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 S**t 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

The Cycle- On Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecycle.substack.com/subscribe