Pleasure Is Pleasurable

Summary

Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: Pleasure Is Pleasurable
Date: October 1, 2025
Host Network: iHeartPodcasts

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Overview

This episode opens a new month with Armstrong & Getty's signature blend of cultural commentary, humor, and current events. The central themes revolve around the pleasures of enjoying baseball, a robust debate over military standards and leadership, and a unique look at the ongoing Israel-Hamas peace talks and related Middle East dynamics. Throughout, the hosts mix serious discussion with their trademark banter, highlighting the absurdities in the news, politics, and everyday life.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Pleasures of Leisure & Sports

• Start of the show (00:39–01:11):
  The hosts celebrate entering a new month and reflect on the simple joy of watching baseball playoffs—emphasizing the value of pleasure for its own sake.

  • "Pleasure is pleasurable." – Host A (01:09)

• Yankees-Red Sox Baseball Recap (14:09–15:14):
  They relive the tension of a Yankees-Red Sox pitching duel—highlighting the drama, the tension, and why baseball holds a special place in the American psyche.

  • "Yankee Stadium, bottom of the ninth, bases loaded. That's as good as it gets for all of baseball." – Host B (14:26)
  • "It's like the tension of a last second 50 yard field goal stretched over 10 minutes." – Host A (14:55)

2. Military Standards, Fitness & Gender Policies

• Pete Hegseth's Speech Analysis (01:25–08:01; see also Mailbag at 33:36–38:05):
  The episode quickly pivots to reactions from Pete Hegseth’s speech calling for new military grooming and fitness standards, prominently declaring "no more fat generals." The hosts dig into the cultural shift in military standards, debate the role of physical adversity in preparing for combat, and question the logic of differing fitness benchmarks for men and women in combat roles.

  • "No more fat generals. I don't want to see any more fat generals and admirals walking the halls of the Pentagon." – Host B, quoting Pete Hegseth (01:37)
  • They wryly propose applying the Pentagon’s grooming standards to their own show, poking fun at themselves and their team.
  • Extended discussion on the controversy regarding equal physical fitness standards, how media and voters address the issue, and the tough realities of combat readiness.
  • "It's a no brainer that you don't give somebody a break in terms of physical fitness for combat based on anything… It's about keeping people alive. It's not a jobs program." – Host A (04:54)

• Mailbag & Listener Responses (33:36–38:05):
  Listeners (including a serving colonel in the Pentagon) react overwhelmingly positively to Hegseth's call, bemoaning current lax standards and lauding a potential return to a "merit/war-fighting standards focus."

  • "Fat out of shape and under trained members litter the halls of the Pentagon. ... These things are sorely lacking in the department today." – Colonel Al Anonymous (34:53, 36:46)

3. Parody, AI Deepfakes, and Political Satire

• Trump's AI Trolling Videos (09:11–10:27):
  The hosts describe Trump deploying AI voice and video manipulations to lampoon Democratic leaders and troll government protesters—raising questions (and laughs) about political tactics in the digital age.
  • "It was in Trump's voice to troll them. So it was both by the book and hilarious." – Host A (09:26)

4. The Government Shutdown: Real or Manufactured Crisis?

• Shutdown Hysteria & Reality Check (10:31–13:06):
  The hosts unpack media doom-saying around the government shutdown, noting the lack of meaningful impact on most Americans and mocking attempts to manufacture urgency or fear.
  • "If you have to try this hard to come up with something bad with the government shutting down, there's too much government." – Host B (10:59)
  • "Please note, in your own life, if you'd have noticed it without being told … that the government shut down. And then when it opens, would you have noticed that?" – Host A (12:32)

5. Israel-Hamas Peace Process & Middle East Analysis

• The "20 Principles of Peace" Deadline (19:29–28:45):
  The hosts break down the looming deadline for Hamas to accept Trump's 20-point Middle East peace plan, including commentary on the hostage situation and disarmament demands.

  • They cite analysis from Michael Oren (Israeli historian/warrior), noting skepticism about Hamas’s ability—or willingness—to fundamentally change.

  • Fresh perspective on why Qatar changed its position: not out of principle, but because Israeli operations threatened the security and prestige of Doha. Qatar's leaders, incentivized by self-preservation (and their own luxurious lifestyles), are now pressuring Hamas.

    • "The attempted killing of senior Hamas officials in broad daylight in Qatar signaled … that it could not continue the double game." – Host A, citing Amit Seagal (23:14–24:34)

  • The hosts predict Hamas will likely say "yes" to the deal under pressure, but express skepticism about long-term compliance.

