The Daily Beans Podcast – Episode: Democracy Sausages (feat. Adam Klasfeld)
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Host/Author: MSW Media
Description: Women-owned progressive news podcast delivering social justice and political news with a touch of snark.

Introduction

Allison Gill ([00:00]) kicks off the episode by highlighting the day's hot topics:

• Donald Trump's wavering stance on upholding the Constitution.
• His declining approval ratings in rural America.
• Legal setbacks, including a federal judge blocking Trump’s attempt to dissolve the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
• Other significant events like border agent activities in Tucson and United Airlines' flight cancellations.

Dana Goldberg ([01:33]) joins Allison, and they extend greetings to listeners both in the U.S. and Australia, setting a friendly and inclusive tone for the episode.

Honoring Jill Buell

Allison Gill ([04:02]) and Dana Goldberg ([04:02]) take a heartfelt moment to remember Jill Buell, a beloved singer-songwriter known for her standout performances and activism. They express deep sorrow over her untimely death in a house fire in Minnesota, praising her as "one of the most ethereal people" and an inspirational figure who touched many lives ([04:02]-[06:12]).

Dana Goldberg ([05:44]) shares personal reflections, highlighting Jill’s profound impact on their community and expressing hopes for her peaceful afterlife.

Main News Discussion

Trump’s Constitutional Comments and Approval Ratings ([07:37]-[23:31])

• Trump’s Stance on the Constitution ([07:37]-[09:22])

  • In a Meet the Press interview, Trump admits uncertainty about his obligation to uphold the Constitution, stating, “[07:37] I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know.”
  • Allison Gill ([07:37]) expresses disbelief, emphasizing the gravity of a president questioning constitutional duties.

• Declining Approval in Rural America ([23:31]-[23:31])

  • Recent polls show Trump’s approval among rural voters is decreasing, with Dana Goldberg ([23:07]) noting a significant drop in support.

Environmental and Infrastructure Issues in Alabama ([08:14]-[10:19])

• Human Waste Backup Crisis ([08:14]-[09:22])
  • Residents in Lowndes County, Alabama, face severe wastewater contamination due to failing septic systems. A 2017 study revealed that one in three adults in the area had the intestinal parasite hookworm.
  • The Biden administration allocated nearly $26 million to address this issue, labeling it “environmental racism.”
  • Trump’s executive order labeled the program as “illegal DEI” and aimed to dismantle it, prompting outrage from the hosts ([09:03]-[10:19]).

Allison Gill ([10:06]) criticizes the administration’s rationale: “We can’t stop shit from backing up in people’s toilets because a majority black people live there. Like, that doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Judicial Actions Against Trump’s Policies ([10:26]-[17:32])

• Blocking the Institute of Museum and Library Services ([10:26]-[11:25])

  • A federal judge, Richard Leon, temporarily blocks Trump’s attempt to dissolve the Institute of Museum and Library Services, citing overreach of legal authority.

• Deportation at Tucson Maternity Ward ([11:25]-[12:46])

  • A pregnant Guatemalan woman is facing expedited removal immediately after giving birth in Tucson, Arizona. Border agents are denying her access to legal counsel.
  • Allison Gill ([11:48]) responds vehemently: “Pro life, my ass.”

Voice of America Legal Battle ([12:46]-[14:50])

• Uncertain Future for VOA ([12:46]-[14:50])
  • A federal appellate court pauses a ruling to restore operations at Voice of America, leaving its future uncertain. The decision indicates potential jurisdictional issues.
  • Allison Gill ([14:35]) remarks on the unpredictability of the situation, noting the court's divided stance.

United Airlines Flight Cancellations ([14:50]-[17:32])

• Air Traffic Chaos ([14:50]-[16:08])
  • United Airlines cancels 35 daily round-trip flights from Newark due to air traffic controller departures following equipment outages.
  • Dana Goldberg ([15:27]) explains the issue is compounded by previous staff firings affecting radar and radio maintenance.

