The Daily Beans - Episode Summary: "Recount Account"
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Host/Author: MSW Media

Introduction

In the "Recount Account" episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into the tumultuous political landscape following the recent elections. The episode navigates through heated discussions on election recounts, transition challenges faced by outgoing President-elect Donald Trump, and a significant Democratic victory in Louisiana. Alongside these pressing issues, Alison and Dana share personal insights on navigating social media harassment and foster a sense of community through uplifting good news stories.

Main Political News

Pennsylvania Senate Race and Recount Efforts

The episode opens with an in-depth analysis of the closely contested Senate race in Pennsylvania. Alison Gill highlights that the Harris Victory Fund is reallocating donations towards a recount effort as the vote count remains extraordinarily tight.

• Dave McCormick's Stance:
  "I'm honored to represent the people of Pennsylvania and will fight hard to make sure their voices are heard in Washington."
  (06:10) — Dave McCormick announces his intention to attend the Senate orientation despite the incomplete vote tally.

• Current Standings:
  With incumbent Senator Bob Casey trailing McCormick by a slim margin of 49.01% to 48.43%, the race stands as the closest Senate contest in Pennsylvania since the 17th Amendment mandated direct elections. The possibility of an automatic recount looms if the final margin remains under half a point.

• Campaign Dynamics:
  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer initially refrained from inviting McCormick to orientation, citing pending vote counts. Alison humorously remarks on this exclusion: "I kind of like disinviting this guy. I'm feeling a little petty this week."
  (07:00)

Harris Victory Fund and Recount Allocation

Dana Goldberg sheds light on the Harris Victory Fund's strategic redirection of funds toward a recount account, emphasizing the fund's role in supporting election integrity within the Democratic Party.

• Fund Allocation Details:
  Donations are segmented, with a portion allocated to the Democratic National Committee, Harris's recount efforts, and state parties. This move occurs despite Vice President Kamala Harris having conceded the election.

• Criticism and Concerns:
  Alison voices skepticism regarding Kamala Harris potentially taking over the Oval Office: "I do not love this idea. Everyone because I don't think Kamala wants a fucking hand me presidency."
  (12:23)

Donald Trump's Transition Challenges

A significant portion of the discussion centers on President-elect Donald Trump's delays in submitting mandatory transition agreements with the Biden administration, raising alarms about national security preparedness.

• Ethics Agreement Delays:
  Trump has yet to sign the required ethics pledge, essential for accessing crucial transition briefings. Alison expresses frustration: "He could just poop on it. Like, it's so frustrating."
  (15:04)

• National Security Implications:
  Experts warn that without timely transition cooperation, the incoming administration could face vulnerabilities. Valerie Smith Boyd from the Partnership for Public Service underscores the gravity: "We are watching it happen, but the consequences are severe."
  (16:15)

• Historical Context:
  Alison references past transition hiccups, noting the 2020 delay when transitioning compromised national security efforts leading up to the September 11 attacks.

Democratic Victory in Louisiana

Shifting to a positive note, the hosts celebrate Democrat Cleo Fields' victory in Louisiana’s redrawn second majority-black district, marking a pivotal win for Democrats in a traditionally Republican stronghold.

• Election Dynamics:
  Under Louisiana’s open primary system, Fields secured over 50% of the vote, avoiding a runoff and flipping the 6th congressional district blue after decades of Republican dominance.

• Significance:
  Alison emphasizes the impact of fair redistricting: "The new congressional map was used for the election with boundaries crafted by the Republican dominated legislature earlier this year because they were forced to be."
  (23:06)

Navigating Social Media Harassment

Alison and Dana candidly discuss their experiences dealing with harassment on Twitter, contrasted with the more supportive environment on alternative platforms like Blue Sky. Dana shares her emotional toll from transphobic trolling and seeks feedback from trans listeners about the impact of their online advocacy.

• Strategies for a Safer Online Space:
  Alison introduces tools like the Leguminati starter pack on Blue Sky, which allows listeners to follow supportive accounts and utilize block lists to shield themselves from harmful interactions: "They have these great block lists as well, for your safety."
  (03:51)

• Personal Insights:
  Dana reflects on the psychological effects of online hate and the importance of finding alternative avenues for activism: "I'm gonna keep speaking out, but not if it hurts you all."
  (02:36)

Good News Highlights

In a refreshing departure from the intense political discourse, Alison and Dana invite listeners to share uplifting stories, fostering a sense of community and resilience.

Listener Submissions

• Evacuation from California Fire:
  A listener shares relief that friends and family in Camarillo, California, have safely evacuated from a devastating fire without losing their homes.

• Academic Progress Amidst Turmoil:
  Another listener discusses refocusing her PhD dissertation in human sexuality, inspired by post-election distress experienced within the Child Free by Choice communities.

• Adoptable Pets:
  Ann introduces two foster kittens, SpongeBob (Bobby) and Beacon (Bacon), seeking forever homes through Brooklyn Animal Action.

• Inspirational Quotes:
  Alison recites a poignant passage from Lord of the Rings, highlighting the enduring hope and goodness that motivates resistance and rebellion: "There is some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for."
  (29:38)

Community Support and Encouragement

Dana emphasizes the importance of using personal skills to support social justice causes, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful actions that promote sanity and focus during challenging times.

• Dana's Reflection:
  "Find your lane and use your skills to support the demo democratic and social justice causes you believe in that will help keep you sane and focus for the challenging years ahead."
  (30:52)

Conclusion

Alison and Dana wrap up the episode by expressing gratitude to their listeners and encouraging continued engagement through good news submissions and community support. They highlight the importance of resilience, collective action, and maintaining hope amidst political uncertainties.

• Final Encouragement:
  "Please keep sending it into us. Find those little bits of Hope to microdose and send them to us."
  (40:25)

• Sign-Off:
  The hosts remind listeners to take care of themselves and their communities, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to delivering progressive news with a blend of snark and solidarity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. "I'm honored to represent the people of Pennsylvania and will fight hard to make sure their voices are heard in Washington."
   — Dave McCormick (06:10)

2. "He could just poop on it. Like, it's so frustrating."
   — Alison Gill (15:04)

3. "There is some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for."
   — Samwise Gamgee (recited by Alison Gill) (29:38)

4. "Find your lane and use your skills to support the demo democratic and social justice causes you believe in that will help keep you sane and focus for the challenging years ahead."
   — Dana Goldberg (30:52)

5. "Please keep sending it into us. Find those little bits of Hope to microdose and send them to us."
   — Alison Gill (40:25)

Closing Remarks

The Daily Beans continues to stand as a beacon for progressive news, intertwining serious political discourse with personal narratives and community-driven positivity. In "Recount Account," Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg effectively balance the gravity of election-related challenges with the warmth of shared good news, embodying the podcast's mission to inform, engage, and uplift its listeners.

For more information and to connect with the Daily Beans community, visit mswmedia.com.