The Daily Beans: "Things To Do In DC When You’re Mislead" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: January 20, 2025
Host/Author: MSW Media
Hosts: Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg

Overview

In the January 20, 2025 episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into a whirlwind of political and social developments coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The episode covers significant news ranging from tech controversies and judicial scandals to presidential actions and immigration enforcement. Throughout the discussion, the hosts blend insightful analysis with their characteristic snark, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current socio-political landscape.

Main News Topics

1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Related Events

The episode opens with Allison Gill highlighting the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, emphasizing Dr. King's enduring legacy in the fight for freedom, equality, and justice.

• Allison Gill (00:00): "Today, Americans celebrate Martin Luther King Jr's legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality and justice."

Allison also mentions John Fugelsang’s dedicated show on SiriusXM’s Progress Channel 127, which focuses entirely on MLK Day.

2. TikTok’s Shutdown and Trump’s Influence

A significant portion of the discussion centers around TikTok’s abrupt shutdown, which the hosts attribute to former President Donald Trump’s attempts to ban the platform.

• Allison Gill (04:29): "Trump wanted to ban TikTok way back in 2021... TikTok shut down anyhow more than a day early."

Gill criticizes the shutdown as a "big giant shit show," expressing concern for creators who rely on TikTok for their livelihoods.

3. SCOTUS Blog Publisher Tom Goldstein Indicted

The podcast addresses the indictment of Tom Goldstein, the SCOTUS blog publisher, for evading federal income taxes to cover gambling debts.

• Allison Gill (06:00): "SCOTUS blog publisher Tom Goldstein... was indicted on tax charges."

Goldstein’s actions are contrasted with his previous editorial stance, including his op-ed advocating for dismissing Trump’s charges.

4. President Biden’s Clemency Actions

President Joe Biden’s significant clemency actions are discussed, focusing on the commutation of sentences for nearly 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders.

• Dana Goldberg (06:37): "President Joe Biden... commuted the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses."

Biden’s statement underscores the need to rectify historic sentencing disparities and support reintegration into communities.

5. President Biden’s Statement on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

Biden voices his support for the ERA, advocating for it to become the 28th Amendment to the Constitution. However, he has not yet directed the Archivist to publish it, leaving the matter open for potential judicial challenges.

• Allison Gill (07:34): "Biden has not ordered the archivist to publish the amendment... I guarantee you this Supreme Court would nullify it because of the arbitrary expiration dates Republicans have imposed on the ERA in the past."

6. Vivek Ramaswamy’s Gubernatorial Bid in Ohio

The hosts discuss Vivek Ramaswamy’s announcement to run for Ohio governor, noting the potential implications for the political landscape.

• Dana Goldberg (08:18): "Vivek Ramaswamy will announce a run for Ohio governor... all very mad. So, I am hoping he loses his ass in Ohio."

7. CBS’s Settlement Discussions with Trump

Allison Gill reports on Paramount Global’s internal discussions regarding a settlement with Donald Trump in their ongoing defamation suit.

• Allison Gill (16:51): "Paramount executives have held internal discussions about settling a lawsuit filed by Trump over a CBS News interview with Vice President Kamala Harris."

The settlement is seen as part of a broader strategy to ease tensions with the incoming administration.

8. Immigration Enforcement Operations in Chicago and San Diego

Dana Goldberg covers the planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting immigrants in major cities following Trump’s inauguration.

• Dana Goldberg (19:47): "ICE is planning major enforcement operations in Chicago and San Diego, part of Operation Safeguard."

The operation aims to deport undocumented individuals swiftly, though budget shortfalls pose significant challenges.

9. SpaceX Starship Grounding

The grounding of SpaceX’s Starship rocket is discussed following a dramatic explosion during its last test flight, leading to debris falling over the Caribbean.

• Allison Gill (09:42): "The US has grounded SpaceX's giant Starship rocket while an investigation is carried out as to why one exploded during its last test flight."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is collaborating with SpaceX to assess potential property damage and prevent future incidents.

10. CNN Moving Jim Acosta’s Show to Midnight

Allison Gill highlights CNN’s decision to move Jim Acosta’s show to a less prominent time slot, a move perceived as capitulating to Trump’s pressures.

