Armstrong & Getty On Demand – Episode: The A&G Replay Monday Hour Four
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of the Armstrong & Getty Show, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve deep into the evolving landscape of American politics, focusing on the decline of identity politics, the controversial views of RFK Jr. on public health, and a critical analysis of California's political climate with special guest Katie Grimes, Editor-in-Chief of the California Globe.

Identity Politics in Current American Politics

Jack Armstrong opens the discussion by highlighting a significant shift in political discourse, drawing parallels between the successful debate over gay marriage and the current state of identity politics.

[03:24] Jack Armstrong: "Every once in a while an argument seems to be won in the world of politics... One of the best examples in my lifetime being gay marriage."

Joe Getty echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the fatigue among Americans with identity-driven debates.

[05:19] Joe Getty: "Politics are all about your IMMUTABLE things like your skin color, whether you're a man or woman... that's identity politics."

The conversation brings in insights from political strategist James Carville, who criticizes the entrenchment of identity politics within the Democratic Party.

[04:34] James Carville: "Those ideas... it's going to take another four years before we wash the stench of this off of our clothes."

Sam Harris is also referenced for his critique of identity politics, further reinforcing the hosts' viewpoint that this aspect of politics is waning in effectiveness.

[05:34] Jack Armstrong: "Sam Harris... wrote that the Democrats must recognize that several planks of their platform are thoroughly rotten. Identity politics is over. No one wants it."

RFK Jr. and Public Health Policies

The hosts shift focus to the controversial figure RFK Jr., dissecting his stance on vaccines and fluoride, and the broader implications for public health.

[17:28] Joe Getty: "COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people... He believes vaccines cause autism."

Jack Armstrong questions the safety and efficacy of vaccines based on RFK Jr.'s assertions, highlighting the polarized views within the political spectrum.

[18:07] Jack Armstrong: "No vaccine is safe and effective. He believes vaccines cause autism."

The discussion underscores the challenges faced by public health authorities in maintaining trust amidst such controversies.

[19:22] Joe Getty: "No doubt became clear, no doubt that they'll listen if we say there are downsides to this."

California Politics with Katie Grimes

In a segment featuring Katie Grimes, the editor in chief of the California Globe, Armstrong and Getty explore the turbulent political environment in California, particularly critiquing Governor Gavin Newsom's policies.

[23:05] Joe Getty: "Katie, welcome. How are you?"

[24:15] Katie Grimes: "He [Newsom] needs to learn to read the room because he's about as popular as Kamala Harris."

Grimes presents data showing a shift in voter sentiment, with Republicans gaining ground in traditionally Democratic strongholds within California.

[25:42] Katie Grimes: "Republicans flipped at least eight states... Californians are fed up with these ridiculous, horrible, damaging policies."

The hosts and Grimes discuss the tangible impacts of Newsom's policies, such as increased crime rates and economic strains, arguing that these have led to voter disillusionment.

[27:34] Joe Getty: "Gavin's contention is that we have all these challenges and we're dealing with them courageously... But he took a hell of a spanking recently."

Closing Segments and Listener Interactions

The episode concludes with a lighter segment featuring the "Exhale and Scream Challenge", where the hosts engage with their guest and humorously navigate the challenges of the trend.

[39:21] Jack Armstrong: "I'll do that with one of my kids today for fun."

[40:25] Joe Getty: "I'm just gonna blow out."

This playful interaction provides a brief respite from the intense political discourse, showcasing the show's signature blend of humor and commentary.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jack Armstrong on Identity Politics:
  "Identity politics is over. No one wants it."
  [05:34]

• James Carville on Democratic Platform:
  "It's going to take another four years before we wash the stench of this off of our clothes."
  [04:34]

• Joe Getty on DEI Training and Media Representation:
  "We keep having the same arguments. But every once in a while an argument is won or lost."
  [05:19]

• Sam Harris on Identity Politics:
  "I give Harris credit, she does not bring this up. But this stuff is like smoke on your clothes of a fireplace."
  [04:34]

• Katie Grimes on Gavin Newsom's Policies:
  "Californians are fed up with these ridiculous, horrible, damaging policies."
  [25:42]

Conclusion

This episode of the Armstrong & Getty Show offers a critical examination of the decline of identity politics in America, the contentious views of RFK Jr. on vaccines, and the shifting political tides in California under Governor Gavin Newsom. Through incisive commentary and expert insights from Katie Grimes, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty provide listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the current political climate, blending serious discourse with moments of levity.

For more in-depth analysis and updates, listeners can visit armstrongenghetti.com to download podcasts or grab an AMG T-shirt.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections within the transcript have been excluded from this summary to focus on the core discussions and insights of the episode.