The Daily Beans – Episode Summary: "Project 2026" (Featuring John Fugelsang & John ‘Bowzer’ Bauman)
Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Daily Beans, hosted by Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg from MSW Media, listeners are treated to a blend of incisive political analysis, breaking news, and engaging interviews. Titled "Project 2026" and featuring special guests John Fugelsang and John ‘Bowzer’ Bauman, the episode delves into pivotal issues shaping the political landscape as the nation marches towards the 2026 elections.

News Highlights

Supreme Court Deliberations: Birthright Citizenship & Nationwide Injunctions

Allison Gill kicks off the episode by discussing the recent Supreme Court arguments surrounding birthright citizenship and the authority of district judges to issue nationwide injunctions.

Allison Gill [01:15]: "Today, the Supreme Court heard arguments on birthright citizenship and whether district judges can issue nationwide injunctions."

Dana Goldberg adds her perspective on the likely outcomes, expressing skepticism about the Court overturning birthright citizenship but uncertainty regarding the protection of nationwide injunctions.

Dana Goldberg [04:10]: "I, Dana, personally don't see the Supreme Court overturning birthright citizenship, but I'm having a hard time finding five votes to protect nationwide injunctions at the district court level."

RFK Jr. and the Abortion Pill Controversy

The hosts transition to RFK Jr.'s controversial move to reverse COVID vaccine recommendations for children, tying it to broader anti-abortion agenda efforts.

Dana Goldberg [04:22]: "This is from the Guardian. Seems the US health secretary, RFK Jr., said he directed the FDA to review the regulations around the abortion pill."

They critique RFK Jr.'s motivations, suggesting a strategic retreat in the face of likely legal defeat.

Economic Updates: Fed's Powell & Walmart's Price Hikes

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cautions about impending supply shocks amidst economic uncertainty, while Walmart announces unprecedented price increases due to tariff impacts.

Allison Gill [07:00]: "Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell is cautioning that the U.S. could face an increase in supply shocks... analysts warn of inventory shortfalls due to tariff-induced supply chain issues."

Dana Goldberg [08:47]: "Walmart on Thursday said it plans to raise prices this month and early this summer when tariff-affected merchandise hits its store shelves."

Missouri Republicans Repeal Proposition A

A critical update on Missouri Senate Republicans' decision to repeal parts of Proposition A, which had been approved by voters to enhance paid sick leave and increase the minimum wage.

Allison Gill [09:03]: "Missouri Senate Republicans voted 22 to 11 to repeal parts of Proposition A, ignoring the voters' decision from months prior."

Dana Goldberg emphasizes the disregard for public will and the broader implications for workers' rights.

Dana Goldberg [09:13]: "They took away sick pay for millions of workers in the state of Missouri."

Homeland Security's New Gulfstream 5 Plane

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's request for a new Gulfstream 5 plane sparks controversy over the allocation of taxpayer dollars.

Allison Gill [12:01]: "The Department of Homeland Security is planning on a new Gulfstream 5, which Rep. Lauren Underwood criticized as a misuse of funds."

Dana Goldberg passionately denounces the move as emblematic of governmental corruption.

Dana Goldberg [13:02]: "It's so dangerous. And we're just talking about domestic blackmail."

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Stock Sales

ProPublica uncovers Attorney General Pam Bondi’s substantial stock sales in Trump Media coinciding with the announcement of new tariffs, raising alarms about potential conflicts of interest.

Dana Goldberg [14:08]: "Attorney General Pam Bondi sold $1 million in Trump stocks right before the tariffs were announced, according to ProPublica records."

Allison Gill connects this to past patterns of administration manipulation and corruption.

Allison Gill [15:18]: "Pam Bondi's disclosure forms show transactions made on April 2, aligning suspiciously with the tariffs announcement."

Air Traffic Control Communication Blackout

A significant communication outage at a U.S. air traffic control facility leads to flight delays and safety concerns, with implications for national security.

Allison Gill [16:21]: "A second air traffic control facility experienced a 90-second communications blackout, raising safety fears."

Dana Goldberg voices her frustration over recurring aviation safety issues.

Dana Goldberg [16:28]: "It's terrifying, especially for those who fly frequently."

