Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – Refried Beans | Ominous Rhetoric (feat. Harry Dunn) | 11/12/2023

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Daily Beans
• Host/Author: MSW Media
• Description: The Daily Beans is a women-owned and operated progressive news podcast for your morning commute, featuring award-winning host Allison Gill and activist Dana Goldberg. It delivers social justice and political news with a perfect blend of insight and snark.
• Episode: Refried Beans | Ominous Rhetoric (feat. Harry Dunn)
• Release Date: November 17, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Refried Beans, host Allison Gill revisits a past episode to analyze developments over the years. The focus is on the ominous rhetoric surrounding Donald Trump’s actions and legal battles, alongside other significant political and social news. Special guest Harry Dunn joins Allison to discuss recent legal filings and their implications.

Main News Topics

1. Donald Trump’s Rhetoric and Legal Maneuverings

Allison Gill opens the episode with a rundown of significant developments surrounding former President Donald Trump:

• Trump's Controversial Speech:

  • Timestamp [19:54]: Harry Dunn comments on Trump’s desire to move from "refried beans" to "fried beans," illustrating the playful yet critical tone of the podcast.
  • Highlight: Trump’s recent rally speech in New Hampshire drew sharp comparisons to Nazi propaganda due to his dehumanizing language towards political foes.
  • Notable Quote [02:26]: Allison Gill highlights Joyce Vance’s criticism: “Counsel has a duty of candor... There is no reason for Judge Chutkan to do that for Trump's lawyers in the future.”

• Court Proceedings and Ethics:

  • Jack Smith’s Motion: Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a motion alleging that Trump’s attorneys misled the court regarding televising the trial.
  • Notable Quote [24:18]: Harry Dunn expresses frustration: “Every single word that he says is inflammatory and, like, give me a fucking break.”

• Implications of the Legal Filings:

  • Allison Gill: Emphasizes Jack Smith’s position that Trump’s actions on January 6th demonstrate a clear intent to obstruct the certification of the election results.
  • Harry Dunn: Reinforces the accountability, stating, “Donald Trump... sent those people here.”

2. FEC Investigation into America Great PAC

• Timeline of Events:

  • Timestamp [02:25]: Harry Dunn briefly remarks, “Too late.”
  • Allison Gill: Reports that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) sent notices to the America Great PAC regarding the misuse of COVID relief loans.
  • Notable Quote [05:00]: Allison cites the Daily Beast’s findings: “PACs in general aren't allowed to take SBA loans.”

• Historical Context:

  • Allison Gill: References past Justice Department actions against fraudulent PACs, highlighting the severity of misuse with a Nevada man sentenced to 46 months in prison for similar offenses.

3. Seizure of New York Mayor Eric Adams’ Devices

• Details of the Investigation:

  • Timestamp [10:15]: Allison Gill outlines that FBI seized two phones and an iPad from Mayor Eric Adams amid a federal investigation into alleged straw donations from the Turkish government.

• Ongoing Coverage:

  • Allison Gill: Promises continued updates through the podcast "Cleanup on Aisle 45," emphasizing the significance of this development in political transparency.

4. Michigan Legislature’s Voting Legislation for Youth

• Legislative Changes:

  • Timestamp [12:30]: The Michigan legislature passed a bill allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote.
  • Notable Quote [14:00]: Rep. Betsy Coffee states, “The bill would undoubtedly increase participation in our elections by ensuring when they are legally eligible to vote at 18, they'll be all set to become a lifelong voter.”

• Comparative Analysis:

  • Allison Gill: Notes Michigan becomes the third Midwestern state to expand voting registration for young people, following Illinois and Minnesota.

5. Tennessee Man Admits Conspiracy to Kill FBI Agents

• Case Overview:

  • Timestamp [16:45]: A Tennessee man, Austin Carter, admits to conspiring with a January 6th defendant, Edward Kelly, to murder FBI agents.
  • Notable Quote [19:00]: Allison Gill describes the severity: “Killing FBI personnel was a direct retaliation against government conduct.”

• Legal Proceedings:

  • Allison Gill: Details that Carter’s plea agreement includes a maximum sentence of 10 years, with significant implications for the January 6th investigations.

