The Daily Beans - "A Problem Like Maria" (feat. Brent Henrich)

Date: February 4, 2026
Host(s): Alison Gill, Dana Goldberg
Guest: Brent Henrich (Democratic Congressional Candidate, WA-03)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Daily Beans explores a whirlwind of current political events with the signature blend of sharp analysis, progressive perspective, and irreverent humor from hosts Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg. Highlights include developments in congressional investigations, judicial rulings impacting immigration and voting rights, and an in-depth interview with Democratic candidate Brent Henrich, who’s challenging Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in Washington’s 3rd District. The team also shines a spotlight on Black TGNC icon Pauli Murray and wraps up with their famed “good news” and activism segment.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Black History Month: Pauli Murray Spotlight

• [02:11 - 04:48]
  • Dana and Alison open by celebrating Black History Month, highlighting the underappreciated legacy of Pauli Murray, a “black TGNC icon,” Episcopal priest, and legal pioneer.
  • Murray’s personal struggle with gender identity is discussed, with Dana noting their symbolic obsession with seahorses as embodying gender ambiguity.
  • The segment credits Murray’s legal theory as foundational to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision against segregation.
  • Quote: “Perhaps the most underappreciated black TGNC icon is Pauli Murray... they initially pioneered the legal theory we used... in Brown v. Board of Education.” — Alison Gill [03:28]

2. Hot Notes: Major News Stories of the Day

a. Clintons Testify in Epstein Investigation

• [04:59 - 06:11]
  • Bill and Hillary Clinton agree to testify before the House Oversight Committee concerning the Epstein case, requesting the sessions be public.
  • The hosts note this ends a tense standoff and reflect on the potential (though unlikely) for true accountability to emerge.

b. Supreme Court Employees and NDAs

• [06:50 - 08:03]
  • Chief Justice John Roberts orders Supreme Court staff to sign NDAs after repeated leaks, further eroding public trust in judicial transparency.
  • Quote: “Demanding transparency and then saying, okay, in response to that demand, we're going to have everybody sign non-disclosure agreements... that's legalese for go fuck yourself.” — Alison Gill [12:17]

c. Crisis in Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office

• [08:03 - 09:24]
  • Eight more federal prosecutors resign after frustrations with the handling of police shooting cases. Cited is the case of Alex Preddy, officially ruled a homicide.
  • Broader issues of DOJ politicization are discussed.

d. Federal Court Orders Access to ICE Detention Camps

• [09:24 - 11:58]
  • Judge Gia Cobb rules that DHS broke the law by blocking unannounced congressional visits to immigration detention centers—citing congressional appropriations’ intent.
  • Hosts lambast Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (“puppy killer” running joke) for defying transparency efforts.

e. Evidence Preservation Lifted in Preddy Case

• [12:17 - 14:10]
  • Judge Eric Tostrud lifts an order to preserve evidence in the Alex Preddy case, criticizing political posturing from DHS and the White House, but claiming confidence that evidence will be preserved.

f. Trump Calls for Nationalized Voting

• [14:10 - 17:20]
  • Trump advocates for Republican-controlled national voting specifications—a significant overreach with constitutional implications.
  • Concerns about Supreme Court intervention and the pretext of foreign interference.
  • Quote: “He’s long been fixated on the false claims that US Elections are rife with fraud because, God, how could he possibly have lost?” — Dana Goldberg [15:24]

g. Letitia James Deploys ICE Legal Observers

• [17:20 - 18:54]
  • NY Attorney General Letitia James launches the Legal Observation Project, training state officials to monitor federal ICE activities and protect civil rights.

h. Temporary Protected Status for Haitians Upheld

• [19:11 - 22:12]
  • Judge Ana Reyes halts the termination of TPS for Haitians, criticizing Kristi Noem’s racist rhetoric and Trump’s broader anti-immigrant efforts.

3. INTERVIEW: Brent Henrich, Democratic Candidate (WA-03)

[25:01 - 41:25]

Alison sits down with Brent Henrich to discuss his primary challenge against incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Core topics include:

a. Accountability for the Trump Regime

• Henrich slams Perez for repeatedly voting to fund ICE, DHS, and supporting Rule of Law rollbacks.
• Quote: “If you Google ‘Marie Gluesenkamp Perez holds Trump accountable’ you get zero results...she voted to fund ICE, voted in favor to strip search minors, voted for every step of the way that's led us to where Trump is now as a personal gestapo.” — Brent Henrich [26:09]

b. Pledge for Congressional Oversight

• Henrich promises to hold Trump and administration officials accountable, leveraging committee power if elected.
• Quote: “We need accountability and we need Congress to step up and be a co-equal branch. I want to be part of that solution.” — Brent Henrich [27:48]

