Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Then They Started Putting Skirts On Quarterbacks" – May 21, 2025

Hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty

1. Opening Remarks and Political Updates (00:00 – 02:17)

The episode kicks off with Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delivering the latest political headlines. Armstrong announces, “[...] Speaker Johnson says the full bill may go to the full house for a vote tonight” (00:35), highlighting the ongoing legislative processes. Getty remarks, “Democracy at work” (00:45), reflecting on the procedural aspects of governance.

The hosts transition into a nostalgic discussion about past decades, reminiscing about the 1980s and 1990s as "better, simpler times" (01:12). They debate when society began to complicate, attributing changes to the rise of smartphones around 2007 and the increased emphasis on critical theory and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in education starting around 2000 (01:43).

2. Tax Policy and the SALT Deduction Debate (02:17 – 04:07)

Armstrong and Getty delve into the contentious topic of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. Armstrong expresses strong opposition, stating, “What could be less conservative than red states paying the taxes of blue states” (03:05). They discuss a New York congressperson's push to raise the SALT cap to alleviate the state's high tax burden, with Armstrong questioning, “If only there were some other way for New York to lower their tax burden” (03:56).

Getty adds, “It's a betrayal of everything the Republican party claimed to have stood for” (04:18), criticizing the policy as contrary to conservative fiscal principles. The conversation underscores the partisan divide and fiscal implications of the proposed tax changes.

3. National Debt Concerns (04:07 – 05:03)

The hosts shift focus to the growing national debt, with Armstrong warning that passing the current bill could set “the record for the highest debt to GDP ratio that we've had since World War II” (04:46). Getty concurs, noting, “During prosperous times of a growing economy,” (04:50). They express concern over the sustainability of the nation’s finances, especially in the absence of major conflicts like World War II that previously spurred economic mobilization.

4. Personal Anecdotes and Societal Observations (05:03 – 07:37)

Armstrong and Getty share personal stories and humorous anecdotes to illustrate broader societal issues. Armstrong describes observing a neighbor's opulent yet unorthodox household setup, suggesting a stereotype of a "rich divorced guy" (06:08). This leads to a lighthearted discussion about the challenges and absurdities of modern family dynamics and personal lifestyles.

5. Media Critique and Scandal Discussions (17:25 – 28:39)

A significant portion of the episode critiques the American media’s handling of political scandals. Armstrong references Jake Tapper's book, highlighting what he deems “the biggest scandal in U.S. history” involving President Joe Biden and allegations of misinformation regarding Biden's health and the integrity of his administration (18:27).

Getty expands on this, stating, “It's a multi-layered, not only scandal, but opportunity” (18:28), suggesting that the media’s complicity offers a chance to expose systemic dishonesty. They discuss the perceived failures of the media to hold political figures accountable, citing examples like the Russian collusion narrative and Hunter Biden’s laptop controversy. Armstrong remarks, “They don’t have a zero percent approval rating” (19:48), emphasizing the loss of trust between the media and the public.

The hosts also explore internal Democratic Party strategies, speculating on the manipulation of polls to sustain Biden's presidency despite alleged shortcomings. Armstrong questions the rationale behind feeding false polls, asking, “So who. I mean that. First of all, why are you doing this?” (24:06), while Getty theorizes about the inner circle’s motives to maintain power irrespective of Biden's capabilities.

6. Listener Mailbag and Audience Engagement (29:45 – 35:02)

Engaging with their audience, Armstrong and Getty read and respond to listener emails. They acknowledge long-term listeners, such as Brian from Vancouver, congratulating Katie on her IVF struggles and success (33:20). The hosts humorously reward dedicated listeners with fictional perks like “protholders” and “three-night stays at Jack’s Place” (34:53).

They also address feedback on political frustrations, with listener Matthew from Idaho expressing disappointment in the Republican Congress’s handling of the national deficit (35:14). The hosts reinforce their stance on fiscal responsibility, critiquing the inability of deficit hawks to garner necessary support for their initiatives.

7. Closing Discussions on National Debt and Policies (35:02 – 36:44)

In the concluding segment, Armstrong and Getty revisit the national debt issue, lamenting the addition of $3 trillion to the deficit during peacetime. Armstrong states, “We do. I just hate for my kids to have to live through it” (36:33), underscoring the intergenerational impact of fiscal mismanagement. Getty echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the collective responsibility and the dire consequences of continued financial irresponsibility.

Notable Quotes

• Jack Armstrong (03:05): “What could be less conservative than red states paying the taxes of blue states.”

• Joe Getty (04:18): “It's a betrayal of everything the Republican party claimed to have stood for.”

• Jack Armstrong (19:48): “They don’t have a zero percent approval rating.”

• Joe Getty (18:28): “It's a multi-layered, not only scandal, but opportunity.”

• Jack Armstrong (24:06): “So who. I mean that. First of all, why are you doing this?”

• Jack Armstrong (36:33): “We do. I just hate for my kids to have to live through it.”

Conclusion

In this episode of "Armstrong & Getty On Demand," the hosts navigate through a blend of political analysis, personal anecdotes, and media critique. They provide listeners with a critical perspective on current tax policies, national debt concerns, and the integrity of the media in portraying political scandals. Through engaging dialogue and relatable stories, Armstrong and Getty offer both humor and serious commentary, encouraging their audience to reflect on the complexities of modern governance and societal shifts.

Timestamp Reference: Each timestamp corresponds to the approximate minute and second in the transcript where the quote or topic is discussed.