6. Headlines, Quick Hits & Light-Hearted Banter

• Katie Green's Headlines Segment (15:14–18:21, 32:00–32:07):
  • From Greta Thunberg’s flotilla to pet care’s rising costs, Fat Bear Week, social trends in planned funerals, the "hybrid" diet of insects, and satirical NFL Super Bowl plans.
  • Fat Bear week is humorously connected to the running "fat generals" gag, and the “Fat Admirals" band/joke poster is shared among the team.
• NFL, Pop Culture, and Social Stories (29:49–30:46):
  • Discussion about sports heroics (Josh Allen), NFL personalities (Patrick Mahomes), and the “Kansas City Karen” viral drama at a Chiefs game—lampooning outrage culture and internet mob justice.
• Social Equity, Marijuana, and Socialism (31:32–32:07):
  • Teaser for a story about the failures of San Francisco’s "social equity" marijuana store, which they call classic evidence that socialism doesn’t work: "everybody got rich even as it went under."

7. Community Feedback, Closings, and Quotables

• Notable Quotes (Throughout):
  • "I'm in the winter of my life." – Host B, riffing on funeral planning surveys (17:22)
  • "Mailbag at armstrongandgetty.com." – Show’s email, inviting robust listener engagement (34:11)
  • "No, you can understand why ... we got to have a lethal fighting force." – Host B, on tough decisions about military standards (37:46)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Military Fitness Standards:
  "If you're not digging this, if you're thinking 'Oh no,' then you probably should retire. … We thank you for your service, but retire." — Host B, on leadership changes in the military (37:24)

• On Media-Driven Outrage:
  "A lot of [stories] fall under the category of things I think we're supposed to be mad about or offended by." — Host A (31:08)

• On Israel & Qatar:
  "The attempted killing of senior Hamas officials in broad daylight in Qatar signaled … that it could not continue the double game it has played in recent years." — Host A, quoting Israeli commentator Amit Seagal (24:34)

• On Fat Bear Week:
  "They should have Fat General Week where we all see pictures of fat generals and pick our favorite." — Host B (16:46)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Pleasure & Baseball Banter: 00:39–01:11, 14:09–15:14
• Military Standards Discussion: 01:25–08:01, 33:36–38:05
• AI Trump Trolling: 09:11–10:27
• Shutdown Analysis: 10:31–13:06
• Middle East/Israel-Hamas Analysis: 19:29–28:45
• Headlines w/ Katie Green: 15:14–18:21
• NFL/Pop Culture Commentary: 29:49–31:32
• Social Equity weed store & Socialism Rant: 31:32–32:07
• Mailbag/Listener Feedback: 33:36–39:38

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Tone & Style

The episode runs with Armstrong & Getty's wry, irreverent humor and sharp cultural/political observations, deftly blending serious national security and global events with everyday commentary, satire, and listener interactivity. The genuine camaraderie between hosts keeps even the weightier topics light and accessible.

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For Listeners

This episode is packed with armchair wisdom, sharp critique of both mainstream narratives and official policy, and the kind of witty, personable banter that feels both informative and entertaining. Whether discussing the fate of Hamas or the fate of the Yankees, Armstrong & Getty deliver news and opinion with humor and honesty.

Transcript

[A]

This is an iHeart podcast broadcasting live.

[B]

From the Abraham Lincoln radio Studio at.

[A]

The George Washington Broadcast Center.

[C]

Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty.

[A]

Armstrong and Getty.

[B]

And now, here's Armstrong and Gary.

[A]

Live from Studio C. Senior.

[B]

How exciting it is to be in a brand new month deep within the bowels of the Armstrong and Getty communications compound. And today we are under the tutelage.

[A]

Of our general manager. I don't know. Baseball playoffs.

[B]

Oh, I took in a couple games yesterday. Parts of games yesterday. I was really enjoying that. And it's nice to do something like that.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, take it in the baseball.

[B]

Just the thing that's just pleasurable as opposed to important.

[A]

Pleasure is pleasurable.

[B]

Although I'll tell you this, agree. If you're. If your big horse pitcher is doing well, you leave him in. You leave him in. I don't like the modern way, blah, blah, blah. Saber metrics, blah, blah. I don't like.

[A]

Yeah, I know.

[B]

I was listening to Pete Hexith on the way in. More of him. Some stuff that I hadn't heard yet. Have to play today from his big speech yesterday. He gave it to the generals where he said, no more fat generals.

[A]

That was certainly part of the message.

[B]

Yes, that was absolutely part of it. No more fat generals. I don't want to see any more fat generals and admirals walking the halls of the Pentagon.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, I'm telling you. How many guts are going to be sucked in today as they stroll the hall?

[B]

Well, there had to be a few guys who think, oh, Betty's talking about me.

[A]

Oh, my God, I got an office on the same floor.

[B]

But he's talking about me. But the new grooming standards and fitness standards. I'm wondering if we shouldn't bring them to the Armstrong and Getty show. Tight ship. He's calling. He says it's the broken windows policy applied to the Pentagon. That's what Pete said.

[A]

I gotta lose my beard. Yeah.

