The Daily Beans - Episode Summary Title: Refried Beans | Sleepy Don Snoreleone (feat. Rep. Dan Goldman)
Host/Authors: Alison Gill & Dana Goldberg
Release Date: April 20, 2025
Episode Date: April 16, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Beans, hosted by Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg, the podcast revisits a past episode to reflect on significant political events and their ongoing implications. The hosts dive into the tumultuous developments surrounding a former president now facing criminal trials, the financial struggles of Trump Media, the peculiar campaign of George Santos, and the pressing lawsuit by transgender veterans against the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A highlight of the episode is an in-depth conversation with Representative Dan Goldman, who sheds light on the critical issue of Ukraine aid amidst internal conflicts within the Republican Party.

1. Trump’s Criminal Trial and Courtroom Antics

The episode opens with Alison Gill discussing the intense day in court for Donald Trump, now a candidate and former president, who is undergoing the first criminal trial of its kind in history.

• Jury Selection: The trial's jury selection commenced, marking a historic moment as Trump faces criminal charges.

• Violation of Gag Order:
  Timestamp [02:10]
  Alison Gill: “Judge Marshawn set a hearing for April 23rd for the gag order because Trump violated it by posting about potential witnesses.”

• Courtroom Behavior:
  Timestamp [02:23]
  Alison Gill: “Trump couldn’t stay awake, described by Maggie Haberman as ‘slack jawed and his head was nodding off,’ only to abruptly wake and give her the stink eye upon leaving the courtroom.”

• Potential Testimony:
  Timestamp [02:21]
  Dana Goldberg: “He could hardly stay awake...”

The hosts express skepticism about Trump's intentions to testify, suggesting his claims of bravado may not hold true.

2. Trump Media's Financial Turmoil

Transitioning to financial news, Alison Gill addresses the plummeting stock prices of Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG).

• Stock Decline:
  Timestamp [09:42]
  Dana Goldberg: “Trump Media and Technology Group stock is tumbling again after announcing an influx of additional shares.”

• Impact on Trump’s Net Worth:
  Timestamp [12:29]
  Alison Gill: “The steep declines have put a dent in Trump's net worth, dropping his stake from $5.2 billion to approximately $2.3 billion.”

• New Share Offering:
  Timestamp [04:52]
  Dana Goldberg: “Adding over 15% more stock to the publicly available shares could substantially devalue existing shareholder stakes.”

The hosts critique the strategy, highlighting the negative impact on early investors and Trump's personal finances.

3. George Santos’ Campaign Controversy

Alison Gill shifts focus to George Santos, a disgraced former Representative attempting a comeback.

• Fundraising Woes:
  Timestamp [13:13]
  Alison Gill: “Santos reported raising a stunning $0 in the first quarter of this year.”

• Campaign Legitimacy:
  Timestamp [14:46]
  Alison Gill: “Santos’s bid is considered by many as a joke, aiming more to antagonize his opponent than to win an election.”

• Legal and Ethical Concerns:
  Timestamp [15:04]
  Dana Goldberg: “He has been expelled from Congress and faces 23 federal felony counts, yet he’s still running for office.”

The discussion underscores the skepticism surrounding Santos' campaign intentions and his ability to secure ballot access.

4. Transgender Veterans' Lawsuit Against the VA

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Transgender American Veterans Association (Tava) suing the VA for excluding gender-affirming surgeries from veterans' health benefits.

• VA’s Denial of Petition:
  Timestamp [20:35]
  Alison Gill: “Tava filed a second lawsuit arguing that the VA’s denial violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection clause.”

• Importance of Gender-Affirming Care:
  Timestamp [20:35]
  Dana Goldberg: “Gender affirming surgery is medically necessary for many trans individuals, and denying access puts lives at risk.”

• VA’s Response:
  Timestamp [20:35]
  Alison Gill: “The VA needs to make this rule change immediately, as it contradicts its previous promises and obligations to transgender veterans.”

