Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – "Refried Beans | Deep State Resistance (feat. David Rothkopf)"

Original air date: November 1, 2022
Summary date: November 1, 2025
Hosts: Allison Gill ("AG") and Dana Goldberg ("DG")
Special Guest: David Rothkopf (Host, author of "American Resistance")

Episode Overview

This episode of The Daily Beans features a look back at significant political moments and news stories from November 2022, offering both sobering analyses and uplifting community moments. Key topics include the aftermath of the Pelosi attack, the Oath Keepers trial, Brazil's rejection of fascism, Saudi involvement in Twitter, and a deep dive interview with David Rothkopf on his book detailing how career civil servants protected democracy during the Trump administration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Updates and Listener Community

• Dana Goldberg describes a medical incident experienced onstage, highlighting the importance of self-care, especially for women in midlife. She shares how she was cared for by professionals at a Human Rights Campaign event and later continued to help raise $250,000 there for crucial midterm get-out-the-vote efforts.
  • Quote (02:04): "If you're out there and you're feeling something wrong physically, don't try and be proud. Sit down, leave a situation, ask for help, but listen to your body."
• The hosts celebrate the Leguminati (the affectionate name for their community) for raising $200,000 via How We Win fundraisers for the midterms.
• Mood: The hosts mix humor and vulnerability, making space for both activism and self-compassion.

2. International & Domestic Political News

Lula Defeats Bolsonaro in Brazil (04:00)

• Celebration of Brazil electing Lula in "a complete rejection of fascism."
  • Quote (04:04): “Congrats to fucking Brazil and the world. Because Brazil elected Lula over Bolsonaro in a complete rejection of fascism.”
• Importance of world leaders like Trudeau and Biden quickly recognizing the result, reinforcing faith in democracy.

Nancy Pelosi Assassination Attempt: Affidavit & Conspiracy Debunking (05:00)

• AG meticulously debunks right-wing conspiracy theories circulating after the attack on Speaker Pelosi's husband, Paul, using details from the DOJ's arrest affidavit.
  • The assailant explicitly targeted Nancy Pelosi, intending to kidnap or assault her for "official duties."
  • The narrative demonstrates right-wing actors spreading misinformation (AG names Elon Musk, Ted Cruz, Don Jr.).
  • Federal and state charges are explained and differentiated.
    • Quote (06:36): "The DOJ arrest warrant affidavit is out, and it's a big, hearty fuck you to any right wing asshole... that thinks this was anything less than an assassination attempt on Nancy Pelosi and attempted murder of her husband."
• Dana Goldberg slams right-wing politicians for insincerity and hypocrisy in their reactions.
  • Quote (12:34): "Ted Cruz is continually a piece of shit. No matter what comes out of their mouth first, it's usually bullshit..."

Oath Keepers Trial: Testimony and Reflection (13:00)

• Testimony from Oath Keeper Graydon Young, expressing remorse for actions on January 6th as he testifies against others.
  • Quote (14:32): "To repent and be forgiven, you have to confess completely and wholly." – Graydon Young
• Officer Harry Dunn testifies about confronting the Oath Keepers and refutes claims they tried to help protect him.
  • Quote (17:43): "They tried to get past me and I stopped them. They didn't. I did." – Officer Harry Dunn
  • Themes of trauma and betrayal in the aftermath of the insurrection.

Saudi Involvement in Musk's Twitter Takeover (18:00)

• Sen. Chris Murphy calls for national security review of Saudi stakes in Twitter, explaining the implications for free speech and foreign influence.
  • Quote (19:17): "We should be concerned that the Saudis, who have a clear interest in repressing political speech and impacting US politics, are now the second largest owner of a major social media platform."
• The hosts stress the previously existing Saudi ownership, but note the new level of control and risk.

Other Legal and Political Updates (20:57)

• Trump appeals to the Supreme Court to block his tax returns from reaching Congress.
• Department of Justice files a statement of interest supporting lawsuits against Arizona voter intimidation at ballot drop boxes.

3. Interview with David Rothkopf: ‘American Resistance’ (21:53–34:14)

Motivation for the Book (22:49)

• Rothkopf was inspired by interviews with career officials who resisted unlawful Trump administration orders, realizing these "deep state" professionals became the last guardrail as Congress and the DOJ failed.

• Details the Trump administration’s move to try to fire up to 50,000 civil servants via "Schedule F" to eliminate resistance.

  Quote (22:54): “When all the guardrails were failing... who was stopping Trump? It was government professionals, civil servants, people who took an oath to the Constitution and put that ahead of party loyalty.”