[B]

I gotta start shaving, do some pushups, grooming.

[A]

But Michael, do something about those eyebrows. They're contributing to a complete lack of discipline.

[B]

I'll work on them. I don't know. They look like they could attack somebody. This is the War Department. But one thing I heard mentioned today, but I need to do a little research to figure out what it is that he wants to bring back. The policy that drill instructors can put their hands on recruits. Apparently they had. I knew that they had outlawed that partially. I know this because of my dad and my brother. So my. It must have. Maybe it's when they Outlawed drill sergeants being able to touch recruits at all. My brother was talking about when he went through basic training, which would been in the 80s, they would, they would occasionally smack you like on the, the rifle range if your head was too up. They come by smack you on you to keep your head down. But, but my dad, when he went.

[A]

Through, well, probably worth pointing out so it doesn't get blown off. Right. Combat and your dad.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Are horribly crippled. Right?

[B]

Yes. But my dad said that when he went through basic training they could punch you. That was part of the deal.

[A]

Right. Wow.

[B]

I don't know if that's necessary or not. Although you do want tough people and yet.

[A]

Yeah. I don't know.

[B]

Do you want people that the first time they've ever been punched or had any physical adversity when they're actually in a battle? I don't know. I, I don't know. I, I have no experience, real life experience in this area.

[A]

I would say if you polled warriors over the last 5,000 years and asked him that series of questions, the, the answer would not be well woke. Okay. It would probably not be the kind and gentle Barney, the dinosaur style of, you know, dealing with human beings that is in vogue these days.

[B]

Right. Because we're not talking about coaches hitting players. Well, how the toughening up your players for a sport or, you know, I don't know, that gets pretty wishy. But people are actually going to head into battle and defend themselves in the country and the people around them. I don't know, that's a tough one. But all the coverage I've heard outside of some Fox commentators and you know, people like us has all been, oh boy, I don't know about this. I said, I was even listening to News Nation today and they presented some of Pete's clips and, and he's going to, he's going to hold people to one standard for physical fitness even if that means fewer women in combat. Jim, how do we feel about that? If you think that is controversial, I don't even know how to talk to you.

[A]

Right, right. What that illustrates is the unbelievable extent to which people will repeat what they think they're supposed to say and come to believe it. It's absolutely, I hate to use the term no brainer. It makes it sound like I have no brain. But it is a no brainer that you don't give somebody a break in terms of physical fitness for combat based on anything. What else? Maybe they, it's a congenital condition he has that one of his arms doesn't Work very well. It's not his fault. So we're going to lower our standard? No, it's about keeping people alive. It's not a jobs program or the country alive. Well, right, yeah, it's a good point.

[B]

But the fact that anybody can present that is controversial to me. It's like I don't even know where I would start having a conversation with you. I feel like there'd be no point.

[A]

We're so far apart.

[B]

There's no point in even trying to. Because if it isn't self evident that that's a good idea, well then we're just so far apart in our worldview. I don't know.

[A]

Well, I don't think that being far apart is the problem because if they were to come up with a well reasoned set of ideas backing up their opinion, then, all right, let's get it on. Let's talk to each other. I'll bet this will be interesting. But if they are merely parroting what they think they're supposed to say, and in this case it's got to be 99 to 1 percentage wise, the number of people who say it's, it's, it's wrong and discriminatory to hold women to the same standards for combat as men. They, they are so clearly not a person who can think independently that you're wasting your time.

[B]

Yeah, I don't know. It'll be interesting to see if he's actually able to implement some of this stuff. You know, I'm hoping the mainstream media is an outlier in terms of people's view on this sort of thing, because like I said, most of the coverage was, boy, I don't know, we're gonna have fewer women because they have a different standard. They're not gonna have a different standard for men and women. Women aren't quite as strong. Why would we have the same standard? It's like, I get it. I don't even know where to start.

[A]

Well, you are looking at a different goal than the rest of us.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Your goal is to have the proper quota of women and people with a withered arm or whatever in combat. Ours is to win and protect the country. You know, I take back what I said about you're wasting your time because they have no independent thought. The simple truth is the large number of voters are sheep. They don't think independently. They say what they think they're supposed to say and you know, so you have to sway a certain number of them and sit them down and talk to them and explain to them, well, if somebody gets wounded and he weighs 240 pounds, that gal that you're advocating for can't save his life. She just can't. She might want to. And I know the stories of mothers pulling cars up into the air to save their baby, blah, blah, blah, but she just can't.

[B]

Yeah. Well, I hope the implementation can go. No more fat generals. That's what he said. No more fat generals. Let's start the show officially because, you know, it's a big one.

[A]

I'm sorry. My. My emphasis needs to be on fat admirals because a general at least is operating mostly on the ground, where you have fairly unlimited space. An admiral is on a ship. I mean, there's limited square footage on a ship, certainly a submarine. So fat admirals are getting off easy, in my opinion.

