoming book, "Original Sin," which examines President Joe Biden's decline. Armstrong and Getty question the necessity and timing of the book's release, suggesting that the information Tapper presents should have been openly discussed earlier.

Joe Getty [02:25]: "Don’t news people have to tell you what they know when they find it out? Isn't that the difference between news and a 'you won't believe what we found out'?"

The hosts express frustration over Tapper's approach, highlighting the use of heavy literary quotes to introduce the book's themes, which they find unnecessarily grandiose.

Joe Getty [04:05]: "They told me everything. They told me I was everything. Tis a lie. I am not."

Armstrong and Getty argue that the book reflects a smugness in expecting gratitude from the public for unveiling truths about Biden's cognitive abilities and the administration's handling of information.

Jack Armstrong [05:34]: "The tone of this is 'Listen to this, and we expect your gratitude.' You should be grateful to us for exposing these truths."

China's Expanding Espionage Efforts at Stanford

Timestamp: 14:33

The conversation shifts to national security, focusing on a 60 Minutes report about China's intelligence operations targeting Stanford University. Armstrong provides a detailed account of how Chinese agents, masquerading as researchers and students, infiltrate academic institutions to gather intelligence.

Jack Armstrong [15:03]: "And they have a massive, massive effort to spy on the United States."

They discuss the tactics used by Chinese operatives, including the use of social media to recruit and manipulate students involved in sensitive research areas related to the Chinese economy and military.

Journalist Clip [14:07]: "With the help of experts familiar with espionage tactics, Anna contacted the FBI. It revealed Charles Chen had posed as a Stanford student for years."

Armstrong and Getty express concern over the pervasive nature of these espionage activities and the challenges in mitigating such threats within prestigious academic settings.

Joe Getty [18:25]: "Don't ever throw around KGB or something like that. That's the past. MSS is what is going to ruin your life. That's the modern KGB of China."

Healthcare System Under Scrutiny: Medicaid and Obamacare

Timestamp: 20:00

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to examining the American healthcare system, specifically the expansion and implications of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Joined by healthcare expert Craig Gotwells, Armstrong and Getty critique the exponential growth of Medicaid coverage and its impact on taxpayers and the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Podcast Host [21:03]: "Originally designed to cover 2% of Americans, Medicaid today covers about 1 in 3 Americans."

The discussion highlights the disparity in federal funding between traditionally disadvantaged groups and the newly covered able-bodied adults, questioning the sustainability and intent behind these expansions.

Jack Armstrong [22:38]: "If you are a 28-year-old dude smoking pot in your mom and dad’s basement right now, Medicaid’s paying 90%."

Gotwells elaborates on the financial inefficiencies introduced by Obamacare, emphasizing the ballooning costs and the government's role in perpetuating entitlement programs.

Podcast Host [25:53]: "They projected Medicaid would cost less, but by 1992, it was 17 times higher than expected."

The hosts advocate for alternative healthcare models, such as direct primary care, to circumvent the convoluted and costly government-run systems.

Podcast Host [31:27]: "Buy as little insurance as you can. Buy the highest deductible, go ahead, don't get sick."

Breaking News: Jail Protocol Breakdown in Louisiana

Timestamp: 34:07

Amidst their discussions, Armstrong and Getty report breaking news about a security breach at a Louisiana jail, where seven inmates escaped due to a protocol failure. They scrutinize the potential internal collusion and the repercussions of such negligence.

Joe Getty [34:07]: "Any family member who was scared or frustrated, they have every right to be."

The hosts highlight the suspension of staff members and the investigation into whether the escape was an inside job, reflecting on the broader implications for prison safety and administrative accountability.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty maintain a critical lens on political narratives and institutional practices, urging listeners to question official accounts and seek transparency. Their discussions on Jake Tapper's book, China's espionage tactics, and the flaws within the American healthcare system underscore a consistent theme of skepticism towards established authority and a call for more responsible governance.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty [04:05]: "They told me everything. They told me I was everything. Tis a lie. I am not."

• Jack Armstrong [05:34]: "The tone of this is 'Listen to this, and we expect your gratitude.' You should be grateful to us for exposing these truths."

• Joe Getty [18:25]: "Don’t ever throw around KGB or something like that. That's the past. MSS is what is going to ruin your life. That's the modern KGB of China."

• Podcast Host [21:03]: "Originally designed to cover 2% of Americans, Medicaid today covers about 1 in 3 Americans."

• Jack Armstrong [22:38]: "If you are a 28-year-old dude smoking pot in your mom and dad’s basement right now, Medicaid’s paying 90%."

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and perspectives presented in the podcast episode. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.