6. Debunking Myths About US Oil Production

• Misconceptions Addressed:
  • Timestamp [22:00]: Philip Bump from the Washington Post is cited, debunking claims that the US is withholding oil to manipulate gas prices.
  • Notable Quote [23:15]: Allison Gill counters the rhetoric, “The United States is pumping more oil now and exporting more oil than it did during Donald Trump's administration.”

7. Pope Francis Dismisses Conservative Bishop Joseph E. Strickland

• Church Dynamics:

  • Timestamp [25:30]: Pope Francis dismissed Bishop Joseph E. Strickland of Tyler, Texas, after he refused to step down following a Vatican investigation into his administration of the diocese.
  • Notable Quote [27:00]: Strickland stated, “I stand by all the things that were listed as complaints against me, I do it the same way again.”

• Implications for the Catholic Church:

  • Allison Gill: Highlights Strickland’s alignment with ultra-conservative factions and his critical stance against Pope Francis’s more inclusive directives.

Interview with Harry Dunn

Timestamp [19:53] – [34:33]

Allison Gill interviews Harry Dunn, a significant figure connected to the January 6th events. They delve into the recent filings by Jack Smith in Trump’s federal case and the broader implications for justice and accountability.

• Book Promotion:

  • Allison Gill and Harry Dunn: Discuss Harry’s book, Standing My Ground, alongside other related works, emphasizing their importance as narratives of resilience and democracy.

• Legal Insights:

  • Jack Smith’s Filing: Allison reads excerpts from the indictment, highlighting Jack Smith’s argument that Trump’s actions on January 6th were part of a broader conspiracy to overturn the election.
  • Notable Quote [24:18]: Harry Dunn criticizes Trump’s rhetoric: “Every single word that he says is inflammatory and, like, give me a fucking break.”

• Harry Dunn’s Testimony:

  • Timestamp [25:01]: Harry recounts his testimony before the January 6th committee, asserting Trump’s responsibility for inciting the mob.
  • Notable Quote [30:48]: Harry expresses hope and validation: “It's good because... our cries have not gone unheard.”

• Emotional and Psychological Impact:

  • Allison Gill: Shares her personal connection and PTSD related to the events, reinforcing the gravity of the legal proceedings.
  • Harry Dunn: Highlights the importance of holding leaders accountable, stating, “It's going to be wild... nothing that you could say or show them to make them see any different.”

• Looking Ahead:

  • Timestamp [33:04]: Both express anticipation for the March 4th trial, underscoring the urgency and importance of the forthcoming legal battles.

Good News Segment

In a departure from the heavy political discourse, Allison Gill introduces the "Good News" segment, showcasing listener contributions and positive stories to uplift the audience.

• Listener Messages:

  • Mary R. from Indianapolis [40:00]: Shares heartfelt thanks for the podcast’s support following the loss of her husband and includes photos of creative Halloween decor.
  • Melinda and Boo Pronoun [42:00]: Introduce her cat, Boo, who finds comfort in the podcast’s episodes, especially during tough times battling cancer.
  • Dana R. [43:00]: Reflects on past Refried Beans episodes and expresses hope in current legal efforts to save democracy.
  • Anonymous Shout-Outs: Appreciates the podcast’s dedication to truth and accountability, sharing adorable pet photos to engage the community.

• Community Highlights:

  • Stephen Hi Beans Queens [44:00]: Recommends a delightful restaurant on the Oregon coast, complete with photos of his beloved cat and the restaurant’s charming ambiance.
  • Cheryl [45:00]: Celebrates her husband’s 48 years of marriage and public service, sharing endearing photos of their kittens.
  • Additional Anonymous Contributions: Praise the podcast for combating mainstream media obfuscation and fostering a community of informed and engaged listeners.

Conclusion

Allison Gill wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of community, accountability, and vigilance in protecting democracy. She encourages listeners to engage with the podcast by sending in their stories, supporting friends and small businesses, and staying informed. The episode closes with a heartfelt reminder to take care of oneself and others, emphasizing the collective effort needed to sustain societal progress.

Closing Quote [42:50]: Harry Dunn cheerfully reinforces the episode’s title: “Refried beans. I like refried beans.”

Final Thoughts: This episode of The Daily Beans intricately weaves together critical political analysis, personal testimonies, and community engagement, offering listeners a comprehensive and thought-provoking experience. By blending serious discourse with uplifting segments, the podcast maintains a balanced approach, ensuring listeners are both informed and inspired.