Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: This Just In! I'm Wrong!
Release Date: December 12, 2024
Host: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the December 12, 2024 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a spectrum of pressing national issues, blending sharp political commentary with engaging anecdotes. This episode, aptly titled "This Just In! I'm Wrong!", navigates topics ranging from drone surveillance and presidential pardons to the meteoric rise of Donald Trump and the complex landscape of populism.
Drone Surveillance: A Growing Concern
The episode opens with a heated discussion about the resurgence of drone activity over U.S. military installations. Jack Armstrong raises alarms about unidentified drones surveilling key areas:
Jack Armstrong [01:42]: "Our military installations are being surveilled by drones and we sit impotent as a country, unable or unwilling to do anything about it."
Joe Getty echoes the frustration, highlighting recent statements from Congressman Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, who claimed that an Iranian "mothership" is orchestrating these drone operations:
Joe Getty [19:26]: "Iran launched a mothership probably about a month ago that contains these drones... these are from high sources."
The hosts express skepticism towards government responses, criticizing the Biden administration's perceived inaction. Armstrong questions the rationale behind not deploying anti-drone technology, despite America's advanced capabilities:
Jack Armstrong [03:05]: "Why are we not shooting these things down? So at least, you know, anybody can be a congressperson. But that, that's a quite a thing to say."
Getty further contends that the administration's hesitance is emblematic of broader policy failures:
Joe Getty [06:50]: "Biden is just so useless. He is such a spent old mummy. Trump is going to get rid of the drones..."
This segment underscores the hosts' belief that drone surveillance poses a significant threat, exacerbated by governmental indecisiveness.
FBI Director Resignation and Presidential Pardons
Transitioning from drones, Armstrong highlights a major development within federal law enforcement:
Jack Armstrong [04:00]: "The FBI director stepping down yesterday, a couple of years before his 10-year term is up, appointed by Trump, driven out by Trump."
The conversation shifts to President Biden's unprecedented use of clemency power:
Jack Armstrong [04:00]: "President Biden commuting the sentences of around 1,500 people. It's the largest single-day act of clemency for any president in modern history."
Joe Getty criticizes the administration's motives, suggesting a strategy to regain public favor through what he perceives as politically motivated pardons:
Joe Getty [04:51]: "He mentioned specifically nonviolent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses, and something about sentencing disparities... kind of a DEI activist."
Armstrong remains skeptical about the transparency of the pardon list and its implications:
Jack Armstrong [04:51]: "Is this an attempt to get back on the right side of public opinion on the whole pardon power thing? I don't think that's going to work."
Donald Trump's Resurgence and Public Approval
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Donald Trump's resurgence in the political arena. The hosts highlight Trump's recent symbolic gesture of ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange—a first in 40 years for a sitting or prospective president:
Jack Armstrong [05:15]: "Donald Trump... ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. First time a president's done that in 40 years because he's just so beloved."
Armstrong cites polling data to emphasize Trump's widespread approval:
Jack Armstrong [07:07]: "65% have a lot or some confidence in handling the economy, 62% on the war between Russia and Ukraine, 60% on immigration policy... majority approval at 54%."
Joe Getty adds that Trump's approval is bolstered by his assertive stance against current administration policies:
Joe Getty [06:22]: "Trump will do something nutty to take care of it... He's gonna get rid of the drones... He won't allow them to bother the golfers. Shoot them all down."
The hosts argue that Trump's high approval ratings are a testament to his effective political comeback, contrasting sharply with traditional political narratives.
The Rise of Populism and Threats Against CEOs
Armstrong and Getty delve into the growing populist sentiment and its potential dangers. Citing comedian Bill Burr's remarks, Armstrong warns against escalating anti-CEO sentiments:
Jack Armstrong [12:19]: "CEOs are feeling nervous... that is some serious French Revolution style populism. That is highly dangerous."
Getty concurs, drawing parallels to historical revolutions and the thin line between populism and chaos:
Joe Getty [12:48]: "We are edging closer toward being Syria ourselves... it's not good."
The conversation underscores the hosts' concern that unchecked populism could lead to increased violence and instability within corporate sectors.
Mailbag Segment: Listener Interactions
In the Mailbag segment, Armstrong and Getty address various listener messages, offering candid and often humorous responses. Topics range from personal anecdotes about homelessness to critiques of societal stereotypes. Notably, Joe Getty responds to a listener's experience with homelessness, challenging common perceptions:
Joe Getty [17:10]: "Thanks for engaging in that awful stereotype which is borne out by many statistics."
This segment highlights the hosts' commitment to engaging with their audience while maintaining their signature blend of humor and blunt commentary.
News Updates and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with a rapid-fire news update segment, covering stories such as Ukraine's provision of drones to Syrian rebels, a surge in immigration, and a high-profile murder of a United Healthcare CEO. Armstrong and Getty offer their perspectives, often laced with skepticism and criticism of mainstream media narratives.
Armstrong emphasizes the complexity and global nature of drone technology:
Jack Armstrong [30:09]: "Ukraine provided Syrian rebels with 150 drones and 20 drone operators... there are a lot of countries with high-quality drones out there."
In reflecting on the episode's content, the hosts reiterate their concerns about government inaction, media portrayal of issues, and the broader implications of political leadership in shaping national security and societal norms.
Notable Quotes
- Jack Armstrong [07:07]: "65% have a lot or some confidence in handling the economy... 54% majority approval."
- Joe Getty [19:26]: "Iran launched a mothership probably about a month ago that contains these drones..."
- Jack Armstrong [12:19]: "That is some serious French Revolution style populism. That is highly dangerous."
- Joe Getty [06:22]: "Trump will do something nutty to take care of it... He won't allow them to bother the golfers."
Conclusion
Armstrong and Getty's "This Just In! I'm Wrong!" encapsulates a critical examination of contemporary political and social issues through a lens of skepticism and partisan insight. The episode serves as a comprehensive analysis for listeners seeking an unfiltered take on national security concerns, political maneuvers, and the evolving landscape of American populism.
For those who missed this episode or wish to revisit key discussions, the full transcript is available through the Armstrong & Getty On Demand platform. Stay informed and engaged with timely commentary on the issues that shape our nation.