[B]

What's a good sink? You just think you have to displace more water to keep you afloat.

[A]

Thank you. It's just physics there, right?

[B]

I'm Jack Armstrong. He's Joe Getty on this. It is Wednesday, October 1st. The rent is due. The rent is too damn high. Damn right it is. The year 2025. We're Armstrong and Getty, and we approve of this program.

[A]

Fat Admirals would be a pretty good band name.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay, let's begin the show officially. Now, according to FCC rules, regs. Here we go. The show starts at mark.

[B]

This is the Federal Protective Service. The facility is closed and not open to the public. Stay out of the area on the driveway to allow for vehicular traffic. Remain on the sidewalk or across the street. Everyone must leave this restrict area and may be subject to detention or arrest for failing to depart the restricted area.

[A]

So that's great.

[B]

So that's a. I. Trump ordering malcontents to disperse around federal buildings. Is that like an official government thing or is that a joke or.

[A]

I. Well, it's both. He was.

[B]

He.

[A]

It. They. The computer was reading the official legal warning to protesters who were violating the law. But it was in Trump's voice to troll them. So it was both by the book and hilarious.

[B]

Speaking of trolling, we talked yesterday about the AI video that Trump put out about the shutdown that had Schumer there and Hakeem Jeffries there, and Schumer was saying things in Schumer's voice that weren't accurate but were funny. And Hakeem Jeffries was wearing a sombrero and had a big mustache with mariachi music playing in the background, with the idea being that they're trying to get health care for illegals yes. He put out a new video today that is similar with Schumer saying even more crazy things, but this includes Trump as the mariachi band. It's all a bunch of Trumps playing the trumpet and the big guitar and.

[A]

All that sort of stuff.

[B]

I gotta see that on his official site.

[A]

These are odd times.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because especially with the nightmare of the government shutdown.

[B]

It is a nightmare way. Here's my favorite stat about that whole thing. The government shut down for a full month. The last time we did it. Do you even remember? Shut down for an entire month. And did you even remember that it happened?

[A]

Honestly, what I remember is how hard they tried to make it hurt normal people.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Because without those efforts, most people would just go about their business, right? Oh, yeah, that's right.

[B]

I was listening to some of the doom and gloom on one of the channels and I thought, man, if you have to try this hard to come up with something that is bad with the government shutting down, there's too much government. You shouldn't have to work this hard to come up with anything that could possibly upset anyone.

[A]

You know, I have some. Here's my example.

[B]

Here's my example. On the news they said, for instance, Friday inflation numbers are supposed to be coming out. A lot of people are looking forward to those. And those numbers will not come out on time. If the guy. I thought that that's your. Oh, my God. The government shut down.

[A]

Wow. I got a text my wife. We're not going to feed the dog until the government shutdown is over. We can't. I mean, just not knowing the inflation numbers. It's just we've got to take precautions. Honey, turn off the water at the main valve outside of the house. Cancel the natural gas. Yeah. Here's my only analysis of it. It's a very weird shutdown because it's not over anything specific. It is merely the Democratic Party desperate to show that they're fighting Trump because they're aware of their miserable, miserable unpopularity. And you know, whether this works or not, we'll all find out together and it'll be fine. But it is a real gamble by a beast that is in its death throes.

[B]

It's going to open this evening or Friday night while you're asleep or next Tuesday, and you'll never think about it again in your life. That's what it's going to be.

[A]

Here's the Armstrong and Getty Challenge. Please note, in your own life, if you'd have noticed it without being told no. That the government shut down. And then when it opens, would you have noticed that?

[B]

Well, no. No being told on any level, no, that's a unicorn. That person will not exist.

[A]

Who in a real scenario, you're not a federal employee, obviously that you would.

[B]

Have noticed it shutting down or starting back up? No, not a chance. Okay, we've got headlines on the way and much more news to get to. I hope you can stay here.

[A]

Armstrong and Getty.

[C]

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[B]

I took in some of Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers, Reds, but Yankees, Red Sox. I mean, you cannot get better than this for major league Baseball. Yankee Stadium, bottom of the ninth, bases loaded. That's as good as it gets for all of baseball.

[A]

Crazy. So awesome. Yeah.

[B]

Yankees lost, by the way.

[A]

Dang it.

[B]

Oh, it's good. It's good. Bases loaded, no outs, Yankees lost.

[A]

Says the New York centric mainstream media figure, Jack Armstrong. Do you mean the Red Sox won?

[B]

Well, no media bias. Bases loaded, no outs, in a close game and the pitcher went strikeout, fly out, strikeout. And got out of the inning. It was awesome.

[A]

Yeah, it's. It's like the tension of a last second 50 yard field goal stretched over 10 minutes.

[B]

Yeah, it was cool that.

[A]

Oh my God.

