The Daily Beans: "Refried Beans | More on Arlington" (feat. John Fugelsang)

Release Date: August 30, 2024
Host: Allison Gill (AG)
Guest: John Fugelsang (comedian, activist, host of "Tell Me Everything")

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on new revelations and outrage surrounding Donald Trump’s campaign event and subsequent altercation at Arlington National Cemetery, highlighting ongoing issues with Trump’s approach to the 2024 election, his campaign’s struggles to counter Kamala Harris, and how misinformation and partisan tactics continue to shape the national conversation. The episode also touches on significant economic news, failures within the FBI on child sex abuse cases, and some lighter moments with the return of John Fugelsang for their recurring "Fugelsang Friday" segment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Arlington Cemetery Stunt and Assault Incident

• Details of the Event (03:00–17:30)

  • Trump’s campaign held a “memorial” event at Arlington, alleged as a tribute to soldiers killed in Kabul (2021), but it was actually used to film a political ad attacking Kamala Harris and President Biden.
  • The event, including filming campaign material, was both unseemly and potentially illegal, as political activities are prohibited on cemetery grounds.
  • A cemetery employee attempted to enforce the rules and was physically assaulted by Trump campaign staffers; the victim declined to press charges, fearing retaliation.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson intervened to allow the campaign event, overruling cemetery officials.
  • The Trump campaign released bizarre, contradictory statements, denying the assault and attacking the victim's credibility.
  • Military and campaign officials remain mired in controversy, with unanswered questions about jurisdiction and possible investigations.

  Quote:
  “Trump’s campaign plotting a fake memorial ceremony for our fallen soldiers so that they could publicly accuse Harris and Biden of not showing up to an event that they didn’t even know about… He was told no, because making campaign ads at Arlington using your own private photographers is against the law.”
  — Allison Gill (17:00)

  Quote:
  “It was a campaign event for Trump. Go ahead.”
  — John Fugelsang (48:08)

• Army Statement (15:00)

  • The Army called the incident “unfortunate,” commended the professionalism of the attacked employee, noted federal prohibitions on political activity, and declared the matter closed after the victim declined to press charges.

• Campaign Fallout (17:40–22:00)

  • Trump’s team originally denied all wrongdoing, then shifted to attacking the assaulted employee, labeling her “mentally ill”, followed by statements from campaign co-chair Chris LaCivita and JD Vance further inflaming the issue.
  • The media and congressional response, including FOIA requests and possible referrals, is ongoing.

2. Trump’s Flailing Debate and Election Strategy

• Internal Campaign Struggles (22:10–30:00)

  • Trump’s advisers have no clear strategy against Kamala Harris; much of the hope is that Trump will perform well in debates.
  • Advisers are pressuring networks to mute mics, fearing Harris’s debating skill, contrary to Trump’s own bravado about “open mics.”
  • Trump pivots back to courting QAnon followers, reposting conspiracy content and attacks on political enemies, ignoring advisers’ calls for policy focus.

  Quote:
  “Trump is certain to continue his day to day campaign work until the debate September 10th...The true picture that's emerging is that the Trump senior adviser’s grand plan for now is to pray that former US President Trump has a good night at the presidential debate next month. That’s it.”
  — Allison Gill (25:00)

  Quote:
  “We said this from the beginning. He wasn’t going to understand how to go after her without stepping in a yard full of rakes… He still can’t do it.”
  — John Fugelsang (40:01)

3. RFK Jr. Remaining on North Carolina Ballot

• Discussion (30:30–33:30)

  • RFK Jr., despite suspending his campaign, remains on the NC ballot due to timing of withdrawal and printing logistics; votes for him could siphon votes from Trump, potentially making a critical difference in this swing state.

  Quote:
  “I think this one thing—Kennedy on the ballot in North Carolina—could decide the election… when RFK Jr. is on the ballot, it’s bad for Trump.”
  — Allison Gill (33:00)

4. Positive Economic News

• Second Quarter GDP Growth (33:30–35:00)

  • GDP growth revised up to 3%, with robust consumer spending and job market resilience.
  • Market indices respond positively, and expectations are for continued economic strength.

  Quote:
  “The GDP release looks very strong… forward-looking businesses appearing very optimistic.”
  — (Jason Furman, paraphrased by AG, 34:50)

5. DOJ/IJ Critique: FBI’s Ongoing Failures on Child Sex Abuse Cases

• Audit Revelations (35:00–39:00)

  • Three years after the Larry Nassar scandal, the DOJ’s inspector general finds the FBI still failing to act on allegations of child sex abuse, with inaction leading directly to further harm.
  • Senate Judiciary chair Durbin, as well as attorneys for survivors, call for major reform and for replacing FBI director Wray.

