The Daily Beans: Episode Summary – "Organize In Opposition (feat. Rep. Dan Goldman)"

Release Date: December 5, 2024
Host: Alison Gill
Guest: Congressman Dan Goldman (New York's 10th District)

1. Quick News Recap

Alison Gill opens the episode with a rundown of several significant news items:

• Trump's Defense Secretary Nomination: President Trump is considering replacing his nominee, Pete Hegseth, with either Ron DeSantis or Joni Ernst for the position of Secretary of Defense.

• UnitedHealth CEO Shot: Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth, was tragically shot and killed in New York City.

• Supreme Court Oral Arguments: The Court heard arguments regarding Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors.

• Ken Chesbro's Legal Moves: Chesbro seeks to vacate his guilty plea in a Georgia election interference case, unrelated to Trump's election or Jack Smith’s federal case.

• Rudy Giuliani's Legal Troubles: Giuliani is representing himself in federal court and has been denied additional time by Judge Beryl Hal.

• Jerry Nadler's Resignation: Nadler steps down as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, endorsing Jamie Raskin as his successor.

• House Seat Flip: Democrats have flipped the final House seat, resulting in a narrow margin with Republicans holding 220 seats to Democrats' 215.

• Union Discontent: Union members express frustration over Trump's intention to cancel a steel export deal.

2. Main Headlines

a. Pete Hegseth's Secretary of Defense Nomination Controversy

[15:00] Alison Gill delves into the controversy surrounding Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth faces serious allegations, including sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement at veterans' charities, repeated intoxication, and infidelity. Despite these allegations, Hegseth remains steadfast, asserting his innocence and commitment to support veterans.

Notable Quote:

"I've never had a drinking problem... being in a hotel room with someone, that's not the person you're with is not okay. I own up to that and I've had to own up to that."
– Pete Hegseth [28:00]

Hegseth has been actively seeking confirmation by meeting with Senate Republicans, who have been largely supportive despite the allegations. However, internal opposition within the Republican conference is growing, with figures like Senator Kevin Kramer expressing serious concerns about Hegseth’s suitability.

b. Ken Chesbro's Guilty Plea in Georgia Election Interference Case

[05:30] Ken Chesbro, previously convicted in a state-level election interference case, has filed a motion to invalidate his guilty plea. This move is separate from Trump’s election victory and Jack Smith’s federal case. Chesbro argues that the original charges were unconstitutional, referencing Judge Scott McAfee’s September ruling that certain counts in Fani Willis's RICO indictment were invalid under the Constitution’s supremacy clause.

Notable Quote:

"The Constitution's supremacy clause precluded the charges... they had to do with making false statements to a federal body from being filed."
– Alison Gill [05:30]

c. Jerry Nadler's Resignation and Jamie Raskin Endorsement

[13:00] Jerry Nadler announces his decision to withdraw from the role of ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, endorsing Jamie Raskin as his successor. This endorsement is expected to bolster Raskin's position within the committee and influence upcoming legislative agendas.

Notable Quote:

"I expect Congressman Raskin to win this and become the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee."
– Alison Gill [15:00]

d. Democrats Flip Final House Seat

[20:00] In a significant political shift, Democrats have secured the final House seat at stake, adjusting the overall balance to Republicans holding 220 seats versus Democrats’ 215. This outcome underscores the razor-thin margins in current Congressional representation.

Notable Quote:

"Democrats lost the House by just 7,000 votes nationwide. So when I talk about how every vote matters… that’s what I mean."
– Alison Gill [20:00]

e. UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson Shot in New York

[25:00] Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth, was fatally shot in a targeted attack outside the Hilton Midtown in New York City. Police describe the incident as premeditated, with the shooter using a silenced weapon and fleeing the scene swiftly.