Justice Department Settlement with Ashley Babbitt’s Family ([16:08]-[17:32])

• Settlement Over Capitol Riot Incident ([16:08]-[17:32])
  • The Trump administration preliminarily agrees to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Ashley Babbitt’s family after her shooting during the Capitol riot. Details remain confidential.

Mike Waltz and Signal App Controversy ([17:32]-[19:25])

• Use of Third-Party Messaging Apps ([17:32]-[19:25])
  • Former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is scrutinized for using Telemessage, a third-party app similar to Signal, raising concerns about secure communications within the administration.

Interview with Adam Klasfeld ([30:39]-[63:34])

Allison Gill ([30:39]) welcomes Adam Klasfeld from All Rise News to discuss the recent judicial ruling by Judge Beryl Howell against Trump’s executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coey.

Key Highlights from the Interview:

• Judge Howell’s Landmark Ruling ([31:27]-[36:33])

  • Judge Howell permanently blocks Trump’s executive order, comparing Trump’s tactics to Shakespeare’s "kill all the lawyers" from Henry VI, emphasizing the threat to the rule of law.
  • Adam Klasfeld ([31:27]) explains the ruling invalidates the executive order entirely, unlike previous temporary measures that only blocked sections.

• Implications for Law Firms ([36:33]-[43:49])

  • The decision impacts law firms either resisting or capitulating to Trump’s policies, with potential appeals heading to the Supreme Court.
  • Discussions revolve around the resilience of the legal system and the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional norms.

• Broader Judicial Pushback ([43:49]-[62:39])

  • Klasfeld highlights a trend of judges issuing strong rulings against Trump’s administration across various courts, viewing these actions as critical defenses of democracy and the rule of law.
  • References historical parallels to democratic crises and the importance of maintaining judicial independence.

• Role of All Rise News ([48:31]-[55:20])

  • All Rise News focuses on providing actionable information for citizens to engage in upholding the Constitution, such as participating in the notice and comment process on federal regulations.

Notable Quote from Adam Klasfeld ([36:33]): “This ruling that just came down from Judge Howell blocks the entire executive order in its entirety. Before today, before now, the temporary restraining orders didn't go that far. This one. It’s as if this order never existed.”

Good News Segment

Katie Ledecky Breaks Her Own World Record ([23:31]-[26:22])

• Katie Ledecky’s Achievement ([23:31]-[26:22])

  • Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky sets a new world record in the women’s 800-meter freestyle with a time of 8 minutes 4.12 seconds, breaking her own previous record from the 2016 Rio Olympics.
  • Allison Gill ([24:13]) and Dana Goldberg ([23:31]) celebrate her remarkable performance, highlighting her dominance in the sport and inspirational journey.

• Gretchen Walsh’s Record ([24:18]-[26:22])

  • Gretchen Walsh becomes the first woman to compete in the 100-meter butterfly in under 55 seconds, further showcasing outstanding athletic achievements.

Allison Gill ([26:15]) remarks on Ledecky’s unparalleled consistency: “She’s been only competing against herself.”

Good News from Australia

Australia’s Election Victory for Labor Party ([02:11]-[23:31], Featured in Listener Submissions ([67:02]-[71:39]))

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Re-Election ([02:10]-[03:30])

  • Anthony Albanese secures a second term for Australia’s Labor Party, overturning months of poor polling and leading to a decisive victory over the conservative opposition led by Peter Dutton.
  • Dana Goldberg ([02:30]) praises the result as a rejection of Trump-like conservative politics, emphasizing the lessons learned from the U.S. political climate.

• Listener Submissions Celebrating Australia’s Victory ([67:02]-[71:39])

  • Australian listeners share their joy over the election results, highlighting the defeat of Trump-like candidates and celebrating the Labor Party’s success.
  • Carly ([67:02]-[71:39]) and other listeners express solidarity and happiness, sharing photos and personal stories about the impact of Australia’s political shift.

