What Are We Even Doing Here? – Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode Release Date: August 4, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts
In this episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, titled "What Are We Even Doing Here?", hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty navigate through a whirlwind of contemporary political and economic issues with their characteristic blend of insightful analysis and sharp humor. From scrutinizing the Trump administration's handling of economic data to dissecting current consumer behaviors and the contentious topic of redistricting, the duo offers listeners a comprehensive look at the forces shaping today's socio-political landscape.
1. Trump’s Intervention in the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into former President Donald Trump's recent decision to fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Trump's move was ostensibly aimed at addressing what he perceives as manipulated job statistics meant to tarnish his and the Republican Party's reputation.
Joe Getty [04:22]: "Trump fired America's economic data collector... [and] history shows the perils. And they go immediately into this is what Hitler did, that sort of thing."
The hosts critically examine the legitimacy of Trump's claims, debating whether the drastic measure was a strategic move to divert attention or a genuine concern over data accuracy. They reference insights from Kevin Hassett, an economic advisor, who suggests systemic issues within the BLS's data collection and revision processes.
Christiane Amanpour [08:06]: "This is the 20% of Trump's act that even most big Trump fans wish he would rein in a little bit."
Armstrong and Getty argue that the BLS is grappling with outdated methodologies that fail to capture the complexities of the modern economy, especially post-COVID-19. They contend that Trump's approach oversimplifies the problem and fails to address the underlying infrastructural deficiencies within economic data reporting.
2. Economic Concerns: Inflation and Consumer Behavior
Shifting focus to broader economic issues, the hosts discuss the persistent concerns surrounding inflation and its impact on everyday Americans. They reference a McKinsey poll indicating that 45% of U.S. consumers are most worried about rising prices and inflation.
Joe Getty [39:24]: "Maxed out, credit cards, student loan payments coming back, probably a certain amount of uneasiness about the future."
Armstrong and Getty explore how inflation acts as a "hidden tax," eroding purchasing power and disproportionately affecting lower- and middle-income households. They emphasize the psychological and financial strain it places on consumers, leading to shifts in spending habits.
Christiane Amanpour [40:06]: "And don't forget, it's a hidden tax. So the government class can spend lots of money and accumulate more power and wealth themselves. They tax you by devaluing what you own."
The conversation also touches on changing consumer trends, such as a decline in luxury purchases and a rise in thriftiness, as evidenced by a notable 11% year-over-year decrease in Las Vegas visits.
3. Redistricting and Gerrymandering: A Threat to Democracy
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the heated debate over congressional redistricting. The hosts discuss the recent controversial move by Texas House Democrats to flee the state to delay a Republican-led effort to redraw congressional maps—a maneuver that could potentially flip five seats from Democratic to Republican control.
Jamie Rubin [28:50]: "The proposed map could flip five seats. From likely wins by Democrats to Republicans."
Armstrong and Getty critique the practice of gerrymandering, highlighting how both major political parties collaborate to create "safe districts," thereby diminishing competitive electoral races and marginalizing third-party candidates.
Joe Getty [30:03]: "The lines go, see, grab this part of a town that's all gonna be blue voters and then this little part of the country that's gonna be all red voters are separate. It's ridiculous, right?"
They also discuss the looming Supreme Court case that seeks to reconcile conflicting aspects of the Voting Rights Act with the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, predicting that the outcome could necessitate a nationwide overhaul of redistricting practices.
4. Consumer Extremes: The $40,000 Mattress Phenomenon
Injecting their trademark humor, Armstrong and Getty pivot to the topic of luxury consumer goods, spotlighting an $40,000 used mattress and box spring available on eBay.
Joe Getty [19:46]: "We actually walked by one of these stores... a really expensive mattress... used mattress comes with the box spring. So it's mattress and box spring for $48,000."
The hosts debate the practicality and absurdity of such exorbitant prices for mattresses, juxtaposing it against the broader economic struggles faced by average consumers. This segment serves as a satirical commentary on consumerism and the lengths to which individuals will go for perceived comfort and status symbols.
5. Revisiting the Presidential Fitness Test and Youth Sports
In a nostalgic and critical look back, Armstrong and Getty discuss the resurgence of the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools, initiated by former President Trump.
Christiane Amanpour [45:15]: "President Trump is bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test for public schools. Teachers are excited because it means students will have much better stamina during sex."
They humorously critique the relevance and effectiveness of such physical fitness standards, recalling their personal struggles with events like rope climbing and pull-ups during their school days. The hosts argue that modern fitness assessments often set unattainable goals, leading to widespread frustration and feelings of failure among students.
Joe Getty [47:35]: "We all recognize fairly quickly... What are we doing here?"
6. Global Economic Dynamics: U.S.-China Relations and Energy Policies
Touching on international affairs, the episode briefly examines China's resistance to U.S. demands to halt oil purchases from Russia and Iran. Armstrong and Getty highlight the complexities of this stance amidst global energy politics and the ongoing efforts to influence Russian actions regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Joe Getty [38:10]: "China is standing firm against the United States demands that it stop buying oil from Russia and Iran. That is going to be a big deal."
7. Final Thoughts and Reflections
In wrapping up, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the interconnectedness of political decisions, economic policies, and their tangible impacts on everyday Americans. They emphasize the importance of informed citizenship and active participation in democratic processes to address systemic issues like economic disparity and electoral manipulation.
Christiane Amanpour [37:39]: "The SCOTUS is going to say, all right, here's the deal. And it's probably going to be one or the other."
The episode concludes with a call to listeners to remain engaged and critical of the evolving political landscape, urging vigilance in safeguarding democratic institutions and economic fairness.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Joe Getty [04:22]: "Trump fired America's economic data collector... [and] history shows the perils."
- Christiane Amanpour [40:06]: "It's a hidden tax... They tax you by devaluing what you own."
- Joe Getty [30:03]: "It's ridiculous, right?"
- Joe Getty [19:46]: "It's mattress and box spring for $48,000."
- Joe Getty [47:35]: "What are we doing here?"
- Christiane Amanpour [37:39]: "The SCOTUS is going to say, all right, here's the deal."
This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a multifaceted exploration of current events, blending serious analysis with relatable humor. Whether dissecting political maneuvers or pondering the quirks of consumer culture, Armstrong and Getty provide listeners with both information and entertainment, encouraging a deeper understanding of the forces at play in today's world.