[B]

Is it in? Is it in?

[A]

Is it in? But for 10 straight, that's what I love about baseball at its best. Let's figure out who's reporting what. It's lead story with Katie Green. Delighted to have you back, Katie.

[D]

Thank you, friends. All right, starting with the free beacon, dozens of ships in Greta Thunberg's flotilla quote secretly Owned by Hamas.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Really.

[B]

She probably doesn't know that, but that's not surprising.

[A]

Well, that reminds me. Coming up, great analysis of why the Arab states have lined up behind this deal.

[B]

Oh, okay. I want to hear that.

[A]

It will shock you.

[D]

From NBC, members of Congress to still get paid during government shutdown.

[B]

They always make sure of that.

[A]

Thank God.

[D]

From USA Today, many Americans fear that they can't afford afford pets anymore due to rising vet costs.

[B]

None of my business, but the number of people I know who openly state that they're struggling and have one to three pets. Dang it. One of the reasons I didn't have a dog when I was young and poor is they're expensive.

[A]

Oh, yeah, yeah. You have no idea how expensive until you get one. Even cats.

[D]

From Fox News, Diddy's ex Cassie fears swift retribution if rapper walks free as prosecutors push for 11 year sentence.

[A]

He could walk free.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

There's a chance. He's getting sentenced on Friday.

[B]

All right.

[A]

Yeah. The defense is asking for time served. He'll get more than that.

[D]

From the Washington Post, Fat Bear week has a new champion and he's a total chunk.

[B]

I saw Good looking bear has a broken jaw. They should have Fat General Week where we all see pictures of fat generals.

[A]

And pick our favorite.

[B]

Oh, right.

[D]

That'd be fun.

[A]

And I texted everybody the, the concert poster for fat Admirals. Their first show. You check your text? Yes.

[D]

That will be going on the wall of my studio at my house, by the way.

[A]

Excellent.

[D]

From the New York Post. According to new survey, 65% of Americans have already planned their own funerals.

[B]

Two thirds have.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I haven't. I'm in the minority.

[A]

I haven't.

[B]

And I'm closer to the grave than, you know, the average person.

[A]

True.

[B]

It's true. I'm in the winter of my life.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Okay.

[D]

Study finds 2 billion people feast on insects regularly. Is it time that we embrace the hybrid diet?

[B]

Oh, they've been pushing this on me since I was a kid. We're gonna be eating bugs someday.

[A]

They've got lots of protein. Etc. Etc. Do you know, in Africa, etc. Etc.

[B]

Ain't happening.

[D]

And finally, from the Babylon Bee NFL, hoping to win back conservatives with super bowl performance by Spanish speaking man in a dress.

[B]

Ah, good one.

[A]

Oh, boy. I thought I had heard a couple.

[B]

Of not that long ago that bugs actually don't have really more protein or anything than lots of other things. So there's no need to eat bugs. There's plenty of other alternatives.

[A]

Right. My life has been living proof of that. I think I've eaten very few bugs. Indeed.

[B]

I had a whole plate of bugs in Mexico one time not knowing it. Ants and crickets and all kinds of.

[A]

Crawled onto your frijole.

[B]

I'll have to tell the story sometime.

[C]

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[A]

Anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terror attack that started this war is a week from today. Hamas has less time than that to review the 20 point peace plan and get back to the White House with a yes or a no.

[B]

We're going to do about three or four days. We'll see how it is.

[A]

That means Hamas has till this weekend to accept President Trump's 20 principles of peace or prepare for an Israeli military onslaught backed by the United States.

[B]

Hamas has to agree and they don't. It's going to be very tough on them, but it is what it is. I didn't realize they'd put a deadline on that soon. So this weekend Hamas has got to come back with a yes or no.

[A]

Yeah. And the first of all the newsy stuff before the analysis. The militant group has told mediators that it is absolutely seriously looking at has reservations about some of the terms of the 20 point plan, including the stipulation that it disarm and destroy its weapons, which is it has previously rejected over and over again. Hamas also says releasing all 48 hostages within three days as laid out in the Trump plan would be difficult because it has lost contact in recent weeks with some other militant groups holding a number of them.

[B]

Wow. I don't know.

[A]

I would suggest that you try really, really hard to find them.

[B]

Well, the fact that Israel is saying, you lay down your arms and we'll, you know, we'll forgive. Forgive you. They don't use that word. But we won't. We won't come after you anymore.

[A]

We'll call it off.

[B]

That's a heck of a thing for people that came into your country and murdered babies and grandmas.

[A]

Yeah, it's an amnesty.

[B]

Yeah. That is a hell of a thing.

