Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Other Than Bodily Functions, We Can't Go Any Lower"

Release Date: February 12, 2025
Hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Produced by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the February 12, 2025 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into pressing political and social issues with their characteristic blend of humor and incisive commentary. Broadcasting live from the Abraham Lincoln Radio Studio, the duo navigates topics ranging from constitutional crises and government spending to the antics of Elon Musk and the rising inflation rates. The episode is marked by engaging dialogues, listener stories, and sharp critiques of current events.

Constitutional Crisis and Government Spending

00:50 - 03:04

The episode opens with Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty discussing the concept of a constitutional crisis in the context of current political maneuvers. They analyze comments from JD Vance and the implications of government restructuring efforts.

• Jack Armstrong observes, "I use that expression yesterday and it occurred to me nobody ever does a shallow dive. Why not? Or a medium dive. It's always deep." [01:14]

• Joe Getty counters by clarifying true constitutional crises, emphasizing, "A constitutional crisis would be if one of the branches refused to go along with whatever the decision ends up being." [02:47]

The hosts critique the notion that ongoing governmental actions constitute a constitutional crisis, arguing that such checks and balances are inherent to the system. They express skepticism over the feasibility of significantly downsizing a bloated federal government, highlighting resistance from politicians who view government jobs as sacrosanct.

• Joe Getty remarks, "Why would America have your back if you might lose your job any more than when 10,000 people are fired from Facebook or people get laid off at GM or anywhere else?" [04:04]

Elon Musk's Political Maneuvers

09:00 - 14:45

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Elon Musk's increasing involvement in politics. The hosts discuss Musk's recent activities, including his social media antics and potential political ambitions.

• Jack Armstrong humorously notes, "Disruptor in chief, Elon Musk, who apparently has adopted the alias, at least he changed his social media handle to Harry Balls..." [09:57]

• Joe Getty adds, "But I don't know if he's going to take this high role in the government, be the focal point..." [10:37]

They critique Musk's tweet about democracy being destroyed by a "judicial coup" and mock his attempt to nickname himself, highlighting the absurdity of such actions in serious political discourse.

• Jack Armstrong sarcastically states, "I was just looking at the video of... Big Balls... with a perfectly straight, you know, very concerned face." [13:58]

The hosts express concern over Musk's influence and question the efficacy of his unconventional approach to leadership and governance.

Inflation and Economic Policies

14:45 - 17:32

Armstrong and Getty shift focus to the economic landscape, particularly the rising inflation rates reported at 3% in January.

• Joe Getty summarizes, "Inflation picks up speed rising to 3% in January..." [14:45]

They scrutinize the Inflation Reduction Act, originally the Build Back Better Act, attributing the uptick in inflation to its implementation.

• Jack Armstrong voices his concerns about potential tariff implementations by Trump, stating, "I'm concerned that if he does impose those tariffs on steel and aluminum, that's gonna be super inflationary and that's gonna be bad." [15:30]

The discussion underscores the challenges of controlling inflation amidst policy changes and highlights the complexities of governmental economic strategies.

Listener Stories and Experiences

25:20 - 31:48

A compelling segment features listener Joe Getty sharing his frustrating experience with banking regulations stemming from the Patriot Act.

• Joe Getty recounts, "I hate the federal government... I can't open a bank account for a 13-year-old and as his parent I got, I gotta prove who he is because you can't take my word for the fact that he's my child..." [26:58]

Armstrong and Getty use this anecdote to illustrate the pervasive mistrust and bureaucratic hurdles imposed by federal policies, reinforcing their critique of government overreach.

Media and Political Satire

32:00 - 35:16

The hosts navigate through various media headlines, offering satirical takes on political figures and current events.

• Jack Armstrong mocks the Associated Press, saying, "Trump says he's not going to allow the Associated Press into the press pool because they won't refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America." [35:02]

They also cover topics such as Marco Rubio's name change to "Jack Cass," further highlighting the absurdity they perceive in contemporary political theatrics.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty: "We may have reached the end. I don't know. Like, yeah, other than bodily functions, I don't think we can go any lower." [12:49]

• Jack Armstrong: "Do not blunder ahead blindly. Think about what you're doing. Have a plan. Be smart." [18:21]

• Abraham Lincoln Quote: "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." [17:32]

• Jack Armstrong: "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." [17:03]

Closing Thoughts

In wrapping up the episode, Armstrong and Getty emphasize the importance of informed discourse and critical examination of governmental actions. They encourage listeners to engage with the show’s content through feedback and participation.

• Jack Armstrong: "Armstrong and Gettyestrian. We approve of this program." [09:34]

• Joe Getty: "I say if you miss a segment, get the podcast. Armstrong and Getty on demand." [35:02]

The episode concludes with a mix of humor and serious reflection, leaving listeners with ample food for thought on the state of American politics and governance.

Summary

This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand is a robust exploration of contemporary political issues, framed by the hosts' sharp wit and critical perspectives. From dissecting the nuances of constitutional crises to lampooning high-profile figures like Elon Musk, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty provide listeners with a thought-provoking and entertaining analysis. Their candid discussions on economic policies, government inefficiencies, and personal anecdotes about interactions with federal regulations offer a comprehensive look at the challenges facing modern America. Notable quotes and engaging segments ensure that both regular listeners and newcomers find value and insight in this lively podcast episode.