The Daily Beans – “Refried | Biden’s Farewell” (Feat. John Fugelsang)

Episode Date: Jan 17, 2025 (Aired Jan 18, 2026)
Hosts: Allison Gill (AG), Dana Goldberg
Main Guest: John Fugelsang
Podcast Theme: Progressive, snark-infused breakdown of critical political developments at the start of the Trump 2025 administration, highlighted by President Biden’s historic farewell and its warnings, a deep dive into political maneuvering, and a candid reflection on the state of American democracy.

Episode Overview

This special “Refried” edition looks back at a pivotal week in US history: President Biden’s poignant farewell speech, turbulent congressional changes, MAGA political power grabs, the State Department’s protection structure under threat, and the rise of oligarchic power in America. In the featured interview, comedian and activist John Fugelsang discusses counter-programming for the inauguration, the hypocrisy permeating American politics (especially on the religious right), and why independent media matters more than ever.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. President Biden’s Farewell Speech: A Grave Warning

Timestamp: 01:41 – 05:36

• Biden’s Tone: Rather than focus on legacy or self-praise, Biden’s speech issued a stern, historic warning about the US descending into an oligarchy.
  • “I never thought I'd hear a sitting president warn against a potential oligarchy on the rise in America. I was like, wow. He said it twice...” – AG (03:51)
• Emphasis on Vigilance: Biden highlighted misinformation and social media’s role in fueling undemocratic trends.
• Call for Continuous Engagement: Both hosts underscore that “the work” does not end with elections or a change in administration.
  • “...I think it's a lesson that we never really do get to rest. There's always work to do. I know Kamala Harris reiterated that multiple times during her campaign.” – AG (04:59)
• Emotional Resonance: The moment Biden said “you have the watch now” brought both hosts (and likely listeners) to tears.

2. Democratic Traditions in Flux

Timestamp: 07:13 – 07:48

• Former Presidents’ Protest: Obama, the Clintons, and G.W. Bush declined Trump’s inaugural lunch, breaking precedent in silent protest.
• Ethical Stance: Michelle Obama also did not attend, highlighting moral boundaries as the US transitions power to someone sworn to undermine democracy.
  • “It’s so hard to watch them sit and watch this person be sworn in to do just that.” – Dana (07:13)

3. Legal and Congressional Shakeups

Timestamp: 07:48 – 18:34

• Rudy Giuliani Settlement: After skipping a bench trial, Giuliani made a confidential legal settlement with Ruby Freeman and Shea Moss. Details are thin, but he cannot discuss them again publicly.
  • “Apparently Rudy Freeman, Shay Moss and Rudy have reached a settlement agreement ... [and] he's not going to talk about them at all anymore ever.” – AG (08:46)
• Social Media Alternatives: Mark Cuban eyeing a TikTok alternative in anticipation of US bans, promoting decentralized, democratic tech.

4. Assault on Bureaucratic Independence

Timestamp: 09:38 – 16:01

• State Department Purge: Trump’s team asked three top career diplomats (Hogan, Bernicat, Teplitz) to resign, aimed at clearing protections for career professionals and filling jobs with political loyalists.
  • “They’re going after the teams of people who would protect our federal civil servants and career federal employees.” – AG (13:00)
• Schedule F Returns: Trump plans to resurrect the “Schedule F” executive order, making it easier to fire federal employees en masse and replace with loyalists—potentially up to 50,000 civil servants.

5. GOP Power Grabs in Congress & States

Timestamp: 16:01 – 23:07

• House Intelligence Chair Ousted: Speaker Mike Johnson removed Mike Turner, a bipartisan defense hawk, as Intelligence Committee chair, signaling overt politicization.
  • “You’d be hard pressed to find somebody as fair minded ... That quote right there is probably the one reason why they took him off. They don’t want fair minded people right now leading any committee.” – Dana (17:22)
• Minnesota House Coup Attempt: GOP tried to claim the Speaker’s gavel via quorum games and special elections, with the Supreme Court fast-tracking intervention.

6. Florida’s DeSantis Appoints Moody to Senate

Timestamp: 23:07 – 25:49

• DeSantis fills Rubio’s seat with Attorney General Ashley Moody, anticipating fierce 2026 primary challenges and further GOP infighting over immigration and tech visas.

Feature Interview: John Fugelsang on Counter-Programming and Political Hypocrisy

Timestamps: 28:50 – 47:30

Not Covering the Inauguration

• Fugelsang and AG adamant about boycotting air time for “the little fascist pageant.”
  • “We’re not going to talk about this little fascist pageant. Not interested.” – John Fugelsang (30:26)
  • “I encourage everybody to keep your TVs off that day ... Just don’t give it any oxygen.” – AG (07:48)

MLK Day Special & Echoes in Biden’s Farewell

• Fugelsang previews a SiriusXM special on MLK, focusing on his anti-war, pro-labor activism — often ignored in mainstream MLK narratives.
  • “He died at a garbage worker strike ... We’re going to have a fantastic special on Monday the 20th acknowledging MLK, the man who fought racism and not the racist who is getting inaugurated.” – John Fugelsang (29:54)
• Biden’s late warnings on oligarchy echoed MLK’s warnings about militarism and injustice.

