The Daily Beans – Episode: "Allow Me To Retort" (feat. Mayor Karen Bass & Adam Klasfeld) Release Date: June 12, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into a multitude of pressing political and social issues with their characteristic blend of progressive insight and sharp wit. The episode features insightful discussions with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Adam Klasfeld from All Rise News, alongside comprehensive analyses of recent legal battles, polling data, and significant court verdicts.
Legal Proceedings Against Donald Trump
Trump's Legal Maneuvers The episode opens with a deep dive into former President Donald Trump's ongoing legal battles. Alison Gill explains that Trump's new legal team is attempting to relocate his 34 felony counts from state to federal court:
Alison Gill [03:20]: "I personally think it's because he has a better shot at overturning this conviction with the Supreme Court than he does with the New York State Supreme Court."
Dana Goldberg adds her perspective on Trump's motives:
Dana Goldberg [03:25]: "I think the no-brainer on why would be so he can pardon himself."
However, Alison counters this by clarifying legal limitations:
Alison Gill [03:36]: "He can't pardon himself because the conviction is in New York."
The hosts discuss the strategic implications of this move, emphasizing the complexities of jurisdiction and the potential for appealing to the Supreme Court.
Governor Gavin Newsom's Lawsuit
Characterizing the Lawsuit Governor Newsom's lawsuit against Trump's administration is a focal point of the discussion. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has labeled the lawsuit as a "crass political stunt," a sentiment strongly contested by the hosts.
Alison Gill [08:12]: "It’s unprecedented because no president in his right mind would deploy troops to arrest United States citizens."
Alison methodically dismantles the DOJ's arguments, highlighting the constitutional and practical dangers of deploying the military against civilians:
Alison Gill [08:20]: "All the dangerous shit is deploying them to otherwise peaceful places to kick up violence as a pretext to invoke the Insurrection Act."
Predator Drones Over Los Angeles
Surveillance and ICE Operations The discussion shifts to concerns about Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deploying Predator drones over Los Angeles in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
Alison Gill [12:08]: "CBP has confirmed it's flying Predator drones above Los Angeles protests in support of ICE."
Dana underscores the invasive nature of this surveillance:
Dana Goldberg [13:31]: "It's exactly what it is."
Alison elaborates on the implications, suggesting broader uses beyond official statements:
Alison Gill [13:45]: "What do you want to bet that's not all they're being used for?"
Quinnipiac Poll: Declining Approval for Trump
Shifting Public Sentiment A new Quinnipiac poll reveals a significant decline in Trump's approval ratings across various issues, reflecting growing public discontent:
- Overall Approval: 38% approve, 57% disapprove
- Immigration Issues: 43% approve, 54% disapprove
- Economy: 40% approve, 56% disapprove
- Israel-Hamas Conflict: 35% approve, 52% disapprove
Dana Goldberg [16:44]: "He is still fighting tooth and nail and he has deployed the weight and force of the federal government."
The hosts interpret these numbers as indicators of waning support and the potential impact on Trump's political standing.
Indictment of Representative Lamonica McIver
Political Intimidation Claims Representative Lamonica McIver, a Democrat from New Jersey, has been unjustly indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of forcibly impeding federal law enforcement:
Dana Goldberg [14:17]: "While people are free to express their views for or against particular policies, they must not do so in a manner that endangers law enforcement and the communities those officers serve."
Alison Gill expresses skepticism about the rapid indictment process:
Alison Gill [14:44]: "Three weeks from her arrest to indictment by a federal grand jury. Three weeks. That took three weeks to get an indictment."
She draws parallels to similar cases, questioning the integrity of the grand jury's proceedings.
Harvey Weinstein's Guilty Verdict
Progress in High-Profile Case The episode covers the significant development in Harvey Weinstein's legal saga, with a Manhattan jury finding him guilty on one sex crime charge:
Dana Goldberg [18:28]: "He will die in prison. That's the good news of this story."
Alison acknowledges the complexity of the case, noting that Weinstein still faces ongoing deliberations for additional charges:
Alison Gill [18:37]: "Regardless of their eventual verdict on the rape charge, Weinstein faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced."
In-Depth Interviews
Mayor Karen Bass on Los Angeles' Situation
Militarization Missteps In a candid interview, Mayor Karen Bass addresses the unnecessary deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles:
Adam Klassfeld [22:18]: "The mission of the National Guard is to protect the federal building, period."
She criticizes the federal overreach and emphasizes the city's capability to handle local issues without military intervention:
Mayor Karen Bass [27:23]: "The city is keeping Angelenos safe, regardless of who they are, where they came from, when they got here, or why."
Bass also touches upon the broader implications of military presence in civilian areas, advocating for peaceful and community-centered solutions.
Adam Klasfeld on Trump's Legal Strategy
Federal vs. State Jurisdiction Adam Klasfeld provides a detailed analysis of Trump's attempt to shift legal proceedings to federal court, examining the tactical motivations and potential outcomes:
Adam Klasfeld [32:44]: "So whatever the result of this appeal, there's a long road of appeals. This is on a highly technical issue over which jurisdiction is going to hear the fate of Trump's 34 felony convictions."
He further discusses the role of DOJ officials supporting Trump, raising questions about impartiality and legal ethics.
Good News Stories
Community Highlights and Listener Contributions The hosts conclude the episode on a positive note, sharing uplifting stories and listener submissions that highlight community resilience and personal achievements:
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Listener Lily from Kansas shares her excitement over starting a mini garden and her pet cats.
Dana Goldberg [49:19]: "For my good news, I started a mini garden this summer on my balcony."
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Ashley Pronoun discusses a successful town hall held by the American Anthropological Association, fostering solidarity amidst challenges in academia.
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Bonnie Brought Down from Los Angeles appreciates the podcast's unbiased storytelling and shares adorable photos of her rescued cats and a hummingbird feeder.
These segments emphasize the importance of community support and personal well-being amidst turbulent times.
Conclusion
Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg wrap up the episode by inviting listeners to engage with the podcast through good news submissions and participation in upcoming events like Drag Queen Bingo. They encourage community interaction and highlight the transformative power of collective action and joyous experiences as forms of resistance against prevailing challenges.
Alison Gill [61:54]: "Every little thing that we do is magic."
The episode exemplifies The Daily Beans' commitment to delivering comprehensive news coverage infused with progressive values and a touch of humor, ensuring listeners are both informed and uplifted.
Notable Quotes:
- Alison Gill [08:20]: "All the dangerous shit is deploying them to otherwise peaceful places to kick up violence as a pretext to invoke the Insurrection Act."
- Dana Goldberg [14:17]: "While people are free to express their views for or against particular policies, they must not do so in a manner that endangers law enforcement and the communities those officers serve."
- Dana Goldberg [18:28]: "He will die in prison. That's the good news of this story."
- Mayor Karen Bass [27:23]: "The city is keeping Angelenos safe, regardless of who they are, where they came from, when they got here, or why."
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