Podcast Summary: The Daily Beans – "We Fight On"
Episode Details:
- Title: We Fight On
- Host/Author: MSW Media
- Release Date: January 21, 2025
- Description: The Daily Beans is a women-owned progressive news podcast delivering social justice and political updates with a healthy dose of humor and snark, hosted by Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg.
1. Major News Highlights
a. President Biden’s Preemptive Pardons Timestamp: [00:00 – 02:48]
In the wake of leaving office, President Joe Biden issued a series of sweeping pardons and commutations. Notably, Biden pardoned five family members—his two brothers and sister—amid right-wing calls for their prosecution. Additional pardons included prominent figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, and several members associated with the January 6th Capitol attack investigation.
Notable Quote:
“Biden’s pardons for five family members were among a slew of preemptive pardons...”
—Allison Gill [02:48]
b. The Passing of Cecile Richards Timestamp: [02:48 – 03:27]
The podcast pays tribute to Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood and a staunch feminist activist, who passed away at the age of 67 after battling aggressive brain cancer. Dana Goldberg shares personal anecdotes about working with Richards and highlights her immense contributions to women’s rights and abortion access.
Notable Quote:
“She was an incredible woman... she was a mensch, as they say. So she will be missed.”
—Dana Goldberg [01:05 – 01:53]
c. Trump’s Planned Pardons for January 6th Insurrectionists Timestamp: [03:27 – 07:33]
Donald Trump is gearing up to issue extensive pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6th Capitol insurrection. This includes commuting the prison sentences of hundreds of his supporters involved in violent confrontations with law enforcement. The hosts express deep concern over these actions, emphasizing the potential undermining of justice and accountability.
Notable Quote:
“I never want to hear that they back the blue again.”
—Allison Gill [03:27]
2. Legal Battles Against Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DODGY)
Timestamp: [07:33 – 11:05]
Immediately after Trump’s inauguration, at least three federal lawsuits were filed aiming to dismantle Elon Musk’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DODGY). Critics argue that DODGY violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act by incorporating private individuals into government decision-making without the required transparency. The department, initially announced by Trump and led by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, faces legal challenges spearheaded by groups like Public Citizen and the Center for Biological Diversity.
Notable Quote:
“The lawsuit alleges that the project Trump announced to target government waste violates the federal Advisory Committee act...”
—Allison Gill [07:33]
3. German Ambassador’s Stark Warning on Trump’s Agenda
Timestamp: [11:05 – 15:00]
Germany’s Ambassador to the United States, Andreas Michaelis, issued a grave warning regarding Donald Trump’s second-term agenda. He warned that Trump plans to concentrate power excessively in the presidency, undermining democratic principles and the independence of the judiciary, law enforcement, and media. Michaelis also highlighted Trump’s intentions to grant co-governing power to big tech companies, potentially reshaping the constitutional order.
Notable Quote:
“Basic democratic principles and checks and balances will be largely undermined...”
—Andreas Michaelis, German Ambassador [11:05]
4. Anticipated Executive Orders from Trump’s Administration
Timestamp: [15:00 – 16:02]
Donald Trump is expected to sign a multitude of executive orders on his first day back in office, surpassing his initial day’s actions in his first term. These orders include:
- Declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border to deploy military forces.
- Resuming construction of the border wall.
- Terminating diversity programs within federal agencies.
- Ending birthright citizenship, a move likely to face significant legal challenges.
- Reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy for asylum seekers.
- Designating specific migrant gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.
Trump’s aggressive agenda reflects his intent to swiftly implement his policy objectives, which have substantial implications for immigration and civil rights.
Notable Quote:
“By the time the sun sets tomorrow evening, the invasion of our Borders will come to a halt...”
—Donald Trump, via Allison Gill [15:00]
5. President Biden Commutes Leonard Peltier’s Sentence
Timestamp: [16:02 – 20:37]
In a significant move, President Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, an indigenous activist convicted in 1975 for the killings of two FBI agents during a standoff at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Peltier’s commutation followed decades of advocacy from Native American leaders, human rights activists, and celebrities who argue his conviction was unjust. Despite opposition from law enforcement and past rejections from Presidents Clinton and Obama, Biden’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the fight for Indigenous rights and justice.
Notable Quote:
“Biden’s actions Monday followed decades of lobbying and protest on Peltier's behalf...”
—Allison Gill [16:02]
6. "Good Trouble" – Call to Action
Timestamp: [20:37 – 23:56]
Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg urge listeners to engage in "good trouble" by taking proactive steps against Donald Trump’s controversial statements and policies. Specifically, they encourage writing to Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry to file complaints regarding Trump’s remarks about Elon Musk and the integrity of vote-counting systems. The hosts emphasize the importance of holding leaders accountable and ensuring that allegations of election interference are thoroughly investigated.
Notable Quotes:
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it.”
—Allison Gill [20:43]
“I think it's worth looking into.”
—Dana Goldberg [21:20]
7. Listener Contributions: "Good News" Segment
Timestamp: [After 23:56]
The "Good News" segment highlights uplifting stories and personal achievements from listeners. Contributions include:
-
Lynelle from Portland, Oregon: Celebrates starting a quilt project inspired by the podcast and shares a heartfelt story about her late dog, Della.
Notable Quote:
“Listening to the daily beans inspired me... I plan to sew one seam a day and I'll send you a yearly update.”
—Lynelle [38:29] -
Darcy: Announces being cancer-free after a battle with breast cancer, expressing gratitude for support systems and shares her adoption of a rescued German Shepherd named Yuki.
Notable Quote:
“Last week I received my last cancer treatment and I'm officially cancer free.”
—Darcy [34:23] -
Carl: Reflects on the positive impact of the podcast during challenging times and shares a nostalgic memory from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Notable Quote:
“Your excellent podcast is helping me get 10,000 steps in a day.”
—Carl [31:53] -
Josh: Shares a heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather, contrasting him with Donald Trump, and underscores the personal motivation behind his activism.
Notable Quote:
“One of the reasons I fight on is for his memory.”
—Josh [41:20]
8. Closing Remarks
Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg conclude the episode by reiterating the importance of community support and collective action. They invite more listeners to share their good news, corrections, and shout-outs, fostering a sense of camaraderie and positive reinforcement amidst the complex political landscape.
Final Quote:
“Please 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.”
—Allison Gill [42:37]
Final Notes: The episode of "We Fight On" by The Daily Beans masterfully intertwines critical political analysis with personal stories and community engagement. By addressing significant national issues, honoring influential figures, and uplifting listener contributions, the podcast maintains a balance between delivering impactful news and fostering a supportive listener community.