The Cycle- On Substack

This week Rachel and Aaron dive into the hurricane of Donald Trump’s chaos – from Jeffrey Epstein… to an unprecedented affordability crisis… to a new health care crisis… to an identity crisis for MAGA. Plus, a lesson for Democrats on how to message affordability. And another underwater poll for Donald Trump, “the dog that hasn’t barked.”LINKS:* The Cycle on Substack: Should I Stay or Should I Go?* AP/NORC Survey: Trump’s approval rating remains low during government shutdown* Axios: The affordability crisis, once Biden’s, is now Trump’s* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own GameThe 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

This week Rachel and Aaron unpack the GOP’s framing of thousands of peaceful “No Kings” protests as “Hate America” rallies. How, exactly, did Republicans lose control of the narrative–at least for a weekend? Plus, why House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to swear-in America’s newest member of Congress. And what do Venezuelan boat strikes have to do with disgraced Congressman George Santos?LINKS:* ABC’s This Week: Jonathan Karl interviews Speaker Mike Johnson* NBC’s Meet the Press: Kristen Welker interviews Senator Rand Paul* ABC News: Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva on ‘delay tactics’ in being sworn into Congress* The Cycle on Substack* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game 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

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

This week Rachel and Aaron discuss the Trump Administration’s reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death, his martyrdom, and what’s next on the march into authoritarianism. Plus, a trip to the front lines of Trump’s tariffs: rural America. Why are farmers are feeling the pinch first? And Trump crosses a thin red line by ordering the U.S. Department of Justice to target his political enemies, facts be damned.LINKS:* Substack - The Cycle: From Goebbels to Google: Same S**t, Different Century* Truth Social: Trump says opponents are “guilty as hell” – without evidence* Hot Mic: “Our brand is in crisis”* Imperial March in Washington, DC* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game 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

With Labor Day behind us, Trump’s honeymoon is over and his march into fascist authoritarianism is in full force. This week Rachel and Aaron look at his latest distraction from a nosediving economy and the Epstein Files: an armed, federal invasion of America’s third-largest city. Plus, market instability rocks America’ farmers as Trump’s tariffs take a toll, a grilling for RFK junior (and no, we’re not talking about his face), and Gov. Newsom’s master class in political mockery looks awfully familiar.LINKS:* Substack - The Cycle: A Blue Tsunami is Headed for Virginia and New Jersey* Substack - The Cycle: Democrats Want to Run on Affordability: Here’s How to Do it Right* American Soybean Association: ‘A trade and financial precipice’* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own GameThe 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

Thank you Joe Jones, Maureen Drews, Dianna Richardson, Mary Detweiler, and many others for tuning into my live video with Susan Wagner! Join me for my next live video in the app. 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

Why are Republicans trying to give themselves an edge in Congress? In the words of one GOP lawmaker: “Because we can.” This week, Rachel and Aaron separate the facts from JD Vance’s alt reality as some Democrats prepare to fight fire with fire. Plus: Trump takes federal control over Washington DC. And South Park sends up America’s most notorious puppy killer.LINKS:* YouTube: President Trump holds news conference on plans to address D.C. crime* Gavin Newsom to Trump: ‘You Are Playing With Fire’* The Cycle (Substack): Appeasement Didn’t Work Then; It Won’t Work NowThe 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

Facts are stubborn things, at least two of Trump’s predecessors have said. And for Trump on the economy—and Jeffrey Epstein–-there’s nothing to see here. This week Rachel and Aaron look at what the latest job numbers mean for Trump 2.0. Plus, Trump is making his own list… of political enemies. And secret documents in a secret annex at FBI Headquarters? Pssh.LINKS* New York Times: Until Trump Fired Her, She Was an Economist With Bipartisan Support* ABC News: Joe Rogan slams Trump administration over Epstein investigation: 'Trying to gaslight'* The Breakfast Club: Charlamagne Responds To Donald Trump’s ‘Truth Social’ Post About Him* The Cycle (Substack): The Anatomy of “Othering”: How Authoritarians Build Permission for Violence* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game’ 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