Notable Quote:

"Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned targeted attack."
– NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch [25:00]

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking the shooter who last appeared in Central Park early in the morning.

f. Supreme Court Hearing on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

[22:00] The Supreme Court heard high-profile oral arguments regarding Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. Conservative justices largely appeared inclined to uphold the ban, challenging the notion that it is discriminatory.

Notable Quote:

"Do laws that deny certain medicine to people based exclusively on their sex trigger heightened scrutiny by the courts? The answer, according to long-established precedent, is a resounding yes."
– Mark Joseph Stern, Slate [22:00]

The Court’s decision is anticipated to have widespread implications across 26 states with similar bans, potentially undermining federal protections against sex-based discrimination.

3. Interview with Congressman Dan Goldman

[28:00] Alison Gill conducts an in-depth interview with Congressman Dan Goldman, focusing on several critical topics:

a. Jack Smith’s Testimony and Report

Goldman discusses the potential for Special Counsel Jack Smith to testify before Congress regarding his investigations. He anticipates that Smith will release comprehensive reports, which may prompt further congressional hearings.

Notable Quote:

"Every single special counsel in recent memory has come in to testify about their report."
– Dan Goldman [29:11]

b. Trump’s Cabinet Picks and Implications

Goldman expresses concern over Trump’s Cabinet nominations, particularly Pete Hegseth, highlighting the risks of installing unqualified individuals in key government positions aimed at dismantling established federal agencies.

Notable Quote:

"These picks are dangerous because of what I see as the ensuing process to completely undermine our government out of his own retribution and revenge."
– Dan Goldman [32:08]

c. Citizen Actions to Oppose Trump Administration

Goldman emphasizes the importance of organized opposition, advising citizens to be strategic in their efforts to counteract Trump’s moves to undermine federal institutions. He advocates for leveraging legal avenues and maintaining vocal resistance.

Notable Quote:

"We need to be vocal, we need to be calling senators, we need to be writing letters, we need to be organizing in opposition to them."
– Dan Goldman [35:41]

4. "Fuck Around and Find Out" Segment

[37:00] This segment addresses the backlash from union members in Pittsburgh’s Mon Valley following Trump’s stance against a $14.9 billion steel export deal with Japan's Nippon Steel Company. Union leaders and local officials express frustration, highlighting the deal’s importance for preserving jobs and local industry.

Notable Quote:

"Maybe he has concepts of a plan… I'm going to protect jobs and create future opportunities."
– West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly [39:00]

The United Steelworkers’ president, David McCall, remains opposed to the deal, fearing it won't secure long-term benefits for the region’s steel plants.

5. Good News Segment

Alison Gill transitions to a lighter segment featuring listener submissions that include pet photos, community support stories, and positive shout-outs. Highlights include:

• Pet Photos: Contributions of cats, dogs, and other animals, often accompanied by humorous captions or backstories.

• Community Support: Stories about organizations like the Seed Theater in Chattanooga supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, and the Osage Nation reclaiming tribal lands for environmental cleanup and sovereignty.

Notable Submissions:

• Justin: Shares photos of the Osage Nation’s environmental efforts to reclaim and clean 43,000 acres of land previously impacted by oil and gas production.

  Notable Quote:

  "The Osage Nation will now have criminal jurisdiction over the land, another important step toward tribal sovereignty."
  – Justin [42:00]

• Anonymous Contributor: Highlights the Seed Theater in Chattanooga as a crucial support hub for transgender individuals and their families.

Encouraging Engagement:

"Send us your good news confessions, corrections, you want to play... Send us baby photos, animal photos. We love them."
– Alison Gill [43:28]

Conclusion

Alison Gill wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of staying informed and organized in opposition to perceived threats to federal institutions and progressive values. She encourages listeners to engage with their representatives, participate in legal and grassroots movements, and support community initiatives.

Final Quote:

"Please take care of yourself, take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health and take care of your family."
– Alison Gill [43:20]

The episode underscores a blend of critical political analysis, personal engagement, and community support, aligning with The Daily Beans' mission to provide progressive news with a touch of snark.