Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans - "Refried Beans | Smear Factory Fact Check (feat. Rep. Gloria Johnson)"

Release Date: July 26, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into the current political landscape, focusing on the burgeoning presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris. Featuring an insightful conversation with Representative Gloria Johnson, the episode offers a blend of fact-checking, political analysis, and grassroots advocacy.

1. Campaign Fundraising and Support for Kamala Harris

Timestamp: 03:01 - 05:29

Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg kick off the discussion by highlighting significant fundraising achievements supporting Kamala Harris. They commend Shannon Watts of Moms Demand Action for organizing a call titled "White Women Answer the Call: Showing Up for Kamala Harris," emphasizing the importance of diverse support for Harris's candidacy.

Notable Quote:

Allison Gill (03:01): "It's awesome that she's doing this and I'm going to be there. So it should be really informative and I think we can raise a lot, a lot of money."

Dana underscores the necessity for white communities to actively support Harris, ensuring that women of color are not solely burdened with her campaign's success.

Notable Quote:

Dana Goldberg (03:33): "As a white woman in our society, we need to step up as a community and really show that we are supporting this nominee… she is very qualified to be the president of the United States of America."

2. Key Political Updates and Developments

Timestamp: 05:29 - 25:26

The hosts provide a roundup of significant political news:

• President Biden's Speech: Scheduled for 8:00 PM Eastern, where he will address his decision to drop out of the 2024 Democratic reelection bid. Notably, Biden tested negative for COVID and returned to D.C. (05:29).

• Senator Bob Menendez: Announces his resignation from the Senate effective August 20th, likely aiming to maximize his Senate paychecks before his scheduled sentencing on October 29th (06:01 - 06:29).

• Steve Bannon's Trial: Postponed to December 9th, facing felony charges related to the "We Build the Wall" scheme (06:29 - 06:58).

• Secret Service Leadership Changes: Director Kimberly Cheadle resigns following a congressional hearing on security lapses during an assassination attempt at a Trump rally. Deputy Director Ronald Rowe to replace her (06:58 - 07:33).

• Kamala Harris Secures Delegates: Harris clinches the Democratic nomination two days ahead of schedule, with endorsements from leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer (07:33 - 08:14).

3. Trump's FEC Complaint Against Biden and Harris

Timestamp: 20:57 - 25:26

A significant portion of the episode addresses the Trump campaign's complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against President Biden and Vice President Harris. The Trump campaign alleges that Harris improperly used Biden's campaign funds, raising questions about campaign finance violations.

Notable Quote:

Allison Gill (20:56): "Donald J. Trump's campaign filed a complaint Tuesday with the FEC against Biden and Harris, accusing them of violating campaign finance laws by rolling Mr. Biden's campaign funds over to Ms. Harris."

Allison and Dana express skepticism regarding the validity of these claims, suggesting that the FEC may not resolve the issue before Election Day. They criticize the complaint as baseless and highlight the robust fundraising Harris has already achieved independently.

Notable Quote:

Dana Goldberg (25:27): "If they think that Kamala really isn't a threat, why are they fighting everything?"

4. Vetting Potential Vice Presidential Candidates for Kamala Harris

Timestamp: 25:26 - 30:20

The discussion shifts to Kamala Harris's search for a potential vice presidential running mate. The Harris campaign has requested vetting materials from a shortlist of candidates, including:

• Roy Cooper (North Carolina Governor)
• Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania Governor)
• Mark Kelly (Senator of Arizona)
• Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan Governor)
• Tim Waltz (Minnesota Governor)
• Possible additional contenders: J.B. Pritzker (Illinois Governor) and Cedric Richmond (former Representative of Louisiana)

Notable Quote:

Dana Goldberg (28:32): "Vice President Harris is considering a large pool of qualified candidates and will choose a partner that shares her commitment to fighting for the middle class, protecting Americans' freedoms, and protecting our democracy."

Allison and Dana discuss their personal favorites, such as Mark Kelly, praising his military background and leadership qualities, and express optimism about the depth of Democratic candidates available.

5. Tackling Misinformation and Smear Campaigns Against Kamala Harris

Timestamp: 10:00 - 20:56

Allison Gill features an article by David Kurtz from Talking Points Memo, which analyzes the Republican strategy of launching a barrage of misogynistic and racist attacks against Kamala Harris. The article warns of the long-term effects of these "trial balloons" in shaping public perception and creating enduring negative narratives.

Notable Quote:

David Kurtz (10:00): "The initial round of Republican attacks on presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris have so far been scattershot, inconsistent, self-contradictory, and often comical."

Dana agrees, drawing parallels to historical smear campaigns like "Swift Boating" and emphasizing the importance of discerning information.

Notable Quote:

Dana Goldberg (11:32): "This is a perfect description of I just don't like Hillary."

Allison adds that combating such misinformation requires sophisticated news consumption and warns against engaging with or amplifying false claims.

6. "Flip It Blue" Segment with Rep. Gloria Johnson

Timestamp: 33:10 - 48:18

The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Representative Gloria Johnson, one of the "Tennessee Three," who is campaigning to unseat Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn.

a. Reproductive Rights

Gloria Johnson starkly contrasts her stance with Blackburn's, advocating for women's bodily autonomy and opposing federal abortion bans.

Notable Quote:

Gloria Johnson (33:40): "She wants a federal ban on abortion. I believe that women should have bodily autonomy and make their own health choices with their physicians."

She criticizes Blackburn's voting record against the Violence Against Women Act, equal pay, contraception, and IVF, emphasizing the dangers these policies pose to Tennessee women and girls.

b. Gun Legislation

Johnson praises the Biden-Harris administration's efforts on gun safety and outlines her plans to implement universal background checks, safe storage laws, and red flag laws in Tennessee.

Notable Quote:

Gloria Johnson (36:08): "We can do these things. We don't have to live this way. No other country lives this way."

She condemns Blackburn's alignment with NRA interests, linking it to the alarming rate of gun violence in Tennessee.

c. Economic Policies and Taxation

Addressing the rising cost of living, Johnson advocates for raising the minimum wage to $20 an hour, cutting sales taxes on groceries, and opposing corporate tax cuts that disproportionately benefit out-of-state corporations.

Notable Quote:

Gloria Johnson (41:17): "If we raise the wage, if we expanded Medicaid so Tennesseans could have access to health care... They're just ripping people off."

d. Campaign Strategy and Grassroots Support

Johnson emphasizes the grassroots nature of her campaign, highlighting substantial local support and focusing on flipping Senate and state legislative seats to build a Democratic majority.

Notable Quote:

Gloria Johnson (46:05): "This is a people power campaign and we need your help. And I am working for the people."

She provides actionable steps for listeners to get involved, including volunteering, donating, and participating in phone banking.

7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 48:33 - End

The hosts conclude by reiterating the importance of staying informed and resisting the spread of misinformation. They encourage listeners to focus on voting and active civic participation to support progressive candidates like Kamala Harris and Gloria Johnson.

Notable Quote:

Allison Gill (60:35): "Please take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health, take care of your family. Vote blue over Q."

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Beans offers a comprehensive look into the current political climate, emphasizing the significance of Kamala Harris's presidential campaign and the challenges it faces. Through detailed analysis, fact-checking, and impactful conversations with key political figures like Rep. Gloria Johnson, Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the strategies and issues shaping the upcoming elections.

For more information and to support the campaigns discussed, visit vote gloriajohnson.com.

This summary is intended for informational purposes only and reflects the content of the podcast episode as transcribed.