This week Rachel and Aaron stick to the one scandal that’s finally sticking to Teflon Don: Jeffrey Epstein, and the Trump Administration’s spectacular inability to control the narrative. Rachel dives into the need to “politicize everything.” A look at how Trump 2.0 is using immigration to destroy democracy with quiet bureaucracy. And why are some Dems demanding to fight “fire with fire” after the latest GOP effort to retain control of the U.S. House?LINKS:* The Cycle (Substack): Politicize Everything: A Blueprint for a Party that Fights* YouTube: 'You’ve got no rights’: teenage US citizen records violent arrest by immigration officers* The Guardian: How Trump has supercharged the immigration crackdown - in data* YouTube: 'Epstein Partied With Trump': Texas Congressional Candidate Dragged Out Of Hearing* YouTube: California's Newsom Calls To 'Fight Fire With Fire' As Texas Considers Redistricting* Surrounded (Jubilee Media): 1 Progressive vs 20 Far-Right Conservatives (ft. Mehdi Hasan)* 50501: Rage Against the Regime | August 2, 2025* The National: Convicted US Felon to Arrive in ScotlandThe 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

This week, as Trump’s FEMA struggles to answer questions about consequential budget cuts in the aftermath of Texas flooding, Rachel and Aaron look at how the Republican Party deliberately turned climate change into a conspiracy theory. It’s MAGA thought control. Plus, the FBI tries to go after thought crimes. And the Epstein Scandal threatens to unravel MAGA, despite Trump’s best efforts to move on. Which of his allies aren’t letting it go?LINKS:* The Cycle (Substack): The Big Ugly Cuts to Climate Science* Nancy Pelosi & Newt Gingrich Climate PSA (2008)* Frontline: Climate of Doubt* New York Times: The F.B.I. Is Using Polygraphs to Test Officials’ Loyalty* KOCO-TV (Oklahoma City): OSDE introduces 'America First Assessment' for teachers moving from certain states* Megyn Kelly & Charlie Kirk on Epstein scandal* The Hill: Bannon warns GOP could lose 40 House seats over Epstein files* Vox: Why everyone runs for president these days* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own GameThe 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

Live Free. Die Fast. Get Digested… slowly. Welcome to “Alligator Alcatraz,” America’s first concentration camp. Plus, Rachel and Aaron explore the future, or not, of Elon Musk’s new “America Party.” Why, exactly, is America stuck with a two-party system? Meteorologists show us how cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service impact weather disaster warning systems. And Jeffrey Epstein’s client list has broken MAGA. LINKS:* The Cycle on Subtack: Elon Musk announces a new party* KXAN-TV (Austin, TX): Head of local weather warnings takes early retirement as NOAA cuts continue* Oxford Reference: Duverger’s Law* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own GameDo you like This is America? If so, don’t keep it all to yourselves- send it to your friends! 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

What the hell is happening with Iran and Donald “No Wars” Trump? This week Rachel and Aaron break down the confusion, and the rift it’s causing in MAGA’s alt-reality. Plus, Rachel has an important lesson for the news media about the difference between rioting and protesting. How decaying democracy has opened the door to political violence and… who told “Whisky Pete” Hegseth to “be a man” during a hearing on Capitol Hill?LINKS:* New York Times: Shifting Views and Misdirection: How Trump Decided to Strike Iran* Tucker Carlson: Tucker Confronts Ted Cruz on His Support for Regime Change in Iran* Sen. Slotkin to Hegseth: “Be a man”* The Cycle: Monday Memo (Substack): Welcome Back to the ’70s, Baby!* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game 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

Folks, Today we’re living history with Joe Walsh—-Tea Party congressman to Never Trump activist, to an card carrying Democrat!! I’m excited to announce that last week Joe decided to put a ring on it and officially become a Democrat.And here is one thing that makes him a fairly unique Democrat, the very kind we desperately need: he’s a fighter. I hope you’ll agree with me, these the days for heroes and I for one and ecstatic to add Joe and his arsenal of rhetorical weapons to the party. In fact, I welcome everyone to go read through some of the content on Joe’s Substack The Social Contract with Joe Walsh. The Republican Party’s propaganda machine has done an excellent job of defining democrats, a party dominated by moderates, as a party of extremists.There is nothing more extreme than pretending an election was stolen and then trying to sick a mob on the Capitol to violently seize power after his party-wide coup plan failed. Now, if you are member of Joe’s audience, and not mine, I am a former political scientist turned political analyst/strategist who has devoted her entire life to trying to get Democrats to make electoral war, not love. You can check out my work and order by book at here. Ok, back to this Living History episode. Living History is based on the idea that the present now will later be past. Future historians will be writing books about what we’re living through RIGHT NOW. So its important to both record and make history ourselves right now. When the books get written about America in the early 21st century, lets make sure the books are about the true Patriots who stood up to stop fascism. -Rachel 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

