Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand – "We're Working On That, Dammit!" Release Date: July 11, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of the Armstrong & Getty On Demand podcast, hosts Jack Armstrong and Michaelangelo delve into a range of pressing topics, including U.S. foreign policy under former President Donald Trump, the ongoing Israel-Hamas-Palestinian conflict, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the burgeoning influence of communist ideologies within New York politics. The discussion is dynamic, infused with personal anecdotes, political analysis, and a touch of humor, providing listeners with a comprehensive examination of current events.
Trump’s Foreign Policy and the Nobel Peace Prize Nomination
The episode opens with a surprising discussion about Trump's foreign policy. Armstrong highlights a tweet from Ian Bremmer, who, along with Fareed Zakaria, despite being prominent critics of Trump's chaotic foreign strategies, nominates him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Jack Armstrong [03:19]: "There's two prominent lefty big time Trump criticizers who think he should be winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Interesting."
Michaelangelo probes whether this nomination is rooted in the recent Israel-Hamas-Palestinian developments or the broader rapprochement between Israel and Gulf states.
Michaelangelo [04:20]: "You think it's the Hamas conflict or more the bringing together the Gulf states in Israel? All of it."
Armstrong notes that such recognition from Trump's biggest critics would be contentious.
Jack Armstrong [04:33]: "Wouldn't that be something? Trump's biggest critics would hate that so much."
The Israel-Hamas Conflict and Global Implications
The hosts shift focus to the intensifying Israel-Hamas-Palestinian situation, emphasizing the complexity and the geopolitical ramifications. Armstrong mentions Trump's interview with NBC's Christian Walker regarding weapons shipments to Ukraine, highlighting the administration's ambiguous stance.
Jack Armstrong [05:26]: "What he said about weapons to Ukraine. He told NBC this in an interview that will run on Meet the Press."
Michaelangelo criticizes Trump's policies towards the Houthis and the strategic shipping lanes, expressing confusion over Trump's trade decisions.
Michaelangelo [05:40]: "Trump is the most mixed, mixed bag in political history... The idea that we just, each country protects its own ships and we let the Houthis close down the most productive shipping lane on Earth, it's crazy."
Reflections on Trump's Leadership and Foreign Policy Decisions
Armstrong and Michaelangelo engage in a critical analysis of Trump's leadership style, particularly his decision-making process and transparent communication. They reference Trump's convoluted statements about halting munitions to Ukraine, suggesting a lack of clear authority and understanding.
Jack Armstrong [09:28]: "This was a typical Trump, like, nonsensical statement... He is so good at that, and he gets away with it in a way that nobody else can."
Michaelangelo echoes this sentiment, questioning Trump's rationale and consistency.
Michaelangelo [10:28]: "Why are you ever appointed? ... Trump is Trump."
The conversation underscores the unpredictability and complexity of Trump's influence on international relations.
The Rise of Zoran Mamdani and Communist Influence in New York
A significant portion of the episode centers on Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist poised to become the mayor of New York City. Armstrong and Michaelangelo express concern over Mamdani's communist affiliations and the potential shift in New York’s political landscape.
Jack Armstrong [25:03]: "Zoran Mandani. Mandani the commie. He is likely to be the next mayor of New York City."
They discuss the aggressive moves by Mamdani and his allies to challenge established Democratic incumbents, highlighting fears of communist overreach within the party.
Michaelangelo [27:16]: "Mamdani's allies, notably key leaders of the Democratic Socialists of America who are freaking America hating communists... bent on the overthrow, violent or other otherwise of the United States government."
The hosts question the Republican Party's stance on Mamdani’s potential mayoralty and lament the limited choices available for voters.
Jack Armstrong [28:44]: "Does the Republican Party love the idea of Mamdani being the mayor of New York for the next four years?"
Artificial Intelligence and Elon Musk’s Grok
Transitioning from politics, Armstrong and Michaelangelo explore the advancements and controversies surrounding artificial intelligence, specifically Elon Musk's AI system, Grok. They discuss Musk's efforts to retrain Grok after it began exhibiting anti-Semitic tropes, reflecting broader concerns about AI bias and control.
Jack Armstrong [22:44]: "AI is people, if you really think about it. It's data about people, and whatever you tune it to do, it will do."
They speculate on the future role of AI in everyday life and its integration into products like the Cybertruck.
Jack Armstrong [23:30]: "Has to do with the data and the information collected and using it for various things. They just linked up Tesla with Grok..."
Michaelangelo humorously imagines AI’s potential negative influences while acknowledging its utility.
Michaelangelo [22:48]: "It's like an extremely impressionable child, but it seems it can pick up anything. Any habit, any idea."
Personal Reflections and Historical Events
The hosts take a moment to reflect on a significant event from the past year—the assassination attempt on Trump—and its impact on their personal lives and the broader political climate. Armstrong shares a personal anecdote about the chaos and anxiety it caused, emphasizing the fragility of political stability.
Jack Armstrong [16:00]: "Sunday is the one year anniversary of Trump nearly having his head blown off by an assassin."
Michaelangelo relates the event to the unpredictability of politics in the Internet age and the potential for extreme outcomes.
Michaelangelo [19:13]: "You can't imagine the chaos, the ugliness, the horror, the instability that could have echoed for decades."
Intra-Party Conflicts and Future of the Democratic Party
Armstrong and Michaelangelo discuss internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, particularly conflicts surrounding figures like Dan Bongino and Pam Bondi over the handling of the Epstein case. They critique the performative nature of these disputes and question the party’s direction.
Jack Armstrong [37:08]: "Off. I know. He was so pissed off. He took the day off work Friday because they'd gotten into a big conflict at the White House on Thursday..."
Michaelangelo expands on the implications of these intra-party struggles for upcoming elections and the party's overall unity.
Michaelangelo [32:17]: "Excelsior. How do we end up with these horrible choices all the time?"
Sports and Light-hearted Moments
Interspersed with heavy political discourse, the hosts touch upon lighter topics, such as Wimbledon and American tennis players making headlines. Armstrong highlights Amanda Anisimova’s impressive performance, potentially marking a significant moment for American tennis.
Jack Armstrong [35:24]: "Amanda Anisimova, advancing to her first Grand Slam final... She could be the first American to win Wimbledon since Serena Williams in 2016."
Michaelangelo shares his personal history with tennis, adding a relatable and human element to the conversation.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode winds down, Armstrong and Michaelangelo share final thoughts, blending humor with poignant reflections on the discussed topics. They touch upon the resilience required in navigating the tumultuous political landscape and the personal impacts of national events.
Michaelangelo [39:17]: "My final thought is yes, Michelangelo has a respiratory something or other cold or whatnot..."
The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the show through social media and email, fostering a sense of community and continued dialogue.
Notable Quotes
- Jack Armstrong [03:19]: "There's two prominent lefty big time Trump criticizers who think he should be winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Interesting."
- Michaelangelo [05:35]: "One more thing. It's not clear to me yet... it could be one of the biggest political movements on the left we've seen for a very long time."
- Jack Armstrong [09:28]: "This was a typical Trump, like, nonsensical statement... He is so good at that, and he gets away with it in a way that nobody else can."
- Michaelangelo [19:13]: "You can't imagine the chaos, the ugliness, the horror, the instability that could have echoed for decades."
Closing Remarks
In "We're Working On That, Dammit!", Armstrong & Getty provide listeners with an insightful and multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues. From the intricacies of international politics to the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and the internal dynamics of political parties, the episode offers a thought-provoking narrative that encourages critical thinking and active engagement with the world.