Tulsi Gabbard Fires Intelligence Officials

In a move that signals internal turmoil, Tulsi Gabbard dismisses two top officials from the National Intelligence Council following controversial assessments related to the Alien Enemies Act.

Allison Gill [17:00]: "Tulsi Gabbard has fired two top intelligence officials weeks after their reports contradicted Trump's rationale for invoking the Alien Enemies Act."

In-Depth Discussions

Interview with John Fugelsang: Project 2026

John Fugelsang joins the hosts to discuss Project 2026, an initiative aimed at flipping the House of Representatives to prevent the enactment of detrimental legislation targeting seniors and working families. Fugelsang underscores the urgency of mobilizing voters against tax cuts for the wealthy and the erosion of social safety nets.

John Fugelsang: "Project 2026 is about flipping the House to stop bad legislation that targets our seniors and working families."

The conversation highlights the strategic importance of focusing on issues like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which transcend party lines and resonate with a broad electorate.

Interview with John ‘Bowzer’ Bauman: Social Security Works PAC

John ‘Bowzer’ Bauman, president of Social Security Works PAC and vice chair of the DNC Seniors Council, shares insights into his advocacy efforts to protect and expand social programs essential for seniors. Bauman emphasizes the need for bipartisan support and strategic campaigning to safeguard these programs from Republican-led repeal attempts.

John Bauman: "Social Security Works PAC aims to get better people elected who will protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid."

Bauman discusses the impact of proposed budget reconciliation bills and the critical need for public engagement to "keep hands off" social security and other entitlement programs.

Allison Gill [60:07]: "The best message is hands off. I am in favor of hands off Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid."

Good News Segment

The hosts transition to a heartwarming Good News segment, featuring listener submissions that celebrate community efforts, environmental conservation, and personal achievements.

• May 21: UNESCO's World Day of Cultural Diversity
  A listener highlights the global affirmation of culture as a public good, encouraging participation in cultural diversity initiatives.

• Menstruation Health Week in Minnesota
  Amanda, a listener, shares her community's efforts in combating period poverty and promoting menstrual equity through events and advocacy.

• Heartwarming Animal Photos
  Listeners submit adorable photos of pets and wildlife, fostering a sense of community and shared positivity.

Anonymous Pronouns [69:51]: "Sending you all good wishes... here's a cardinal that I'm proud to add to the pod."

Conclusion

Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg wrap up the episode by urging listeners to engage in positive actions, support community initiatives, and participate in political advocacy to protect vital social programs. They emphasize the importance of mindfulness and gratitude in daily routines to combat the pervasive negativity in the news cycle.

Allison Gill [84:22]: "Take some time for yourself. When you wake up in the morning before you reach for social media, just take 10 breaths, deep breaths in and out, focus, center yourself."

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of commitment to social justice, political activism, and maintaining a positive outlook amidst challenging times.

Notable Quotes:

• Allison Gill [01:15]: "Today, the Supreme Court heard arguments on birthright citizenship and whether district judges can issue nationwide injunctions."

• Dana Goldberg [04:10]: "I, Dana, personally don't see the Supreme Court overturning birthright citizenship, but I'm having a hard time finding five votes to protect nationwide injunctions at the district court level."

• Dana Goldberg [13:02]: "It's so dangerous. And we're just talking about domestic blackmail."

• John Fugelsang: "Project 2026 is about flipping the House to stop bad legislation that targets our seniors and working families."

• John Bauman: "Social Security Works PAC aims to get better people elected who will protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid."

Key Takeaways:

• Political Machinations: The episode critically examines recent Supreme Court cases, executive actions, and legislative moves that threaten social programs and reflect broader governmental corruption.

• Strategic Advocacy: Through interviews with John Fugelsang and John Bauman, listeners gain insight into proactive strategies aimed at reversing Republican-led initiatives against essential social safety nets.

• Community and Positivity: The Good News segment underscores the podcast’s commitment to highlighting positive community efforts and fostering a supportive listener environment.

• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to engage actively in political advocacy, support community initiatives, and cultivate personal well-being to effect meaningful change.

Stay Connected:

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