Dana Goldberg ([66:59]-[71:39]) humorously explains the concept of "democracy sausages," Australian festival food used at polling places during elections.

Listener Submissions and Good Trouble

Listener Stories ([63:26]-[76:11])

• Veronica’s Vegas Trip and Matching Tattoos ([63:26]-[66:13])

  • Veronica shares her five-day trip to Vegas with a lifelong friend, culminating in matching tattoos to commemorate their enduring friendship.
  • Allison Gill ([66:10]) and Dana Goldberg ([65:43]) express admiration for the meaningful gesture.

• Cindy’s 30th Anniversary and Academic Achievements ([70:02]-[73:40])

  • Cindy celebrates her 30th anniversary with her wife, highlighting her academic career focused on marginalized voices and queer literature.
  • Dana Goldberg ([73:40]) praises Cindy’s dedication and contributions to academia and activism.

• Tony’s Wife’s 70th Birthday and Activism ([70:02]-[73:40])

  • Tony shares a touching story about celebrating his wife’s 70th birthday, honoring her lifelong commitment to scholarship and advocacy for marginalized communities.
  • Allison Gill ([73:40]) and Dana Goldberg ([73:40]) commend the couple’s contributions and highlight their activism efforts.

Good Trouble Segment ([55:20]-[63:34])

• Encouraging Political Engagement ([55:20]-[63:34])
  • Allison and Dana urge listeners to take actionable steps to support the rule of law, such as participating in the Federal Register’s notice and comment process and supporting progressive law firms resisting Trump’s policies.
  • They share examples of how organized efforts, like a Georgia law student’s spreadsheet of law firms opposing Trump, can create meaningful change.

Conclusion

Allison Gill ([75:48]-[76:11]) and Dana Goldberg ([75:48]-[76:11]) wrap up the episode by thanking listeners, emphasizing the importance of community, and encouraging continued engagement through sharing good news and participating in good trouble. They remind listeners to send their good news stories and pet photos to be featured in future episodes, fostering a sense of community and positivity.

Final Thoughts:

• Dana Goldberg ([76:01]) expresses ongoing love and remembrance for the late Jill Buell, underscoring the episode’s balance of hard-hitting news and heartfelt moments.
• Allison Gill ([76:11]) concludes with warm wishes, urging listeners to take care of themselves and others.

Notable Quotes

• Allison Gill ([10:06]): “We can’t stop shit from backing up in people’s toilets because a majority black people live there. Like, that doesn’t make any sense to me.”
• Dana Goldberg ([07:54]): “Impeach him.”
• Adam Klasfeld ([31:27]): “This ruling that just came down from Judge Howell blocks the entire executive order in its entirety. Before today, before now, the temporary restraining orders didn't go that far. This one. It’s as if this order never existed.”

Key Takeaways

1. Judicial Pushback Against Trump: Federal judges, notably Judge Beryl Howell, are actively blocking Trump’s executive orders and policies, emphasizing the protection of constitutional norms and the rule of law.

2. Declining Trump Support in Rural America: Recent polls indicate a significant drop in Trump’s approval among rural voters, suggesting waning support in traditionally loyal constituencies.

3. Environmental and Infrastructure Struggles: Rural Alabama faces ongoing wastewater contamination issues, with Trump’s administration rolling back Biden-era initiatives aimed at combating “environmental racism.”

4. Voice of America’s Uncertain Future: Legal battles continue to determine the operational status of Voice of America, reflecting broader tensions between the media and the current administration.

5. Celebrating Resilience and Achievement: Amidst political turmoil, the podcast highlights uplifting stories such as Katie Ledecky’s athletic achievements and Australia’s reaffirmation of progressive politics through recent elections.

6. Community and Activism: The hosts encourage listeners to engage in meaningful political action, support progressive causes, and celebrate personal and community victories.

For more information and to submit your good news, visit mswmedia.com or contact @dailybeanspod.com.