[A]

Right, right. So, anyway, the one I've. I came across two pieces of analysis that I thought were great, one by Michael Oren in the Free Press, and his problem with it is that there's a real lack of timetables. And he, like me, believes that Hamas will act like it's complying or it agrees or what have you, but then the foot dragging, the tiptoeing right up to the line of violating the agreement or actually violating it will begin, and they will begin sowing chaos as quickly as possible. And he's troubled by the lack of structure here. I have a feeling that'll come along, especially with Trump involved. If they, in a Putin like way, although Trump's response to Putin hasn't been everything I think it should be, but if they, in a Putin like way, string him along over and over again, he's going to say, all right, you got a week, a week, a week to achieve these three goals or it's all off and we're going to attack you anyway.

[B]

Michael Oren is, by the way, a badass warrior from the way back in the day in some of Israel's biggest wars, and wrote a fantastic book called Six Days of War, if you ever want to read about that one.

[A]

An excellent tip. Six Days of War. Terrific. So this guy has no illusions about Hamas cooperating. His belief is that they will only cooperate to the extent that they are forced to cooperate. And he says a potentially fatal flaw in the plan is its assumption that after nearly 40 years of radical Islamism, countless terrorist attacks, and an unprecedented level of international support, Hamas will change its DNA. Which is what I was saying yesterday. If their stated purpose is to wipe the Jews off the face of the earth, specifically Israel, becoming some sort of men's club or civic organization is going to be a difficult transition.

[B]

Well, I still think the hope is if they agree to it, you get so many countries involved, including a whole bunch of Arab countries that are running that Gaza Strip, and Hamas just isn't in no position to do what they've done in the past.

[A]

Yeah, they Die for lack of, you know, fertilizer support. Relevance. So here's the thing I found really, really interesting. Why Qatar changed course on Hamas. And this is written by Amit Seagal, who was. Is a chief political commentator in Israeli media and the author of a book of history about Israeli politics and that sort of thing. He says it's too early to know if there will be an agreement to end the war in Gaza and whether it'll be implemented. But there is reason for President Trump's optimism that Hamas might release hostages, give up its weapons, and leave power. Change is afoot. Not in Gaza, but in Doha, capital of Qatar. The government of Qatar is pressuring its proteges to accept the deal. The regime which thwarted the last hostage deal changed its mind because the war has reached its home. After the IDF operated in five Muslim capitals, Gaza, Beirut, Damascus, Sana' A and Tehran, it hit Doha. The attempted killing of senior Hamas officials in broad daylight in Qatar signaled to the natural gas emirate that it could not continue the double game it has played in recent years. Despite the threats against Israel, the Qataris are now working to make Hamas accept the demands from Jerusalem.

[B]

Wow, that's interesting if that's true, if that made the difference. And that's a heck of a thing that Netanyahu called from the Oval Offices. Sorry about that.

[A]

Precisely. He let Qatar save face. That's why that call was made. That's why it was done publicly. Netanyahu made a show of, I'm sorry I did that. I want peace between us. I'm absolutely not pushing you or bullying you or threatening you. So you have credibility in the eyes of your people. But the Qatari leadership is like, holy crap, now they're coming at us. This is over. Hamas is this guy right? He sure makes a convincing case.

[B]

I'll bet he's right. Makes sense to me. And, and, and just logically, you finally get to some of those gazillionaires, they're like, I got a really great life here. I live on the entire floor of one of the tallest buildings in the world. I got six different Bentleys and a harem of women, and I don't really want to get involved in the nitty gritty of this.

[A]

So. Right. And if you're the Qataris who really fancy themselves the, the world diplomats and, and all, and just because they've got an enormous trove of natural gas under them, the idea that they're going to get punched in the face repeatedly to, to what? Hide Hamas? These guys are thinking, no way for the reasons you just enunciated, Qatar had recently defended this gent rights, Hamas's efforts to remain in power and its demands for a full Israeli withdrawal in exchange for leasing the hostages. Full Israeli withdrawal. Now, Doha is among those threatening Hamas with destruction if it won't accept this deal, which is pretty much the opposite. And Prime Minister Netanyahu's telephone apology for violating Qatar's sovereignty is lip service to divert attention from the Emirates turnaround.

[B]

I think Hamas has got no choice but to say yes to this, and then maybe they try to wriggle out of it or whatever, but I think, you know, by this weekend, they got to say yes. Can you imagine the way Israel is going to roll in there, given what they said the other day in the Oval Office, where Netanyahu said, we'll do what we got to do. And Trump said, go ahead, we got, you got.

[A]

You got our.

[B]

We got your back. I mean, oh, my God, do what.

[A]

You need to do. Yeah, yeah, I would agree. The, the only question mark is how does this unfold over time as coalitions start to pursue their own self interest and are threatened to buy this development at home or over how much restive fundamentalist population in a couple of million.

[B]

Years, the sun's going to burn out and we're all going to freeze to death? I mean, how much time?

