Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode: So She Could Use Them As A Footstool
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Overview

In this engaging episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into pressing issues surrounding higher education, academic freedom, and the political landscape influencing these domains. Joined by Congressman Kevin Kiley, the discussion navigates through the infiltration of neo-Marxist ideologies in universities, the Trump administration's stance on academic policies, and the broader implications for American society. The episode culminates with a thought-provoking interview featuring Senator Bernie Sanders, providing diverse perspectives on the current state and future of American education and politics.

Academic Freedom and Higher Education Under Scrutiny

Timestamp: [04:12]
Speaker: Kevin Kiley

The episode opens with Kevin Kiley addressing the ongoing battle between the Trump administration and prestigious institutions like Harvard University. He highlights the administration's efforts to combat what they perceive as the spread of neo-Marxism within the education system. Kiley emphasizes the need to restore principles of free idea exchange and academic freedom, questioning how to dismantle problematic policies without infringing upon foundational freedoms.

Kevin Kiley [04:12]: “How do we get back to the principles of the free exchange of ideas and academic freedom and end the horrible, like, DEI statements and that sort of thing? How do we, how do we clean that out?”

Timestamp: [07:02]
Speaker: Jack Armstrong

Jack Armstrong echoes Kiley's sentiments, expressing frustration over universities receiving substantial federal funding despite disagreements over their educational agendas. He raises a critical point about the financial dependence of these institutions on taxpayer money, questioning the justification for continued funding.

Jack Armstrong [07:02]: “There wasn't any pushback from the universities. When you're jamming, you know, Marxist philosophy in there with the government funding, there was no pushback because the universities were happy to teach it.”

Listener Engagement: Emails and Community Input

Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty engage with listener emails, presenting diverse viewpoints and strategies for addressing the issues within higher education.

Timestamp: [05:25]
Speaker: Kevin Kiley

Responding to an email from Sarah, Kiley discusses the shift in campus culture exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the mandated incorporation of social justice into class curricula in California. He critiques the government's overreach in educational content control, labeling it as an extension of neo-Marxist influence.

Kevin Kiley [05:25]: “They’re controlling it like crazy right now, reinforcing the neo Marxism. You’re absolutely right.”

Timestamp: [10:13]
Speaker: Jack Armstrong

Jack Armstrong reflects on another listener suggestion advocating for withholding federal support from institutions perpetuating a "leftist agenda." He underscores the irony of taxpayer money funding research that aligns with specific political ideologies, thereby stifling diverse viewpoints.

Jack Armstrong [10:13]: “There’s only one point of view that’s allowed, including research. So I don’t want my taxpayer money going to universities that only allow research that fits in with their politics.”

Interview with Senator Bernie Sanders

Timestamp: [25:55]
Speaker: Bernie Sanders

The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Senator Bernie Sanders. Addressing the criticisms from Armstrong and Getty, Sanders defends his stance against the policies promoted by figures like AOC and explores the tangible impacts of socialist policies in states like California.

Bernie Sanders [26:34]: “They have a socialist vision for America. They believe in open borders. They believe in defunding the police... These ideas have actually been implemented in the very state that they visited in California.”

Sanders elaborates on the socioeconomic challenges exacerbated by what he terms "radical socialism," including rising inequality and poverty rates. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality of life through sensible policies rather than ideological extremes.

Bernie Sanders [27:48]: “California has the highest poverty rate in the United States when you factor in the cost of living. So that is sort of the verdict for what these policies give you is they give you precisely the opposite of what Bernie and AOC are promising.”

He also touches upon the necessity of fundamental reforms in academia to protect free speech and academic freedom, criticizing institutions like Harvard for their poor rankings in these areas.

Bernie Sanders [33:35]: “Harvard was dead last [in free speech protections]. That's unbelievable.”

Political Dynamics and Future Implications

Timestamp: [41:13]
Speaker: Jack Armstrong

The conversation shifts towards international politics, specifically the potential military actions against Iran. Armstrong references reports from the New York Times about Israel's plans to strike Iranian nuclear sites and Trump's preference for negotiation.

Jack Armstrong [41:13]: “Mr. Trump made his decision after months of internal debate over whether to pursue diplomacy or support Israel... It’s going to be a big deal.”

Timestamp: [44:12]
Speaker: Jack Armstrong

Armstrong speculates on the Trump administration's strategy, suggesting that failed diplomacy might pave the way for military intervention, potentially leading to significant geopolitical shifts.

Jack Armstrong [44:12]: “Secretary of State... And I don’t know. I suppose it comes down to whether or not Iran believes Trump would actually do it.”

Kiley adds to the discussion, contemplating the complexities of diplomatic relations and the potential fallout from aggressive foreign policies.

Kevin Kiley [44:18]: “If you knew Kevin, a former high school teacher...”

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the day's discussions, emphasizing the importance of active participation in political processes to counteract undesirable policies. They encourage listeners to engage locally, particularly in education, to effect meaningful change.

Jack Armstrong [45:07]: “If you don’t get every segment or every hour, you should get our podcast, Armstrong and Getty on Demand.”

Notable Quotes

• Kevin Kiley [04:12]: “Nothing is guaranteed. AT&T is bringing something new to the table... guarantee@att.com guarantee@&t connecting changes everything.”

• Bernie Sanders [33:35]: “Harvard was dead last [in free speech protections]. That’s unbelievable.”

• Jack Armstrong [36:55]: “That's what I was driving at. And there's actually some great pop music about this sort of thing, whether it's Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall, Part Two, or Bloody Well Right, the Supertramp classic about the British schooling system and how utterly dehumanizing it was intentionally.”

Conclusion

This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a robust discussion on the intersection of politics and education, scrutinizing the influence of ideological agendas in higher learning institutions. Through listener interactions and a compelling interview with Senator Sanders, the hosts present a critical examination of current trends and their implications for the future of American society. The episode serves as a call to action for listeners to engage actively in shaping educational policies and preserving academic freedom.