This week, why we shouldn’t be afraid of using the other F-word: fascism, especially as the Right shatters political norms, turns citizens into public enemies, and politicizes the military. Rachel and Aaron discuss a Democrat who joked about violence, a Republican who preaches it, a billionaire who builds it into the algorithm, and a movement now summoning generals for loyalty oaths. Plus: The political strategies and public polling behind the government shutdown. Who, exactly, is getting the blame?

LINKS:

• France24: Elon Musk: The voice of the far right in Europe?
• Stephen Miller’s cousin on Facebook: “the face of evil”
• The Cycle - Substack: We’re Deep in the Shit Now: The Only Way to Win the Shutdown Was Not to Play
• Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game