[A]

Yeah, well, no, that's what I'm, that's, that's the whole point. Things are nice and tight for three weeks. It was like, do you remember when who was asking the question? Was it. I think it may have been one of the podcasts the National Review guys do. Right after October 7th, right after, I think it was Rich Lowry asked the panel, all right, how long until Israel's support starts to fracture among the Western governments? And, you know, the guy said a week, one guy said two weeks, one guy said three months. Whatever. Will, the, the solidity, the strength of will that exists right now still exist in two months, two years? That'll be the interesting part.

[B]

I don't know. But the cratering support for Israel in the United States is a problem because we're definitely their biggest cheerleader and give them tons of money and military equipment.

[A]

Yeah. It seems, though, that the elites in both parties say, yeah, the voters don't know what they're talking about or the people taking the polls for supporting our ally.

[B]

For now, the next generation of leaders might not feel the same way, especially.

[A]

If there's some sort of mumdani type.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Who is almost certainly going to be the mayor of New York. Now I've resigned myself to it.

[B]

You know, AOC is probably going to run against Schumer. Schumer will be out. You know, the old school like him, Democrats that were in support of Israel, that might be the end of that.

[A]

Wow. Wow. A word from our friends at prize picks. The best way to cash in on the, you know, your favorite team in the major league playoffs or your favorite team in the football season. Which players are going to go off, which ones are overhyped? Make your picks in less than 60 seconds, turn your takes into cash all season long on prize picks.

[B]

Yeah, man, between the baseball and the football, there is plenty going on right there. And all you got to do is download the app. Download the prize picks app today and use the Code Armstrong to get $50 lineups after you play the first $5 lineup. I'll tell you this, I would go more on anything Josh Allen related.

[A]

Always interesting. Interesting. Yeah, he's one of the picks that they, they highlight here in my info sheet. Is he gonna pass more or less than 270 yards? He's an amazing ballplayer. So download the prize picks app today, use the Code Armstrong to get $50 in lineups. And after you play your first $5 lineup, that code is ARMSTRONG. You get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 Lineup. You don't need to win. It's automatic prize picks. It's good to be right.

[B]

Josh Allen, quarterback for one of the only two unbeaten teams in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills. Did you see that long run he had the other day Sunday? You gotta, you gotta look that up on YouTube or something. He puts his. He did the opposite of what every quarterback does. He put his head down, was stiff arming people and running people over right in the middle of the field.

[A]

Well, boy, as big as a house, right?

[B]

That helps.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Not dainty little Patrick Mahomes.

[A]

Wow, you've turned on him.

[B]

I haven't turned on him. He's just, he shouldn't be trying to plow people over.

[A]

Dainty is no compliment to an NFL.

[B]

Player limping around.

[A]

A dainty limper says you. Why I oughta do you see some gal ripped a pat. Mahomes was handing out like his wristband and his headband, young fans at the. The tunnel entrance. And he handed his headband to a little girl who was a Chiefs fan and a Giants fan lady snatched it away from the little girl and now of course, she's gone viral.

[B]

That's the Kansas City Karen. Okay, I saw, I saw a Kansas City Karen thing up on the screen yesterday and I didn't know what it was.

[A]

Yeah, okay.

[B]

Get her fired.

[A]

Oh, boy, oh boy.

[B]

Yeah, I need to know all about her. I want to see some tweet that she put out five years ago. That's horrifying. Loses her job, run out of her house.

[A]

You know, it's funny, we were going over the audio that we have available for the show today, and it will amuse and delight you, I promise. But a number of the clips struck me as. And these are fairly big stories, so it's absolutely appropriate that our fabulous crack staff brings them. But a lot of them fall under the category of things I think we're supposed to be mad about or offended by.

[B]

I've got a story. It's so good, I can't wait to tell it. And hats off to the San Francisco Chronicle for going big on the first Social equity weed store. How it went under, but everybody got rich even as it went under. It's classic socialism.

[A]

I mean, just era Juana.

[B]

Yeah, and good for the Chronicle for laying that story out. Maybe we'll get to that now or two. I mean, it's just, it's absolutely classic why socialism doesn't work.

[A]

Yeah. And we also have a special, very special Gender bending madness Celebrity edition.

[B]

Wow. Oh, and I gotta talk about the Lyft driver I had the other day who was from Lebanon. Great story he told me as he drove me around. Lots of stuff on the way. We got mailbag next.

[A]

Stay here, Armstrong and Getty.

[C]

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[B]

I named the wrong country. My Lyft driver was from Syria. But I do want to tell that story. Him coming to this country and raising his kids and everything like that is fantastic. Maybe we'll get to that next hour.

[A]

Love that. Here's your freedom loving quote of the day. Continuing our theme of change. This from John D. Rockefeller.

[B]

Ah, I'm a big. I. I wrote a very large biography about him once.

[A]

One of the few Americans who still reads according to you yesterday. Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great. He was a man who thought big.

