We Can Do Hard Things: Episode Summary

Title: Finally Some Good News! Wisconsin Deals Big Blow to Elon & Trump | Jessica Yellin
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle
Guest: Jessica Yellin

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode begins with Jessica Yellen expressing gratitude for the listeners' resilience amid challenging times. She emphasizes the aim to provide "little shots of hope" amidst the ongoing political turmoil, highlighting the significance of current events in shaping a more promising future.

Notable Quote:

• Jessica Yellen [01:53]: "Today is a very delightful day because we have some good news and some hopeful news in addition to some that isn't. But this is a step in the right direction."

2. Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: A Major Victory Against Trump and Musk

The hosts delve into the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court election, where liberal-backed Judge Susan Crawford secured a decisive victory against her conservative opponent. Despite Elon Musk's substantial financial support of over $20 million aimed at influencing the outcome, the voters rejected his influence, showcasing a significant blow to both Musk and former President Donald Trump.

Key Points:

• Elon Musk's Involvement: Musk invested heavily to overturn Wisconsin's restriction preventing Tesla from selling cars directly, aiming to install a judiciary favorable to his business interests.
• Voter Response: The electorate's overwhelming support for Judge Crawford signals a rejection of external corporate and political interference in judicial processes.
• Implications: As Wisconsin is a swing state with a critical role in shaping judicial decisions on reproductive rights, union organizing, and election laws, Crawford's victory has far-reaching national implications.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Doyle [05:55]: "Wisconsin was maybe the most closely watched and certainly the most expensive race since Donald Trump was elected for state Supreme Court."
• Jessica Yellen [19:19]: "Seeing that the people have the power, the people have more power than him and can determine an outcome that is different than the one he dictates is a really nice reminder that is still the case in America."

3. Emerging Fractures Within the Republican Party

The discussion shifts to the growing internal conflicts within the Republican Party, highlighting the recent defiance by nine Republican Representatives against Speaker Ryan Johnson's leadership. This schism was prominently displayed during the House's handling of proxy voting for new parents.

Key Points:

• Proxy Voting for Parents: Representative Anna Paulina Luna spearheaded a bipartisan effort to allow new parents to vote by proxy during the critical postpartum period, a policy previously in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Republican Resistance: Republican leadership vehemently opposed the measure, labeling it unconstitutional despite evidence from pandemic practices. This opposition led to procedural maneuvers that ultimately cost other GOP-backed measures from being voted on, including those undermining federal judicial oversight.
• Patriarchal Undertones: The resistance is seen as an overt display of patriarchal control, hindering women in Congress from balancing motherhood and their professional duties.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Doyle [26:19]: "It's literal patriarchy, like, exercised on the floor of the House."
• Jessica Yellen [25:39]: "Clearly, the nine Republicans who broke that is a Thing. That's a very big thing."

4. Trump's Controversial Immigration Policies and Forced Removals

The hosts address the Trump administration's aggressive and unlawful immigration policies, focusing on the forced removal of individuals without due process. A particularly harrowing case involves a man deported to El Salvador despite having no criminal record and having immediate family members who are U.S. citizens.

Key Points:

• Legal Violations: The administration admitted to "administrative errors" in deportations, highlighting a blatant disregard for legal protections and due process.
• Human Impact: Victims face severe consequences, including placement in torture-prone environments like El Salvador's notorious prisons.
• Public and Influencer Backlash: High-profile figures like Joe Rogan and Ann Coulter have criticized these policies, signaling a broader disapproval even among some conservative circles.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Doyle [30:55]: "He is in this hellhole with no access to lawyers, no hope for escape, and no criminal record."
• Jessica Yellen [34:25]: "They're claiming that they don't have jurisdiction. Right."

5. Drastic Cuts to Health and Safety Programs

The episode highlights the Trump administration's significant reductions in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the elimination of Title 10 funding, which jeopardizes essential family planning and reproductive health services across multiple states.

Key Points:

• HHS Job Cuts: Secretary RFK announced a 10,000-position elimination, dismantling crucial divisions such as the CDC's infectious disease surveillance and the FDA's medical device oversight.
• Title 10 Funding: Cuts affect states like California, Hawaii, and Texas, stripping vital resources for birth control, cancer screenings, and sexually transmitted infection testing.
• Public Health Risks: These cuts undermine public health defenses, increase vulnerability to corporate malfeasance, and erode regulatory protections that ensure safety and equity.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Doyle [42:45]: "Donald Trump's immigration policy is turning out to be a big political loser for him."
• Jessica Yellen [50:31]: "We call our members of Congress this week and tell them that this is not okay and keep your paws off of our health and bodies and restore these vital services."

6. Senator Cory Booker's Exemplary Stand Against Authoritarianism

Senator Cory Booker is praised for his historic 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, standing firmly against Trump and Musk's attempts to undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law. His unwavering stance serves as a model of resistance and hope.

Key Points:

• Long-Duration Speech: Booker's marathon address not only broke records but also highlighted the importance of legislative leadership in defending democracy.
• Tribute to John Lewis: Ending his speech with a homage to civil rights icon John Lewis, Booker underscored the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
• Inspiring Leadership: Booker's actions exemplify how elected officials can use their platforms to advocate for change and inspire civic engagement.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Doyle [52:50]: "Senator Cory Booker... spoke so beautifully and compassionately, reading the stories of regular Americans who are writing in with their concerns about what's happening to their lives."
• Jessica Yellen [54:50]: "He ended his speech with a tribute to John Lewis... It was such a beautiful, poetic turn of the record."

7. Conclusion: Empowerment and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with a powerful reminder that despite the overwhelming challenges, collective action and steadfastness can drive meaningful change. The hosts encourage listeners to engage in activism, such as participating in the "Hands Off 2025" national day of action, and to remain informed through trusted sources like Jessica Yellen's Substack.

Key Points:

• Hands Off 2025: A national day of action encouraging rallies and grassroots movements to oppose harmful policies and defend essential services.
• Stay Informed: Leveraging resources like Substack to filter out noise and focus on factual, impactful news.
• Community and Support: Emphasizing the strength found in unity and shared efforts to overcome societal and political adversities.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica Yellen [50:31]: "We call our members of Congress this week and tell them that this is not okay and keep your paws off of our health and bodies and restore these vital services."
• Glennon Doyle [56:43]: "We can do hard things."

Final Thoughts

In this compelling episode, "We Can Do Hard Things" provides a thorough analysis of significant political developments impacting democracy, health, and civil liberties. Through insightful discussions and expert commentary from Jessica Yellin, the hosts shed light on both the setbacks and the victories that shape the current socio-political landscape. The episode not only informs but also empowers listeners to take active roles in fostering a more just and equitable society.