Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: When You Touch Grass I Feel Seen!
Date: October 9, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Episode Overview
This episode zeroes in on the spectacular political meltdown of California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter, sparked by a pair of viral videos exposing her temperament and alleged misconduct. Armstrong and Getty dissect Porter's imploding campaign, her history of abusive behavior, and the systemic problems of one-party political states. The discussion shifts midway to major global news, breaking down President Trump’s dramatic Middle East peace deal, the complexities of post-war Gaza, and China’s tightening grip over critical minerals. The conversation is peppered with the show's signature irreverence, banter, and biting humor.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Katie Porter's Political Meltdown
[00:16–11:47, 34:40–39:48]
- The Viral Videos:
- Porter's campaign is in crisis after two viral clips show her losing composure: one in a contentious interview with repeated follow-up questions ([00:16–01:45]), and another where she launches into a profanity-laden tirade at an aide on video ([02:02–03:07]).
- Host Critique & Analysis:
- Armstrong and Getty call Porter an "awful human being," referencing her outbursts, abusive history towards staff and family, and publicly documented incidents (including allegedly dumping hot potatoes on her husband) ([04:11–04:50]).
- "She seems like a horrible human being." – Jack Armstrong [03:04]
- Discussion about one-party states facilitating such problematic candidates ("this is the kind of monster you get because there’s nobody to run against them" [03:45]).
- Staff turnover under Porter was reportedly 65% annually, quadruple the norm ([07:02]).
- Personal & Political Failings:
- Porter's alleged mistreatment of her husband and staff (including court-mandated anger counseling) is recounted with incredulity ([04:11–08:32]).
- "She has thoroughly done the work of being a B and deserves the C." – Joe Getty [01:57]
- Porter’s Response:
- Her public statement attempts damage control: "I have sought to be more intentional in showing gratitude to my staff for their important work." [10:44]
- Systemic Enablers:
- The hosts highlight the influence of public sector unions in California’s political pipeline as a key to Porter's viability despite these outbursts ([09:10–09:32]).
- Speculation on Her Political Future:
- The hosts believe Porter's career is likely over but mockingly state it would be great for their show if she won:
- "I'm surprised that she hasn't attempted to fix it yet... Peace in the Middle East hasn't bumped it off the front page today." – Jack Armstrong [39:11]
- The hosts believe Porter's career is likely over but mockingly state it would be great for their show if she won:
2. Humor, Banter & Cultural Commentary
- Running jokes about AI-generated videos of Porter physically attacking reporters ([37:10–37:41]), her “comeback” being a train wreck ([38:58–39:10]), and mock-insincere apologies.
- Satire on buzzwords like “intentionality” and “touching grass” ([11:13–11:34]):
- "When you intentionally—when you touch grass, I feel seen." – Jack Armstrong [11:22]
3. Major Political & Global Events
American & International Politics
[11:47–31:12; 32:13–34:02]
-
Middle East Peace Deal:
- News breaks of a historic peace deal seemingly brokered by President Trump resulting in the imminent release of hostages and realignment of Arab states against Hamas ([20:21–23:56]).
- "Trump got all these Arab countries to be anti-Hamas enough to—for Hamas to feel like, man, we got no friends right now." – Jack Armstrong [21:50]
- The hosts stress the centrality of military force in moving toward peace, contrasting it with more naïve “war never solved anything” beliefs ([23:18–23:56]).
- "It was the application of force—as it always is—that brings people to the peace table." – Joe Getty [23:19]
-
On-the-Ground Sentiment in Gaza:
- Reports from Gazans and Palestinians expressing hatred for both Israel and Hamas, reflecting a population exhausted and embittered from years of violence ([28:13–29:19]).
-
Future of Gaza:
- Discussion of who will govern Gaza after Hamas’s ouster, referencing Michael Oren and a civilian administration backed by a peacekeeping force as part of Trump’s 20-pt plan ([26:11–27:28, 32:57–34:02]).
-
China’s Strategic Moves:
- China restricts exports of crucial minerals for U.S. high-tech, exposing American dependency ([15:39–16:51]).
- Critique of American complacency:
- "It's being asleep at the national security switch." – Joe Getty [16:36]
Notable Political Commentary
- Praise for Trump’s international leverage: "Trump is more popular than their own prime minister in Israel and... they trust him. So it's quite the deal." – Jack Armstrong [32:13]
- John Halperin and Matt Taibbi’s reporting on Porter's temperament are discussed at length, with Taibbi’s description of her "nuclear rage" and "scrupulously cataloging all the mistakes the vast flawed universe of other people make" ([04:50–06:12]).
4. U.S. Sports & Culture
- Amusing aside about Major League Baseball payroll disparities and whether high team spending ruins the competitive balance ([16:51–19:12]).
- Cultural tidbits: The anniversary of the microwave oven; Dolly Parton death rumors quickly debunked by Dolly herself ([12:50–13:56, 36:16–37:10]).
- New social trends: "Lavender marriages"—couples where one spouse is gay and the other is straight ([13:44–14:35]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On one-party states and character:
"As we have pointed out in one party states, this is the kind of monster you get because there’s nobody to run against them." – Jack Armstrong [03:45] -
On Porter's temperament:
"She has thoroughly done the work of being a B and deserves the C." – Joe Getty [01:57] -
On military force and peace:
"It was the application of force—as it always is—that brings people to the peace table." – Joe Getty [23:19] -
Buzzwords & Culture:
"When you intentionally—when you touch grass, I feel seen." – Jack Armstrong [11:22] -
On progressive apologies:
"I have sought to be more intentional in showing gratitude to my staff for their important work." – Katie Porter (per Halperin) [10:44]
Timestamps of Key Segments
- Katie Porter campaign meltdown & viral videos: [00:16–11:47], [34:40–39:48]
- Taibbi/Porter psychology & one-party state critique: [04:11–08:32]
- Buzzwords, intentionality & “touch grass” humor: [11:13–11:34]
- China’s mineral policy & US dependency: [15:39–16:51]
- MLB payroll discussion: [16:51–19:12]
- Middle East peace deal explained & global reactions: [20:21–27:28]
- On-the-ground reporting from Gaza: [27:42–29:19]
- Future of Gaza and administration plan: [32:57–34:02]
- Porter’s attempted recovery & political futures: [34:40–39:48]
Episode Tone & Language
True to Armstrong & Getty’s irreverent, acerbic tone, the episode mixes hard-hitting political analysis with relentless mockery and gallows humor. They lean into hyperbole (“I hate this woman”), but always circle key issues with fact-based critiques, especially regarding political accountability and international affairs.