Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – “Refried Beans | Bushtit (feat. Glenn Kirschner)” (11/28/2023)

Episode Overview

This “Refried Beans” episode features a replay from November 29, 2023, with host Allison Gill flying solo as Dana Goldberg was out sick. The show delivers sharp, progressive commentary on headline political and legal stories—especially those centering on Trumpworld legal jeopardy. The episode includes:

• Developments in Trump’s and Hunter Biden’s legal sagas
• Ohio’s gerrymandering decision
• US Senate meetings with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
• The escalating George Santos expulsion effort
• An interview with legal analyst Glenn Kirschner (Justice Matters), focused on the scheduling drama around Trump’s trials
• Listener submissions with animal photos and corrections, plus “good news” features

Major Discussion Points

1. Mike Pence’s Testimony to Special Counsel Jack Smith (03:27–14:47)

• Key Insight: Mike Pence, in discussions with Jack Smith’s team, provided detailed accounts regarding Trump’s post-2020 election moves and pressure to overturn the results.
• New Anecdotes & Evidence:
  • Pence told Trump directly that he lacked authority to overturn the election (08:13).
  • Pence documented, in a personal note, his momentary hesitation to attend the certification, writing: “Too many questions, too many doubts, too hurtful to my friend. Therefore, I'm not going to participate in the certification of election.” (11:47)
  • Ultimately, a pep talk from his Marine son convinced him to proceed: “Dad, you took the same oath I took. It was an oath to support and defend the Constitution.” (12:38)
• Host Commentary: Allison Gill calls out Pence’s self-aggrandizing retelling and notes the pressure—external and internal—that led him to do his constitutional duty.

2. Ohio Supreme Court Upholds Gerrymandered Maps (14:50–18:12)

• Decision: The court dismissed outstanding challenges, allowing Republican-favored maps to remain through 2030.
• Host’s View: AG emphasizes the deeply skewed political makeup and the alleged erosion of Ohio voters’ rights.
• Notable Quote:
  • Justice Brunner (dissent): "The last thing we should do is essentially bless a unanimous deal between the state's major political parties and permit it to go constitutionally unchecked.” (17:42)

3. Senate Democrats Meet with the Israeli Defense Forces (18:13–20:44)

• Context: A delegation of Senate Democrats held a frank meeting with senior IDF officials regarding the conflict in Gaza and humanitarian concerns.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Sen. Brian Schatz: “We just want to be assured that they're abiding by American values as they try to dismantle Hamas...” (19:07)
  • Sen. Bernie Sanders reiterates call for conditions on US Israel aid (19:49).

4. George Santos Faces Expulsion After Damning Ethics Report (20:45–21:31)

• Events: Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) and Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) launch competing privileged resolutions to expel Rep. George Santos amidst increasing bipartisan support.
• Notable Details:
  • The House Ethics Committee uncovered even more uncharged, allegedly unlawful conduct by Santos; referral to DOJ is pending.

5. Hunter Biden Offers to Testify Publicly, GOP Refuses (21:32–22:29)

• Development: Hunter Biden’s lawyer offered for him to testify publicly before the House Oversight Committee. Republicans insisted on closed-door deposition.
• Jamie Raskin’s Statement: “What an epic humiliation for our colleagues and what a frank confession that they are simply not interested in the facts and have no confidence in their own case or the ability of their own members to pursue it.” (22:23)
• Host Clarity: AG argues closed-door sessions in this context are about selective leaking, not legal integrity—as contrasted to Jan. 6 Committee’s reasons for secrecy.

Featured Interview: Glenn Kirschner on Trump’s Trial Scheduling (22:30–33:16)

Main Focus: Why delay might not be all bad, and which Trump trial happens first

Summary:

• Kirschner draws a parallel between the crisscrossing Trump trials and a game of “musical chairs” (23:23–24:10).
• The DC federal case (2020 election interference) will likely take scheduling priority; the NY state trial may be delayed (24:46).
• Florida documents case could also be postponed. Ironically, if it’s moved, it clears the way for the Georgia RICO case in August (26:22).
• On interlocutory appeals (like Trump’s “absolute immunity” claim)—Kirschner says: “They’re both laughable” (29:58); he doubts the Supreme Court will intervene to help Trump, considering their own interest in preserving SCOTUS power.

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Kirschner (on Trump’s immunity claim):
  “The absolute immunity motion… let’s call it the ‘monarchy motion.’” (28:49)
• On Supreme Court’s attitude:
  “The last thing a dictator has any interest in is a Supreme Court... They love their supreme status, and the last thing they want is to have an inferior court.” (31:57)
• Allison Gill:
  “Just from their own desire to maintain power... wow.” (32:21)

Listener Good News & Animal Submissions (“What the Mutt”, “What the Cluck”, Birdwatching, etc.) (34:22–44:59)

• Corrections: Listeners chime in with proper pronunciations for “Scylla and Charybdis,” and contribute literary and music trivia (Police’s “Wrapped Around Your Finger”) (34:22–35:59).
• Bird Talk: Multiple references to the “bush tit,” a small, fierce bird; submissions of birdwatching stories and a link to more info (36:02–37:26).
• Pod Pet Photos: Listeners share photos and origin stories of chickens (with names like McChicken, Wendy, and Lisa) and backyard wildlife, plus a butterfly’s chrysalis moment.
• Reflections: Listeners express thanks for the Daily Beans’ blend of progressive news and levity.
• Running Jokes: Continued riffing on bird names and “Refried Beans” interstitials.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Pence’s self-image:
  “But he's such a non hero. What a bunch of unheroic bullshit. I mean, calling all your friends multiple times… until finally your fucking son has to tell you to put on your big boy pants and go count the ballots.” (13:38, AG)
• Jamie Raskin on GOP’s Hunter Biden maneuvering:
  “What an epic humiliation for our colleagues and what a Frank confession that they are simply not interested in the facts...” (22:23)
• Glenn Kirschner on Trump’s legal delays:
  “This trial will not yield to an election cycle...” (24:30, quoting Judge Chutkan)
• Listener segment fun:
  “Bush tits are tiny but fierce. In the winter, they flock family groups because they stick together. They explode in a cacophony of alarm whenever hawks fly by.” (36:02)

Key Timestamps

• 03:27: Pence’s testimony insights
• 14:50: Ohio Supreme Court gerrymandering ruling
• 18:13: Senate–IDF meeting
• 20:45: George Santos expulsion resolution
• 21:32: Hunter Biden public testimony standoff
• 22:30: Glenn Kirschner interview—trial schedule analysis
• 34:22: Listener submissions and "good news"
• 36:02: Birdwatching: the “bush tit” discussion
• 44:59: Closing “Refried Beans” stinger

Tone and Closing

True to Daily Beans’ style, the episode mixes cutting snark with thorough legal rundown and a supportive, interactive listener community. Allison Gill’s voice oscillates between exasperation (over GOP maneuvers and Pence’s self-mythologizing) and dry humor (bird names, chicken breeds). Glenn Kirschner’s legal analysis is sharp and accessible.

Conclusion:
This episode is a lively snapshot of late-2023’s political landscape: the Trump case maze, ongoing Congressional absurdities, and the constant shadow of electoral manipulation. It’s punctuated by informed legal commentary, progressive activism, and—crucially—the shared joys of listeners’ animal stories and collective resilience.