c. Refocusing Funding & Immigration Courts

• Henrich opposes large ICE/CBP slush funds; advocates reallocating to immigration courts for due process and a path to citizenship.
• Quote: “We need to be building roads, not barriers... fund these courts to get these people processed.” — Brent Henrich [29:46]

d. Universal Healthcare and Economic Affordability

• Supports a phased path to single-payer, expanding Medicaid and ACA reforms, and universal pro-choice rights.
• Quote: “Doctors take an oath to not do harm. Let’s let doctors provide the care that the patient needs... get the insurance companies out.” — Brent Henrich [33:46]

e. Workers’ Rights, Labor, and Wages

• Critiques Perez's weak labor voting record (AFL-CIO score: ~70% vs. Dem avg. 98%), highlights personal and family experience with working class issues.
• Vows to support unions, living wage, and eliminate tip credit loopholes.

f. Voting Rights Fightback

• Blames Perez for voting for the SAVE Act three times, risking widespread disenfranchisement.
• Pledges to back the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and fight GOP election subversion schemes.
• Quote: “You need somebody in that supermajority who won’t waffle, who won’t sit on the fence.” — Alison Gill [40:19]

Brent’s Campaign Info:
Website: bh4c.com ("B H the number 4 C dot com")
Primary: August 4th, 2026

4. Good News Segment & Community Activism

[43:12 - End]

Reader/Listener Submissions:

• Calls to demand Stephen Miller’s resignation and links to petitions (5calls.org)
• Inspiring acts of local protest, including a viral bird-flip at Rep. Cory Mills’ town hall ("Ice, Ice, Baby" moment) [47:24]
• Shout-outs to labor supporters, activists, and listeners’ families working for change
• Heartwarming updates: Buddhist monks’ 100+ day “Walk for Peace” to DC with their rescue dog, Aloka [47:24, 48:36]
• Personal stories of resilience, kindness, and community, including support for those battling illness

Animal and Joyful Submissions:

• Adorable photos of goats in sweaters, pets, and animal companions
• Humorous “misheard lyrics” and closed-captioning mishaps (“sicko pants” instead of “sycophants”)

Noteworthy Quote:

• “Never let them kill your kindness.” — Michael J., listener [52:40]
• Alison Gill: “Send all your good news to us… sometimes you never know who needs that boost.” [57:26]

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On transparency at the Supreme Court:
  “Bless those five people for talking about the non disclosure agreements they had to sign.” — Alison Gill [08:03]

• On immigration enforcement:
  “Judge Cobb is a Biden appointee... that’s legalese for ‘go fuck yourself.’” — Alison Gill [12:17]

• On the stakes in 2024 and beyond:
  “You need somebody in that veto-proof majority that won’t waffle, that won’t sit on the fence.” — Alison Gill [40:19]

• Brent Henrich’s campaign philosophy:
  “We need leaders that aren’t beholden to any of these people so that we can hold them accountable.” — Brent Henrich [28:15]

• Community in action:
  “I looked directly at Mills, flipped him the bird and said fuck you to his face.  ... I'm really happy I got that on tape.” — Listener Meredith T. [47:24]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Topic | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:11–04:48 | Pauli Murray & Black History Month | | 04:59–06:11 | Clintons agree to testify | | 06:50–08:03 | Supreme Court staff & NDAs | | 08:03–09:24 | Minnesota U.S. Attorney resignations, Preddy case | | 09:24–11:58 | Judge orders ICE facility access for lawmakers | | 12:17–14:10 | Preddy evidence preservation lifted | | 14:10–17:20 | Trump calls for nationalized voting, GOP election meddling | | 17:20–18:54 | Letitia James & ICE legal observers | | 19:11–22:12 | TPS for Haitians, critique of Kristi Noem's rhetoric | | 25:01–41:25 | Interview with Brent Henrich | | 43:12–End | Good news, activism, listener letters, uplifting stories |

Tone and Style

• Sharp, witty, and progressive with moments of both outrage and humor.
• Strong advocacy for civil rights, transparency, and Democratic priorities.
• The interview segment is direct, policy-driven, and confrontational towards centrist incumbents.
• Good news segment balances serious content with community engagement and levity.

Summary Takeaway

This episode underscores the importance of accountability—at all levels of government—and the need for bold, principled leadership. The hosts and their guest stress defending civil rights, robust oversight, protecting vulnerable communities, and refusing to cede ground to Trumpist authoritarianism or Democratic fence-sitting. Listener stories amplify that activism, kindness, and humor are critical tools in these ongoing fights.

For more:

• Follow Brent Henrich at bh4c.com
• Support activism at 5calls.org
• Submit your own “good news” or stories at dailybeanspod.com

“We need to convince some of our, the Republicans, if there are any real Republicans left, we need a super majority, we need a veto-proof majority so we can make sure that Americans are able to vote.” — Brent Henrich [39:29]