  Quote:
  “It’s shameful that the FBI is continuing to fail victims.”
  — Senator Dick Durbin (38:23, read by AG)

6. SpaceX Falcon 9 Failure and Broader Implications

• Brief Update (39:00–41:00)

  • A booster rocket exploded on landing, grounding Falcon 9 launches pending an investigation.
  • Raises broader questions about government contracts with SpaceX.

  Quote:
  “Y’all, we need to stop all government contracts with this man immediately, if we aren't working on that already.”
  — Allison Gill (41:00)

7. Fugelsang Friday: Election Humor and Analysis

• On the Kamala Harris Campaign (37:00–45:00)

  • John and AG dissect Kamala Harris’s debate approach, media coverage, and how both parties have shifted strategies to focus more on voter turnout than persuasion of undecideds.

  Quote:
  “They are not trying to get undecided voters… They’re trying to get them off the couch. And this is all about enthusiasm and getting people who are already registered… to actually take the day and do it or make sure you have your ballot mailed.”
  — John Fugelsang (41:10)

• On GOP Attacks and Sexism (43:27–45:23)

  • Mocking Republicans’ baseless attacks and sexist tropes about Kamala Harris.
  • Challenge to Republicans: focus on policy, not cheap personal attacks.

  Quote:
  “Can you imagine the amount of physical exhaustion to sleep with that many voters to keep getting elected? These people traded their morality and their manhood for a millionaire at birth, reality TV con man, thief, and rapist…”
  — John Fugelsang (43:27)

• On Trump at Arlington

  • John frames Trump’s Arlington stunt as cynical exploitation akin to the “Benghazi” strategy, pointing out right-wing media will never report the scandal to their audience.

  Quote:
  “There's an ancient Arabic word for exploiting those killed in war that you don't care about for crass personal gain. Do you know the word? It’s Benghazi.”
  — John Fugelsang (49:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A campaign event for Trump... amongst the bodies of our honored war dead. They won’t care... Your racist uncle and your aunt dead inside are never going to know.”
  — John Fugelsang (48:12)

• “Why is he allowed to exploit the sacrifice of men and women better than him? And ask your Republican coworker and make them give you an answer. Do it nicely.”
  — John Fugelsang (50:36)

• “They don't have any answer to any of her campaign tactics. And so now he's just retweeting QAnon shit and doubling down on his misogyny and racism.”
  — Allison Gill (43:00)

Good News Segment (51:47–1:07:23)

• Listeners share stories of personal good news, pet rescues/adoptions, community service, activism, and support for the campaign.
• Special mention of opportunities to get involved (e.g., phone banking via seedthevote.org).
• Touching pet tributes and pet tax photos.

Further Information & Resources

• Sexy Liberal Tour (September 28, 2024, Phoenix, AZ)

  • Tickets still available, with both AG and John Fugelsang appearing.

• Where to follow and listen:

  • John Fugelsang's “Tell Me Everything”: SiriusXM Progress 127, weeknights
  • The John Fugelsang Podcast: all podcast platforms

• How to Help/Participate:

  • Submit stories to the Good News segment: dailybeanspod.com/contact
  • Volunteer: seedthevote.org
  • Rescue links for animals featured in the good news

Episode Tone & Takeaways

• The episode blends outrage with (often dark) humor and clear-eyed progressive advocacy.
• The main thrust: highlighting the dangers of Trump’s disregard for law and norms, the importance of voter turnout and enthusiasm, and a call for community engagement and accountability.
• John Fugelsang’s humor and pointed commentary provide comic relief and sharp perspective throughout.

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Time | |-----------------------------------------------|-------------| | Opening/Overview | 00:32–03:00 | | Trump Arlington Incident | 03:00–22:00 | | Trump’s Campaign Strategy / Debate | 22:10–30:00 | | RFK Jr. on NC Ballot | 30:30–33:30 | | Second Quarter GDP News | 33:30–35:00 | | DOJ/FBI Child Sex Abuse Audit | 35:00–39:00 | | SpaceX Booster Accident | 39:00–41:00 | | Fugelsang Friday (Interview Segment) | 34:24–51:41 | | Good News/Listener Submissions | 51:47–1:07:23 |

Final Message

"Vote blue over Q. Bring someone with you. Bring everyone with you. Go to vote.org, check your registration… and vote down ballot all the way."
— Allison Gill (1:06:53)

For listeners who want sharp political analysis, progressive news, and community spirit—with plenty of humor to go along—this episode is a must-listen and a time capsule of the tumultuous 2024 election campaign.