Supreme Court and Media Messaging

• Discussion of Supreme Court reforms, term limits, and the urgent need for Democrats to break through right-wing media and disinformation silos.
  • “The facts didn’t reach enough people.” – John Fugelsang (32:58)
  • “Lies are what won this election. Lies.” – AG (33:20)

The Weaponization of Hypocrisy

• Fugelsang riffs on the GOP’s use of performative Christianity and the importance of exposing religious hypocrisy.
  • “There is no Christ-based justification for Donald Trump's support.” – John Fugelsang (37:13)
  • “They use the Bible as camouflage. And it’s up to all of us to take their goddamn camouflage away.” – John Fugelsang (38:32)

Oligarchs Ascendant: Tech Barons & Billionaire Influence

• Reflecting on Biden’s “tech industrial complex” warning, hosts and Fugelsang decry the consolidation of media and social platforms under power-hungry billionaires.
  • “What do we say about a society that allows billionaires and poverty to co-exist at the same time?” – John Fugelsang (41:34)
  • “These guys are addicts. They are addicted to power and wealth. They are not good men.” – John Fugelsang (42:32)

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On Cabinet Appointees: “This cabinet is really linked ... by three things ... deviancy, extremism, and inexperience. Or as I call it, DEI. That’s the Cabinet.” – John Fugelsang (45:24)
• On the Future: “Let’s get ready to be the same people in the room. We’re all going to have to be the hot chick at the bar, ignoring the racist douchebags at the other end for the next few years and doing our own thing, resisting.” – John Fugelsang (46:21)
• On Trump's Death: “I just want to say what a relief it is that Donald Trump thinks it’s totally cool for all of us to fly our flags at full mast when he dies.” – John Fugelsang (46:54)

Good News Segment

Timestamps: 48:41 – 65:08

• Listener Good News: Listeners share stories about Medicaid’s impact, career changes, and gestures of kindness.
• Community Spirit: Emphasis on not being “too judgy” toward others in precarious situations (e.g., using Twitter or shopping at controversial stores out of necessity).
  • “People do need to use perspective and remember that we’re all human beings...” – Listener Jay (51:33)
• Self-Care Urged: In light of the inauguration, hosts encourage listeners to plan pleasurable activities, connect with friends, and tend to mental health.
  • “Do something really enjoyable that day. Plan it this weekend ... and just take care of yourself.” – Dana (64:26)
  • “Take care of each other. Send a nice note to your friends. Check in on your peeps.” – AG (65:02)

Notable Quotes (w/ Speaker and Timestamp)

• “I never thought I'd hear a sitting president warn against a potential oligarchy on the rise in America. I was like, wow.”
  — Allison Gill (03:51)

• “We’re not going to talk about this little fascist pageant. Not interested.”
  — John Fugelsang (30:26)

• “Lies are what won this election. Lies.”
  — Allison Gill (33:20)

• “There is no Christ-based justification for Donald Trump's support. ... They use the Bible as camouflage. And it’s up to all of us to take their goddamn camouflage away.”
  — John Fugelsang (37:13–38:32)

• "What do we say about a society that allows billionaires and poverty to co-exist at the same time?”
  — John Fugelsang (41:34)

• “Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, take care of the planet, take care of your mental health, and take care of your family. I've been AG and I've been DG. And them's the beans.”
  — Allison Gill (65:08)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Episode Setup: 00:54 – 01:41
• Biden’s Farewell and Oligarchy Discussion: 01:41 – 05:36
• Congressional News Quick Hits: 07:13 – 18:34
• State Department Purge & Schedule F: 09:38 – 16:01
• Minnesota House Coup Attempt: 18:34 – 23:07
• Florida Senate Appointment: 23:07 – 25:49
• Interview – John Fugelsang: 28:50 – 47:30
• Community Good News: 48:41 – end (65:08)

Episode Tone and Style

• Tone: Candid, urgent, at times irreverently funny but fundamentally serious about the democratic crisis facing America.
• Language: Progressive, direct, frequently snarky (“fuckery,” “fascist pageant,” “oligarchic rat bastards,” etc.), but with clear intent to inform, mobilize, and comfort their community.
• Memorable Moments: Emotional reaction to Biden’s warning, clear calls for engagement over resignation, concrete suggestions for self-care/resistance, and a biting analysis of the hypocrisy of current political figures.

For Listeners New and Returning

This episode offers a window into American democracy at an inflection point. The hosts, with help from John Fugelsang, dissect the past week’s seismic political events, provide context for the looming threats of oligarchy and autocracy, and encourage critical listening and personal resilience. With quotes that cut to the bone and communal good news stories, it’s equal parts sobering and hopeful—a must-listen for anyone grappling with what comes next in American politics.