The Daily Podcast Summary
Episode: Processing...
Release Date: November 19, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily, hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise, Lindsey Garrison engages in a poignant conversation with Vanessa Ruble and T. Marie Hannibal. They delve into the evolution of the Resistance movement following Donald Trump's re-election in 2024, reflecting on past activism and contemplating the future of women's rights and social justice in America.

1. The Birth of the Women's March and Leadership Transition

Vanessa Ruble shares her transformative journey from leading a music industry company in New York City to becoming a pivotal figure in the Women's March. The shock of Trump's 2016 victory galvanized her:
"There was nothing like it. I could not believe someone who had been accused of rape and sexual harassment and so on and so forth. People would rather have that person in the White House." [03:03]

Initially organized through a modest Facebook group named "Women's March," the movement quickly expanded under her leadership.
"I became one of the leaders of that page and what you could call Women's March first. And I started pulling people in to organize who I knew could make this happen." [04:32]

2. The 2016 Women's March: A Catalyst for Change

The Women's March on January 2017 marked a historic moment of unity and activism. Vanessa recalls the overwhelming support:
"When I stood on that stage, it was like an absolute wave of pink coming over. Capitol Hill was astonishing." [08:01]

Melissa Clark describes the grassroots mobilization:
"I started Women's March, Pennsylvania. It took a life of its own... it was like this wedding, particularly amongst women, but also with our male allies." [07:02]

The movement spurred the creation of organizations like March On, which played a significant role in increasing women's political representation, leading to record numbers of women elected in the 2018 midterm elections.
"Women running and women winning was a direct result of the Women's March." [12:26]

3. Disillusionment Following Trump's Re-Election

The unexpected re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 left activists grappling with disappointment and introspection.

Vanessa expresses profound disillusionment:
"The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for. The light of America's promise will always burn bright... But by a free and fair election, this is what they want." [12:44]

T. Marie Hannibal, a retired Marine Corps gunnery sergeant, reflects on the stagnation of progress:
"At the end of the day, women are still looked at as not worthy no matter what their resumes look like." [14:05]

Melissa Clark voices her frustration over unfulfilled hopes despite active participation in various causes:
"I really believed that protest was the way to affect change... America spoke, and he won." [19:38]

4. Contemplating the Future of Activism

Faced with repeated electoral setbacks, the speakers ponder the effectiveness of traditional protest methods and consider new avenues for advocacy.

Vanessa questions the viability of reenacting past marches:
"I don't know any organizer from the original women's march that thinks marching right now is a good idea." [21:37]

Melissa uses a restaurant analogy to illustrate her reluctance to revisit past strategies:
"Have you ever gone to a restaurant with your partner and had, like, the best meal and then you go back and it's like, it sucked? That's how I feel about the women's march right now." [22:11]

T. Marie emphasizes the need for reflection and strategic regrouping:
"There needs to be some time to reflect and regroup and really look at ourselves and say, what are we doing wrong? Where do we go from here?" [23:01]

5. Reflections on Past Achievements and Future Directions

The conversation shifts to assessing the tangible impacts of the Resistance movement and exploring potential paths forward.

Vanessa questions the lasting changes brought by the movement:
"Did we really accomplish things? I honestly don't know." [18:29]

T. Marie highlights the exhaustion and uncertainty felt by many activists:
"What is protesting? What is putting on that cape again and getting my big old blowhorn out again? What is that going to do for us this time around?" [19:38]

Both speakers acknowledge the need for new strategies beyond traditional protests to effect meaningful change.

6. News Update: Trump's National Emergency Declaration

In the episode's concluding segment, Sabrina Tavernise reports on President-elect Donald Trump's intention to declare a national emergency. This move aims to utilize the U.S. military for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, responding to a Judicial Watch announcement. Trump also nominates Sean Duffy, a former Republican congressman and Fox Business host, to lead the Transportation Department, signaling his focus on tightening immigration and shaping his economic agenda.

Notable Quotes

• Vanessa Ruble [03:03]: "I could not believe someone who had been accused of rape and sexual harassment and so on and so forth. People would rather have that person in the White House."

• T. Marie Hannibal [05:01]: "I was that child in the abortion clinic. That was me. That's my story."

• Vanessa Ruble [08:01]: "It was like an absolute wave of pink coming over. Capitol Hill was astonishing."

• Vanessa Ruble [12:44]: "The light of America's promise will always burn bright."

• T. Marie Hannibal [14:05]: "At the end of the day, women are still looked at as not worthy no matter what their resumes look like."

• Melissa Clark [19:38]: "I really believed that protest was the way to affect change... America spoke, and he won."

• Vanessa Ruble [21:37]: "I don't know any organizer from the original women's march that thinks marching right now is a good idea."

• Melissa Clark [22:11]: "I'm going to just do something else."

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily offers a deep and introspective look into the emotions and strategic dilemmas faced by leaders of the Resistance movement in the wake of another Trump victory. Vanessa Ruble and T. Marie Hannibal provide heartfelt reflections on past achievements, current disillusionments, and the urgent need to redefine activism in pursuit of lasting social justice and women's rights in America.