<p>This week, why we shouldn’t be afraid of using the <em>other</em> 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?</p><p>LINKS:</p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZrkiwnLhao">France24: Elon Musk: The voice of the far right in Europe?</a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/thetonymichaels/status/1974820228920979639/photo/1">Stephen Miller’s cousin on Facebook: “the face of evil”</a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://thecycle.substack.com/p/were-deep-in-the-s**t-now">The Cycle - Substack: </a><a target="_blank" href="https://thecycle.substack.com/p/were-deep-in-the-s**t-now"><em>We’re Deep in the S**t Now: The Only Way to Win the Shutdown Was Not to Play</em></a></p><p>* <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hitemwhereithurts.com/"><em>Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game</em></a><em> </em></p><p><p>The Cycle- On Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://thecycle.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">thecycle.substack.com/subscribe</a>