Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode: The Tats on my Knuckles: Law & Order Release Date: June 11, 2025 Host: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty Produced By: iHeartPodcasts
Overview
In this episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, co-hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into the tumultuous landscape of American politics, media bias, and international relations. The discussion centers around recent unrest in major U.S. cities, the portrayal of these events in the media, President Trump's approval ratings amidst his policies, and the evolving dynamics between the United States and China. Additionally, the hosts touch upon technological advancements and societal changes impacting the workforce.
1. Political Unrest and Media Representation
Unrest in Major Cities
The episode opens with the hosts addressing recent protests and unrest in Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Jack Armstrong reflects on his personal connection to law and order, mentioning his tattoos that symbolize his commitment to these principles.
- Jack Armstrong [03:18]: “Quoting the tattoos on my knuckles. Law and order. That's right.”
Media Bias and Narratives
Armstrong and Getty critique how different media outlets portray the extent of unrest. They argue that mainstream media outlets like MSNBC and Fox News amplify isolated incidents, painting a misleading picture of widespread chaos.
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Joe Getty [04:50]: “You're reporting on... but I just heard a long thing on MSNBC... how do you not understand this?”
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Jack Armstrong [07:05]: “Nothing happening here. Let's go to AD at the Smithsonian... Just airplanes and spaceships here.”
The hosts emphasize that the actual affected areas are minimal compared to the vastness of cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
- Unknown Speaker [05:46]: “Don’t spend all your time thinking, does this help Trump or hurt Trump if I say this. How about you just say what you see.”
Impact of Political Narratives
Armstrong discusses the causal relationship between President Trump's actions and the subsequent media and public reaction, suggesting that Trump's strategies inadvertently fuel the narratives he seeks to control.
- Jack Armstrong [10:44]: “Cause and effect and everybody knows that.”
2. President Trump's Approval and Policies
Rising Approval Ratings
Contrary to expectations, President Trump's approval ratings have seen an uptick. The hosts explore possible reasons behind this surge, linking it to his strong stance on illegal immigration and law enforcement.
- Unknown Speaker [33:24]: “Donald Trump's approval ratings have gone up.”
Economic Policies and Tariffs
They discuss the economic implications of Trump's tariffs, noting that the anticipated price hikes have not materialized as expected, with inflation remaining relatively controlled.
- Unknown Speaker [33:24]: “US inflation numbers out today rose 2.4%, a slight increase. But Trump tariffs still haven't sparked major price hikes that people were expecting.”
Immigration Reform
The conversation shifts to the complexities of immigration reform, highlighting the challenges of deporting illegal immigrants without disrupting the labor market.
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Jim from San Diego [47:14]: “If we deport the people in the country illegally, who will do the jobs Americans don't want to do?”
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Jack Armstrong [48:31]: “We punish them. We drain them of money. We treat them like garbage.”
3. International Relations: US and China
Trade Negotiations
Armstrong and Getty examine the recent trade talks between the United States and China, expressing cautious optimism about potential agreements to lower tariffs and resume critical mineral exports.
- Jack Armstrong [33:08]: “But, oh, I don't know. I mean, because things were ratcheting up, up, up... you want to get along.”
China's Support for Iran
The hosts highlight China's strategic support for Iran, particularly in sustaining Iran's oil imports, which has significant geopolitical implications.
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Unknown Speaker [40:23]: “China is effectively supporting and financing Iran's malign behavior, including their rush to get a bomb.”
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Jack Armstrong [41:16]: “China is of a holes. Absolutely. So China is effectively supporting and financing Iran's malign behavior.”
Potential for Conflict
They discuss the precarious balance between economic cooperation and military tensions, contemplating the possibility of future conflicts if diplomatic efforts falter.
- Jack Armstrong [38:53]: “They're the ruffly potato chips, though those are fancy other clauses...”
4. Technological Advancements and Workforce Dynamics
Impact of AI on Employment
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing how advancements in artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the job market, particularly in fields like coding. The hosts express concern that AI could render traditional coding skills obsolete, affecting even highly educated professionals.
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Unknown Speaker [28:35]: “The whole learn to code has been like a mantra... with AI, it might be the first thing to go.”
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Jack Armstrong [29:14]: “Revenge of the Nerds, then the nerds invented the thing that took away all their jobs.”
Future of Work
They explore the broader implications of AI on various industries, emphasizing the need for the workforce to adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes to remain relevant.
- Unknown Speaker [28:40]: “What skill is the best one to have?”
5. Audience Engagement and Mailbag
Listener Feedback
Listeners contribute to the conversation through emails and messages, sharing personal anecdotes and insights related to immigration and daily challenges.
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Jim from San Diego [47:14]: “If we deport the people in the country illegally, who will do the jobs Americans don't want to do?”
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Jack Armstrong [48:47]: Offers practical advice on cleaning windshields, showcasing the show's blend of serious discourse and light-hearted segments.
6. Notable Quotes
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Jack Armstrong [03:18]: “Quoting the tattoos on my knuckles. Law and order.”
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Joe Getty [04:50]: “You're reporting on... but I just heard a long thing on MSNBC... how do you not understand this?”
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Unknown Speaker [05:46]: “Don’t spend all your time thinking, does this help Trump or hurt Trump if I say this. How about you just say what you see.”
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Unknown Speaker [33:24]: “Donald Trump's approval ratings have gone up.”
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Jim from San Diego [47:14]: “If we deport the people in the country illegally, who will do the jobs Americans don't want to do?”
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Jack Armstrong [48:31]: “We punish them. We drain them of money. We treat them like garbage.”
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Unknown Speaker [40:23]: “China is effectively supporting and financing Iran's malign behavior, including their rush to get a bomb.”
7. Conclusion
Armstrong and Getty wrap up the episode by emphasizing the interconnectedness of domestic policies, media narratives, and international relations. They encourage listeners to critically evaluate the information presented by various media sources and to understand the broader implications of political decisions on both national and global scales.
Key Takeaways
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Media Bias: The portrayal of events by mainstream media can significantly influence public perception, often exaggerating localized incidents to suggest widespread chaos.
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Political Strategies: President Trump's policies, particularly on immigration and tariffs, continue to shape his approval ratings and have complex repercussions on the economy and societal stability.
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International Relations: The evolving dynamics between the U.S. and China, especially concerning trade negotiations and military support, are crucial in maintaining global economic stability and preventing potential conflicts.
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Technological Impact: Advancements in AI are rapidly transforming the workforce, necessitating adaptability and continuous learning to stay relevant in an increasingly automated job market.
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Public Engagement: Listener feedback and real-life anecdotes add depth to the discussion, highlighting the real-world implications of policy decisions and societal changes.
This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a comprehensive analysis of current political and economic issues, encouraging listeners to engage critically with the media and stay informed about the forces shaping their lives.