Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "We're Going To Be Swimming In Fingernail Clippers" – May 1, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Armstrong & Getty On Demand," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a range of pressing topics, from high-level political shifts and educational controversies to economic indicators and technological impacts on the job market. The discussion is insightful, peppered with notable quotes, and offers a comprehensive overview of current events and societal trends.

1. White House Shake-Up: National Security Advisers Ousted

The episode opens with startling news from the White House. Jack Armstrong announces, “...Mike Waltz, the national security adviser, and his deputy Alex Wong have been pushed out of that position by the President” ([00:56]). This development marks significant instability within the administration's national security team, reminiscent of the brief tenure of Mike Flynn during the Trump administration.

Joe Getty suggests, “I think Trump is so prideful. He will not make a significant move under pressure...” ([01:33]), indicating that the removal may stem more from internal disagreements than external pressures. The conversation hints at potential future upheavals, including speculation about who might replace Waltz, with humorous mentions of figures like Tucker Carlson.

2. Campus Madness: Educational Institutions Under Scrutiny

Shifting focus to education, Armstrong and Getty express deep concerns about the state of American schools and universities. They discuss a probe launched by the Trump administration into Harvard University's Law Review for alleged racial preferences in article selection. Joe Getty elaborates on the significance, stating, “...the Harvard Law Review's article selection Process appears to pick winners and losers on the basis of race crazy.” ([03:03])

Further, the hosts highlight Harvard's own antisemitism report, which found pervasive anti-Jewish sentiments across various schools, including the School of Public Health and the Divinity School. Armstrong remarks in disbelief, “Oh my God.” ([06:29]), emphasizing the gravity of the findings where specific views on the Israel-Hamas conflict became “a litmus test for full classroom participation” ([06:27]).

The discussion also touches on disciplinary issues at UCLA, where prosecutors have declined to charge most encampment arrestees due to insufficient evidence and institutional failures. Joe Getty criticizes UCLA's handling, saying, “It's absolutely pathetic that there's been no discipline.” ([09:42])

3. Economic Indicators: Small Bottles and AI’s Impact on Jobs

Transitioning to economic topics, the hosts observe a rising trend in the sale of small liquor bottles, which they speculate could indicate consumer anxieties about an impending recession or simply reflect seasonal behaviors. Jack notes, “little bottles have become a thing over the last couple of years.” ([15:17])

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the ramifications of Artificial Intelligence on the job market. Armstrong discusses the threat AI poses to white-collar jobs, particularly middle management roles, and highlights a concerning unemployment rate of 5.8% for college graduates. He remarks, “AI is going to replace those jobs...not like gardeners and stuff.” ([16:35])

4. Trade Negotiations: US Strategies and China’s Struggles

The conversation then shifts to international trade, focusing on President Trump's negotiations with countries like South Korea, Japan, and India. Jesus Getty explains, “We're negotiating with South Korea, we're negotiating with Japan...India is a very big. They want to make a deal so bad.” ([22:00]). The hosts discuss how these negotiations might pressure China, which is currently facing economic hardships, as detailed in a Wall Street Journal article. Getty summarizes China's plight, noting factory shutdowns and a decline in export orders, suggesting that internal pressures may force China to reconsider its stance in trade agreements.

5. Parenting Anecdote: The Case of the Vanishing Fingernail Clippers

In a lighter segment, the hosts tackle a relatable parenting issue: missing fingernail clippers. Armstrong shares his frustration, “My kids keep losing our Fingernail clippers...” ([25:04]), to which Getty proposes humorous solutions like making children buy two pairs as a deterrent ([25:39]). The discussion evolves into nostalgic anecdotes about personal experiences with fingernail clipping, blending humor with practical parenting tips.

6. Political Polls and Public Opinion: Trump vs. Harris

The episode concludes with an analysis of recent political polls comparing President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Armstrong cites a CNN poll where Trump leads Harris with 45% to 43% ([33:24]). Getty underscores the significance, suggesting that these numbers should be a wake-up call for Democrats, indicating Trump's enduring appeal despite political challenges.

Additionally, the hosts critique Kamala Harris's recent speech, questioning her political future and leadership qualities. They reference commentary from figures like Charles C.W. Cook of the National Review, who dismisses the enthusiasm for Harris, labeling her support as insubstantial and self-serving ([32:25]).

Notable Quotes

• Jack Armstrong on the national security adviser removal: “Mike Waltz... have been pushed out of that position by the President” ([00:56]).
• Joe Getty on Harvard’s Law Review probe: “...the Harvard Law Review's article selection Process appears to pick winners and losers on the basis of race crazy.” ([03:03]).
• Jack Armstrong expressing shock over antisemitism report: “Oh my God.” ([06:29]).
• Joe Getty criticizing UCLA's disciplinary actions: “It's absolutely pathetic that there's been no discipline.” ([09:42]).
• Jack Armstrong on AI replacing jobs: “AI is going to replace those jobs...not like gardeners and stuff.” ([16:35]).
• Joe Getty on Trump’s trade negotiations: “We’re negotiating with South Korea, we’re negotiating with Japan...India is a very big.” ([22:00]).
• Jack Armstrong on political polls: “...Trump beats Democrats. He beats Harris 45, 43.” ([33:24]).

Conclusion

This episode of "Armstrong & Getty On Demand" offers a thorough examination of significant political developments, educational system critiques, economic indicators, and the evolving impact of technology on employment. Through candid discussions and pointed commentary, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty provide listeners with a nuanced perspective on the current state of American society and governance.