Podcast Summary: Refried Beans | Hate Is a Powerful Drug (feat. Barbara Res) | January 8, 2021
The Daily Beans, Hosted by MSW Media

Overview

In this episode of The Daily Beans, hosted by Ag (A.G.) and Amy Carrero, the hosts delve into the tumultuous political landscape following the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. The episode, titled "Refried Beans | Hate Is a Powerful Drug," features an in-depth conversation with Barbara Res, the former Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization and author of Tower of Lies. The discussion centers on the aftermath of the election, the Capitol insurrection, and the unraveling of the Trump administration.

Hot News Segment

Certification of Electoral Votes and Political Upheaval

The episode opens with a rundown of the day's significant events:

• Certification of Electoral Votes: Congress has officially certified the electoral votes for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

• Resignations in the Trump Administration: Multiple high-level officials are resigning amidst the chaos, including the House Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police Chief. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called for either the invocation of the 25th Amendment or impeachment proceedings against President Trump.

• Trump's Actions Post-Election:

  • Withdrawal of Chad Wolf's Nomination: President Trump has withdrawn his nomination of Chad Wolf as Secretary of Homeland Security, a move seen as an attempt to distance himself from controversy.

  • Bill Barr's Rebuke: Former Attorney General Bill Barr has publicly criticized Trump, stating, "Orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable. The President's conduct yesterday was a betrayal of his office" ([00:45] A.G.).

  • Social Media Ban: Facebook has extended its ban on Trump indefinitely, aligning with previous actions taken against him on other platforms.

  • Self-Pardon Speculation: Reports suggest that Trump is contemplating a self-pardon, as he urges aides to consider legal protections for himself in the final days of his presidency.

Implications and Analysis

Amy Carrero discusses the potential long-term impacts of these developments, particularly how impeachment or invoking the 25th Amendment could prevent Trump from running for future federal offices, thereby reshaping the Republican landscape.

"If you invoke the 25th Amendment, Trump can't get power back immediately. He actually has to wait four days. There's like a four-day cooling off period. And that I think would give them time to push these impeachment articles through..." ([04:14] A.G.)

Interview with Barbara Res

Barbara Res’s Background and Insights into Trump

Barbara Res shares her experiences working closely with Donald Trump during her tenure at the Trump Organization. She provides a candid look into Trump's personality evolution from a hands-on developer to a more detached and ego-driven leader.

"Over time, you know, he became more and more famous, and that's when the ego took over, and it was very difficult to talk to him..." ([25:54] Barbara Res)

Trump's Racism and Leadership Style

Res recounts specific instances that highlight Trump's racist tendencies, providing firsthand accounts that illustrate his discriminatory behavior.

"Don’t you ever do that again. I don't want black kids sitting in my lobby. I don't want people... I have millionaires coming into this lobby to buy apartments. I don't want that ever to happen again." ([30:11] Barbara Res)

She elaborates on how Trump's increasing ego led him to disregard expert advice, fostering a workplace environment where loyalty was prized over competence.

Connection to the Capitol Insurrection

Res discusses the Capitol insurrection, suggesting that Trump's persuasive tactics and control over his supporters played a pivotal role in inciting the violence. She speculates on Trump's possible motivations, including the desire to remain relevant and control his base post-election loss.

"I think he's probably very happy with the outcome. It's making him feel loved and more important than ever." ([34:11] Barbara Res)

Analysis of the Capitol Insurrection

A.G. and Amy Carrero dissect the events of January 6, 2021, questioning the preparedness of law enforcement and the possibility of inside manipulation. They express skepticism over official narratives, highlighting inconsistencies such as the use of Civil War imagery by rioters and the delayed police response.

"They were wearing shirts that said Civil War January 6, 2021. Also... the police response to it was absolutely inadequate." ([09:18] A.G.)

The discussion extends to the resignations of key officials, including Elaine Chao and Stephanie Grisham, interpreting these moves as attempts to avoid accountability through impeachment or the 25th Amendment.

Good News Segment

Despite the heavy political discourse, the episode concludes with the "Good News" segment, where listeners share uplifting personal stories and positive developments.

1. Listener Achievements:

   • Weight Loss and Health Improvements: A listener shares her journey of losing 35 pounds through intermittent fasting and yoga, highlighting personal resilience amidst pandemic challenges.

2. Reconnecting with Family:

   • Discovering a Long-Lost Sibling: Another listener recounts the emotional success of finding a new sister through DNA testing, revealing a family secret from the 1950s.

3. Community Action:

   • Holding Accountable Rioters: A listener describes efforts to identify and hold accountable individuals who participated in the Capitol insurrection by reaching out to their employers, resulting in immediate job terminations for some.

"I believe in peaceful protesting. I do not believe in doxing. But if you break the law and then brag about it, you should experience consequences." ([45:25] Amy Carrero)

4. Support and Solidarity:
   • Encouraging Self-Care: The hosts emphasize the importance of mental health and community support during turbulent times, urging listeners to take care of themselves and each other.

Concluding Remarks

Ag and Amy Carrero wrap up the episode by reaffirming their commitment to delivering both critical political analysis and heartening personal stories. They encourage continued listener engagement and support, fostering a sense of community amidst the nation's challenges.

"Everybody, please take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and take care of your mental health and take care of the planet." ([57:17] Amy Carrero)

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Barr on Trump:
  "Orchestrating a mob to pressure Congress is inexcusable. The President's conduct yesterday was a betrayal of his office." ([14:01] A.G.)

• Barbara Res on Trump’s Leadership:
  "Over time, you know, he became more and more famous, and that's when the ego took over, and it was very difficult to talk to him..." ([25:54] Barbara Res)

• Amy Carrero on Doxxing Rioters:
  "If you break the law and then brag about it, you should experience consequences." ([45:25] Amy Carrero)

This episode of The Daily Beans provides a comprehensive look into the critical political shifts during a pivotal moment in U.S. history, enriched by personal anecdotes and expert insights from Barbara Res. It balances the gravity of national events with moments of personal triumph and community support, offering listeners both information and inspiration.