Refried Beans | Inside The Perfect Phone Call (feat. Simon Shuster) | 1/17/2024 - daily-beans Recap

Podcast: daily-beans

Published: 2026-01-17

Duration: 50 minutes

Guests: Simon Shuster

Summary

The episode covers significant political and legal developments, including Trump's low turnout GOP Iowa caucus win and the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial, while exploring Simon Shuster's insights on Zelensky's wartime leadership.

What Happened

Jury selection and opening statements began for the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial in New York, marking a significant legal challenge for Trump. This trial coincides with Trump's recent loss of several court appeals, including the denial of his immunity claims by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in the Carroll case.

Trump secured a victory in the GOP Iowa caucus, but the turnout was notably low, with only 56,280 votes, representing about 14% of registered Republicans. Meanwhile, House Republicans have decided not to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress, opting instead for a closed-door interview.

Roger Stone's inflammatory comments about assassinating Representatives Swalwell and Nadler have prompted investigations by the Capitol Police and the FBI, highlighting growing concerns about political rhetoric and safety.

On the international front, President Biden plans to relist Yemen's Houthis as global terrorists following their attacks on commercial vessels and U.S. assets. Additionally, Biden invited top congressional leaders to the White House to discuss national security funding, emphasizing aid for Ukraine and Israel.

Simon Shuster discussed his upcoming book, 'The Showman: Inside the Invasion That Shook the World and Made a Leader of Volodymyr Zelensky,' which provides an in-depth look at Zelensky's leadership during the Ukraine war. Zelensky's evolving military strategy included significant decisions like overriding General Zaluzhny to attack Russian positions in Kharkiv, leading to substantial territorial gains.

The episode also touched on the complexities of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which initially denied many applicants but has seen improvements under Biden's administration, resulting in loan forgiveness for eligible individuals. Additionally, a marine veteran in Oklahoma has been actively coordinating aid for the unhoused population, including those with pets.

Key Insights

• The E. Jean Carroll defamation trial against Trump has commenced in New York, coinciding with his recent legal setbacks, including the Second Circuit Court of Appeals denying his immunity claims.
• In the GOP Iowa caucus, Trump emerged victorious but with a low turnout of only 56,280 votes, representing about 14% of registered Republicans.
• President Biden plans to relist Yemen's Houthis as global terrorists in response to their attacks on commercial vessels and U.S. assets, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy.
• Volodymyr Zelensky's military strategy during the Ukraine war included a significant decision to override General Zaluzhny, leading to successful attacks on Russian positions in Kharkiv and substantial territorial gains.