• Allison Gill (08:58): "CNN is moving Jim Acosta's show to the middle of the night. One of the greats left over there at CNN. They're trying to shove him in the midnight hour."

Acosta, known for his confrontational exchanges with Trump, faces reduced visibility despite his pivotal role during Trump’s presidency.

Hot Notes

1. Paramount and CBS Negotiations with Trump

Allison Gill elaborates on Paramount’s internal strategies to mitigate conflicts with Trump, especially concerning their merger with Skydance Media.

• Allison Gill (16:51): "Paramount and Skydance executives have considered a number of possible changes... including adding new processes around programming."

The looming lawsuit and potential FCC involvement pressure Paramount to find amicable solutions.

2. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Operation Safeguard

Dana Goldberg provides an exclusive on ICE’s Operation Safeguard, detailing efforts to deport undocumented immigrants in major cities post-inauguration.

• Dana Goldberg (19:47): "The operation is expected to start as early as Tuesday and end by the following Monday..."

The operation faces logistical hurdles due to budget constraints and lack of available detention facilities.

3. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency (DoDGE)

Allison Gill discusses the controversial establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, aimed at reducing federal spending.

• Allison Gill (22:32): "Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have dispatched emissaries across the US Government to identify possible cuts."

Despite their ambitious goals, internal resistance and unrealistic spending cut targets dampen the initiative’s prospects.

4. Donald Trump’s Launch of a New Meme Coin

Dana Goldberg covers Trump’s foray into cryptocurrency with the launch of his own meme coin, drawing parallels to other celebrity-endorsed cryptocurrencies.

• Dana Goldberg (23:01): "Trump took to Twitter to celebrate the launch of his new meme coin... it's just like merch."

Critics raise ethical concerns about the pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrencies and their potential misuse for financial influence.

• Dana Goldberg (27:12): "This is truly dangerous. This is essential consulting on steroids."

Good News Segment

In a heartwarming departure from the intense political discussions, Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg share uplifting stories submitted by listeners. These narratives range from personal milestones to acts of kindness, providing a refreshing balance to the episode's heavy topics.

• Allison Gill (38:56): "We need all the good news we can get. Please send it to us@dailybeanspot.com."

Highlights include:

• Becky’s Story: Becky celebrates her early retirement aided by TRICARE and shares the joys of her rescue dogs, Zippy and Cheese.

• Buffy’s Adoption Story: Buffy highlights Carbon, an adoptable bulldog from Minnesota, emphasizing the importance of animal rescue.

• Elaine’s Marriage and Family Support: Elaine shares her marriage before potential legal challenges, honoring her supportive family and beloved pets.

These stories not only provide positivity but also foster a sense of community among listeners.

Conclusion

Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage in self-care amidst the tumultuous political climate. They invite the audience to share their positive experiences and ensure the continuation of community support through their new listener-funded social media platform.

• Dana Goldberg (42:47): "Tell us what you did for self-care on the day of this January 20th... we would love some of these feel-good stories."

The hosts express gratitude towards their patrons and preview upcoming content, including the Unjustified podcast focusing on Trump’s Justice Department.

• Allison Gill (43:33): "We will be back in your ears tomorrow... Thank you incredibly to our patrons."

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks and a reaffirmation of The Daily Beans commitment to independent, listener-supported journalism.

Notable Quotes:

• Allison Gill (00:00): "Today, Americans celebrate Martin Luther King Jr's legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality and justice."

• Allison Gill (04:29): "TikTok shut down anyhow more than a day early... even the little message says thanks to President Trump you can get back on TikTok now."

• Dana Goldberg (06:37): "President Joe Biden... commuted the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses."

• Allison Gill (16:51): "Paramount and Skydance executives have considered a number of possible changes... adding new processes around programming."

• Dana Goldberg (19:47): "ICE is planning major enforcement operations in Chicago and San Diego, part of Operation Safeguard."

• Dana Goldberg (27:12): "This is truly dangerous. This is essential consulting on steroids."

The Daily Beans continues to provide its audience with incisive political commentary and a platform for community stories, maintaining its stance as a progressive news source with a blend of passion and humor.