[B]

Dreamed big, he ran the Standard Oil. He was one of the richest people that's ever lived adjusted for inflation. Gave 10% of his money always from the beginning to the end back to the church because he was very religious man.

[A]

Interesting. Mailbag. Drop us a note mailbag at Armstrong&getty.com Number of comments on Pete Hegsest speech to the troops yesterday. This is from Alien. Anonymous so excited to hear Heg says pep talk. My son is a West Point grad currently working through his service at Fort Bliss. Both senior leadership and enlisted regularly fall out when they go on their two mile jogs because they aren't fit enough to even run two miles.

[B]

Oh my God.

[A]

And he said the average mile time for those that do finish is 12 minutes. Not.

[B]

Okay, is that with a pack or just like in shorts and T shirts?

[A]

It's just PT I think.

[B]

Oh man, 12 minutes and half of them can't even do it.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, or quite a few of them anyway. Then this from a colonel in the United States Air Force, Colonel Al Anonymous Wanted to give you some insight from those serving currently on the SEC wars speech. And the colonel is currently serving in the Pentagon by the way. And he says not fat I'm assuming. Apparently not that we might want to hear indeed his perspective. And we do. He said this was the biggest breath of fresh air I've heard in years, possibly decades. If we follow through on it, it's all about merit. War Fighting Standards Focus. These things are sorely lacking in the department today, taken over by hundreds of hours of mandatory online training, lowered stand fearing retention and a focus on feelings, not the mission. Fat out of shape and under trained members litter the halls of the Pentagon. Yes, many generals all the way down to our combat units. Things like shaving waivers and fitness may seem frivolous to the public, but they are the little standards that build a foundation for the bigger ones. His example of broken windows is perfect for this. The time of leaders fearing risk taking and innovation is hopefully over. I Have more on that too. Until yesterday, commanders would fear any mistake because would probably be the end of their career. That's what I was reading about the, the one mistake culture where if anything goes the least bit wrong, it's a permanent blot on your record and your career is essentially over. So nobody dares innovate anyway. Baba until yesterday. Oh, there it is. End of their career. This stifled risk taking and trying something new. We're at the weakest we have ever been since I've been in the military. From a resourcing and capability standpoint, this shift in mindset and standards will hopefully help the fix some of that. I have a son who's about to join in. Many of the policies and issues have made me double think recommending it to him. Pete's golden rule is exactly how we need to be fighting in leading. And then Colonel Al summarizes. I know this speech will rile a lot of feathers, but everyone I serve with that I've Talked to is 100% on board with this message and ready to move out. Making our military more lethal and establishing the deterrence the world needs.

[B]

Wow. Every cable news panel I saw outside of Fox was just, you know, the generals were just sitting there hating everybody of this and blah blah, blah, blah, blah.

[A]

You know, some might be and they need to go and they should leave.

[B]

That's. And that. Pete said that actually. He said, and if, if you're not digging this, if you're thinking oh no, well then you probably should retire. Do the right thing for your country. We thank you for your service, but retire.

[A]

Right, right. Amen to that. You know, we're constantly saying, remember the kids didn't raise themselves. Well, the Pentagon didn't raise itself.

[B]

No, you can understand why a lot.

[A]

Of the leadership that's been bad.

[B]

You can understand why there are some people who think I rose up through the ranks doing what I was told to do by making an emphasis on making sure we got enough women and trans people and that nobody feels offended and triggered and now you're going to get rid of me. But you know, that's, that's, we can't worry about that. We got to have a lethal fighting force.

[A]

And what we see here is the power of leadership. Marxists in particular like to pretend that everything is the result of these.

[B]

You.

[A]

Know, shifts in humanity, these broad trends and blah, blah. Leadership doesn't really matter. It's all more or less inevitable. No, leadership matters a lot. Moving on to a different topic, this is Judy from Portland reading an article on Coin6 news website that's one of the big news stations in Portland. The article is titled Portland, we're not a War Zone. It's what you'd expect. People that live close saying the protests aren't a big deal, it's generally peaceful, blah, blah, blah, we don't need the federal government, blah, blah, blah. Except you can't really walk your dog in that area because of the tear gas and minor inconveniences like that. But the last paragraph was my favorite. She writes, Coin6News contacted several businesses in the area, but all declined to speak on camera for fear of retaliation from protesters. Wow. Nothing to see in Portland. Just local business people universally afraid of the peaceful protesters. Do these reporters not read the words they write? Wow. Great note, Judy. Thank you.

[B]

Yeah, that's really interesting stuff. I can feel it in my bones. This is going to be a good one today. We've only got one hour down. We got three hours to go in my bones. Or maybe I'm just not drinking enough milk. It's hard to tell, but if you missed a second, make it the podcast. Armstrong and Getty on demand. We do 20 hours every week that make that way you can get them all.

[A]

Armstrong and Getty. This is an I heart podcast.