The hosts commend Josie Caballero of Tava for her efforts and stress the urgency of addressing the VA’s shortcomings in providing necessary healthcare.

5. Conversation with Representative Dan Goldman

A pivotal segment features Representative Dan Goldman discussing the precarious state of Ukraine aid amidst internal GOP conflicts.

Ukraine Aid and GOP Opposition

• Republican Loyalty to Putin:
  Timestamp [22:22]
  Dana Goldberg: “A significant part of the House Republican Conference owes its loyalty to Vladimir Putin, influenced by Russian propaganda.”

• Global Democracy at Risk:
  Timestamp [25:49]
  Dana Goldberg: “Supporting Ukraine is essential to counteract authoritarian regimes like Russia, Iran, and China, protecting global democracy.”

• Discharge Petition Strategy:
  Timestamp [29:04]
  Dana Goldberg: “Using a discharge petition to bring the Senate’s aid bill to the House floor, though it’s a long shot without Republican support.”

• Internal GOP Conflicts:
  Timestamp [32:04]
  Dana Goldberg: “There’s a clear division between traditional Republicans and the MAGA faction, with former leaders like Ken Buck and Mike Gallagher expressing frustration with the party’s direction.”

Strategies to Secure Aid and Political Shifts

• Encouraging Moderate Republicans:
  Timestamp [36:27]
  Dana Goldberg: “Moderate Republicans must stand up against the extreme right to support Ukraine aid, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles.”

• Electoral Impact:
  Timestamp [36:32]
  Dana Goldberg: “Efforts to flip the House in November hinge on energizing voters to support democracy and oppose the MAGA-dominated GOP.”

Representative Goldman emphasizes the existential threat posed by authoritarian alliances and the necessity of maintaining support for Ukraine to safeguard global stability.

6. Good News and Listener Submissions

In a lighter segment, Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg share uplifting stories and listener contributions.

• Blue Wave Postcards:
  Timestamp [43:18]
  Lisa G. Pronoun: Shares the success of the Blue Wave Postcard Movement, having sent over 6 million postcards to support Democratic causes.

• School Board Elections:
  Timestamp [50:13]
  Alison Gill: Celebrates the defeat of Natalie Klein, a controversial member of the Utah State Board of Education, who was ousted for her discriminatory practices.

• Heartwarming Submissions:
  Listeners send in photos and anecdotes, such as stories about pets and family moments, adding a personal touch to the episode.

The hosts encourage continued grassroots activism and participation in democracy through small, meaningful actions like sending postcards and supporting local candidates.

Conclusion

Alison Gill and Dana Goldberg wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of active participation in democracy and supporting global allies. They highlight upcoming interviews, promote their fundraising events, and emphasize the collective power of their listeners in driving political change.

• Final Thoughts:
  Timestamp [56:33]
  Dana Goldberg: “Vote blue over Q and take all your family with you.”

The episode concludes on an optimistic note, urging listeners to stay engaged and contribute to the preservation of democratic values both domestically and internationally.

Notable Quotes:

• Alison Gill [02:10]: “Judge Marshawn set a hearing for April 23rd for the gag order because Trump violated it by posting about potential witnesses.”

• Alison Gill [04:38]: “He has been to zero graduations. He hasn’t been to Tiffany's, Eric's, Ivanka’s... none of them.”

• Dana Goldberg [22:22]: “There is Russian propaganda that has infiltrated the Republican Party. Donald Trump certainly is promoting it and leading it.”

• Dana Goldberg [25:49]: “If Ukraine falls, and Ukraine almost certainly will fall without United States support, it jeopardizes global democracy and stability.”

• Dana Goldberg [36:32]: “If you actually do care about the United States and the direction we're going, and you care about us being the leading democracy, then there's no place for you in the Republican Party.”

• Dana Goldberg [40:35]: “The VA’s rejection of Tava's petition demonstrates the agency's failure to take seriously the needs of transgender veterans and the urgent need for reform.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who have not listened.