Examples of Resistance (25:53)

• Describes how officials used bureaucratic process and adherence to law to stymie Trump's Muslim ban and other illegal actions.
  • Quote (26:44): “There were lawyers... who said, well, slow your roll there, brother. There are laws in this country and you’ve got to honor those laws.”
• Trump’s attempts to run the government as a family business failed due to institutional checks and professional resistance.

Dangers of Schedule F and Trumpism (25:04, 30:40)

• Trump's push to implement "Schedule F" to make it easier to purge loyal civil servants who stand for democracy.
• Rothkopf warns this is a lived threat: Trump and allies are attacking the professionals who stopped him because they were effective.

Themes of Parallel Governance (30:40)

• Rothkopf highlights that during Trump's tenure, two governments effectively existed:

  • The official chain of command with professional civil servants.
  • An unofficial "side hustle" or shadow government via figures like Rudy Giuliani and Jared Kushner, sometimes undermining even pandemic response or foreign policy for personal or political benefit.

  Quote (31:04): "There was kind of a side hustle going on between Trump and Rudy Giuliani..."

Complex Motivations of ‘Deep State’ Figures (31:26)

• Not all resistant officials were necessarily anti-Trump; many were ideologically aligned on some points, but drew lines at overt illegality or danger (i.e., Bill Barr on election theft, Generals and Cabinet officials finding "workarounds").
  • Quote (32:15): “Even for the worst of them... there came a breaking point.”

Institutional Resilience & Limits (29:02, 33:46)

• Civil service "slow-walking" and strict adherence to established process are both major levers of resistance — and democracy’s best defense against authoritarian overreach.
• Rothkopf describes wild Trump proposals (missiles at Mexico, crocodiles at the border) that professionals managed or ignored, and the creative means necessary for government to function.
  • Quote (28:09): "One of the other things that the book does is it reveals just how demented the guy is..."

Host Reflections (33:46)

• AG praises the book’s insight and advocacy for those who served honorably, reminding listeners that democracy relies on people throughout the system upholding norms and the law, even under extreme duress.

4. Community Good News & Listener Stories (34:29–47:35)

Listener Submissions:

• Pet photos and Halloween costumes lightening the tone, showcasing community engagement and support.
• First-time voter stories: A mother shares the pride and support shown when her daughter votes for the first time.
  • Quote (43:42): "My daughter went to melt into the floor but after she voted I wanted to do cartwheels. I was so proud of her and just filled with love for all those nice people."
• Funny and heartfelt stories about parents correcting childhood misbehavior, emphasizing generational bonds.
• Election optimism and activism: AG predicts Democratic midterm gains and more legal accountability for Trump.

Calls to Action:

• Encouragement to listen to your body, reach out for help, and persist in activism.
• Reminders to vote, bring others to vote, and submit good news or stories to the show.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On conspiracy theories:
  "The DOJ arrest warrant affidavit is out, and it's a big, hearty fuck you to any right wing asshole... that thinks this was anything less than an assassination attempt..." — Allison Gill (06:36)

• On institutional resistance:
  "When all the guardrails were failing... it was government professionals, civil servants... who took an oath to the Constitution and put that ahead of party loyalty." — David Rothkopf (22:54)

• On the danger of Schedule F:
  "The agenda is to make it easier to fire these people because they were an effective guardrail against them." — David Rothkopf (24:09)

• On government workarounds:
  "There was kind of a side hustle going on between Trump and Rudy Giuliani..." — David Rothkopf (31:04)

• On collective effort:
  “Vote blue over Q and take a... thousand people with you.” — Allison Gill (47:59)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Personal updates & community fundraising: 01:25–04:31
• Brazil’s election and international implications: 04:00–04:43
• Pelosi attack coverage & debunking conspiracies: 05:00–12:32
• Oath Keepers trial & Harry Dunn testimony: 13:00–18:06
• Saudi involvement in Twitter / National security concerns: 18:06–20:57
• Trump tax returns & Arizona voter intimidation lawsuits: 20:57–21:46
• David Rothkopf interview (Deep State/‘American Resistance’): 21:53–34:14
• Good news and listener stories: 34:29–47:35

Conclusion & Takeaways

This episode provides a sweeping look into the week's news through progressive, unflinching analysis. It cuts through misinformation about prominent right-wing conspiracy theories, celebrates the resilience of democratic institutions, and spotlights overlooked civil servants who defended constitutional norms under attack. The conversation with David Rothkopf contextualizes these struggles as ongoing, existential battles for American democracy. The episode closes on uplifting stories from listeners and a strong call to activism, community care, and optimism, even in turbulent times.