The Daily Beans
Episode: Flags At Half Staff
Release Date: December 31, 2024
Hosts: Allison Gill & Dana Goldberg
Produced by: MSW Media

1. Introduction and Key News Highlights

The episode opens with Allison Gill presenting a rapid-fire overview of the day's significant news events:

• Passing of President Jimmy Carter: At age 100.
• Donald Trump's Legal Setbacks: The Second Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a $5 million verdict against Trump for defamation and sexual abuse claims by E. Jean Carroll.
• U.S. Treasury Cyberattack: A major hack orchestrated by China.
• Special Counsel Jack Smith's Move: Handing off Trump's documents appeal case to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Florida.
• Biden's Ukraine Defense Package: Announced at $2.5 billion.
• Trump's Endorsement: Backing Mike Johnson for Speaker of the House.

Allison Gill (00:00):
"President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the $5 million New York Civil trial jury verdict that found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll."

2. Death of President Jimmy Carter and National Mourning

Allison Gill delves deeper into President Carter's passing, emphasizing his unique legacy as the only U.S. president to graduate from the Naval Academy and having a submarine named after him. She outlines the planned memorial services and the extensive state funeral arrangements.

Joe Biden (06:22):
"I've spoken to some of the friends and family that are helping with the services, and my team is working with his family and others to see to it that he is remembered appropriately here in the United States and around the world."

Biden announced that U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days at federal buildings and military installations. Additionally, an executive order declared January 9th as a national day of mourning, during which all federal departments and agencies will be closed except for those handling critical national security and public needs.

Dana Goldberg (07:04):
"I'm grateful that this happened before the next administration took office, because now Jimmy Carter will actually get the state burial that he deserves in this country."

3. U.S. Treasury Breach by Chinese Hackers

The hosts discuss a significant cybersecurity incident where the U.S. Treasury Department was compromised by a state-sponsored Chinese hacking operation. The breach utilized third-party software to access Treasury employees' desktop computers, though only unclassified documents were reportedly accessed.

Dana Goldberg (08:09):
"The U.S. treasury has been hacked by China, using third-party software to access desktop computers of Treasury employees in what the department is calling a major incident."

Allison highlights the swift response from Treasury officials, including collaboration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI to mitigate the breach and prevent further unauthorized access. A follow-up report is expected within 30 days.

4. Biden Announces $2.5 Billion Ukraine Defense Package

In response to ongoing conflicts, President Biden unveiled a substantial defense aid package aimed at bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities against Russian aggression.

Allison Gill (12:48):
"The support will include both a $1.25 billion drawdown package for Ukraine's military and a $1.22 billion package authorized through the U.S. Department of Defense's Ukraine Assistance Initiative."

This assistance encompasses air defense artillery, critical weapon systems, artillery rounds, rockets, and armored vehicles. Biden emphasized the urgency of delivering this aid before January 20th to ensure Ukraine is well-prepared for the upcoming winter season.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (12:30):
"This support is crucial to stabilizing the front lines. Every additional supply from our partners means more saved lives of our soldiers."

5. Trump Endorses Mike Johnson for Speaker of the House

Donald Trump has officially endorsed Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, for the role of Speaker of the House. This endorsement comes amidst a contentious and divided Republican caucus.

Allison Gill (13:35):
"In a lengthy post on his social media platform, True Social, Trump argued that the Republicans should not blow this great opportunity... to immediately govern, which would require Johnson to be swiftly reelected as House Speaker on Friday."

Mike Johnson (13:51):
"Thank you, President Trump. I'm honored and humbled by your support."

6. House Speaker Election Drama and GOP Dynamics

The endorsement has ignited a fierce debate within the GOP. Elon Musk chimed in, expressing skepticism about Johnson's leadership:

Elon Musk (14:20):
"Who gives a shit? You're not an elected official."

Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Massie voiced strong opposition to Johnson's candidacy, criticizing his legislative actions and questioning his commitment to conservative principles.

Thomas Massie (16:06):
"We've seen Johnson partner with the Democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget."

Other Republicans, like Rep. Andy Biggs and Rep. Victoria Spartz, expressed conditional support, citing concerns over Johnson's plans for federal spending and policy direction.

Victoria Spartz (16:44):
"We still need to get assurances that Speaker Johnson won't sell us out to the swamp."

The episode further explores the narrow majority within the House Republicans and the potential for prolonged conflict on the House floor come Friday.

Dana Goldberg (17:01):
"This is going to be such a fuckin' shit show."

7. Wrap-up and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, Allison and Dana reflect on the tumultuous year and the challenges ahead. They emphasize the importance of community, resilience, and continued activism in the face of political adversity.

Dana Goldberg (34:16):
"Just remember, this community is strong. We are fighting publicly. I'm going to be doing the same thing next year..."

Allison Gill (35:03):
"We will not stop fighting... take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health, and take care of your family."

The hosts conclude with a reaffirmation of their commitment to delivering progressive news with a blend of social justice and humor, encouraging listeners to stay connected and support one another as they transition into the new year.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Allison Gill (00:00):
  "President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100."

• Joe Biden (06:22):
  "We're going to do a major Service in Washington, D.C. that's a formal procedure that's underway."

• Allison Gill (07:26):
  "Congrats to E. Jean Carroll for not backing down like ABC did."

• Elon Musk (14:20):
  "Who gives a shit? You're not an elected official."

• Thomas Massie (16:06):
  "We've seen Johnson partner with the Democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget."

• Dana Goldberg (34:16):
  "Just remember, this community is strong. We are fighting publicly."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Daily Beans, Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg navigate through a spectrum of pressing issues—from the solemn passing of a former president and national security breaches to contentious political maneuvers within the GOP. Their blend of insightful analysis, candid commentary, and moments of levity provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current political landscape, all while fostering a sense of community and resilience.