This week we bring you into the strategy driving Trump’s decision to send the National Guard and the marines into LA. Rachel compares the fiery I.C.E. protests with how the Nazis rose to power in 1930s Germany, plus how does Elon’s and Don’s Big Beautiful Breakup threaten the President’s tax cuts for billionaires? We also unpack the DOJ’s fishy case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia. LINKS:* Newsom to Defense Secretary Hegseth: Rescind National Guard Order* LA Protesters Angry w/ Mayor Karen Bass & Governor Gavin Newsom* Justice Department documents re: Kilmar Abrego Garcia* The Cycle Monday Memo: Something Wicked This Way Comes (Substack)* POLITICO: ‘You essentially destroyed any chance I have,’ DNC chair told David Hogg in private meeting* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game 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

Folks!Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Living History pod. I’m excited to bring you this unique conversation with Don Lemon, former anchor at CNN but current anchor of his new independent media project The Don Lemon Show on YouTube. And Don is covering all his new media bases, offering his content via youtube, X, Bluesky, Insta, and Subtack. The premise of the show is that we’re living through extraordinary times, a time period future historians will write books about. Thus, it behooves us all to keep records of what it was like to live through this, from a variety of different perspectives: journalists, authors, politicians, and others who each bring their own distinct perspectives to assess what we’re seeing under Trump 2.0. The present now, will later be past. Its important that we capture this moment in time. We’re living history. Rachel PS: I hope you enjoy this free premier of Living History! If you like the concept of the show, let me know what you think in the comments.Want these interviews to run a full hour or do you like the 30 minute format?Do you have people you’d like me to bring on to the show? Let me know! 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

This week Rachel and Aaron follow Elon “Black Eye” Musk out the door as he whines about the American political system he destroyed. Plus: cracks in the ice when it comes to criticizing Donald Trump and the Big Ugly Bill, a weird reminder of death from a U.S. Senator (and a weirder “apology”). What happens when you call a fascist… a fascist? And we take a hard look at the Great Replacement Theory through the lens of Tucker Carlson.LINKS:* New York Times: On the Campaign Trail, Elon Musk Juggled Drugs and Family Drama* Associated Press: Musk put a spotlight on federal spending, but cut less than he wanted* Elon Musk interview on CBS This Morning* Sen. Rand Paul on Face the Nation* Sen. Joni Ernst: “We’re all going to die”* Ernst makes sarcastic “apology” in graveyard* Woman calls out Rep. Mike Flood as a fascist* Trump confronted by TACO Theory* Tucker Carlson interview with Canadian MP Maxime Bernier* Trump throws 500-word hissyfit about Leornard Leo and the Federalist Society* The Cycle on Subtack* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own GameThe Cycle- On Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for reading The Cycle- On Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it. 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

This week Rachel and Aaron translate Trump’s Marie Antoinette “Let Them Eat Tariffs" moment. Plus, an alarming shakeup in the national intelligence community with echoes from history. In Trump’s DOJ if you can’t charge ‘em, shame ‘em.LINKS:* Trump post: Wal-Mart should ‘EAT THE TARIFFS’* Associated Press: Gabbard fires 2 top intelligence officials and will shift office that preps Trump’s daily brief* NBC’s Meet the Press: Interview with Mike Pence (May 18, 2025)* Fox: Sunday Morning Futures: Interview with Kash Patel & Dan Bongino (May 18, 2025)* USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on Trump banner* NBC News: DOJ 'weaponization' group will shame individuals it can't charge with crimes* CNN: James Comey’s ‘weird’ social media approach lands him in hot water* VIDEO: Rep. Swalwell presses HS Secretary Noem on doctored photo* The Cycle on Subtack: Trump's Executive Orders Serve One Sinister Purpose* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game 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

My conversation with Richard Hanania, author of The Origins of Woke and contributor on Project 2025 is one of the most important conversations I’ve had on this show. Important for you and important for his audience too. If you want to know why I say that, you’ll have to give it a listen because I’m way too smart to lay it out here for you! You’ll learn from the conversation Hanania’s break with the Trump Cult over the insanity of DOGE and Trump’s tariffs has produced a predictable backlash from MAGA.There is only one rule of MAGA Fight Club and its never, ever insult the boss or admit he’s wrong. Last week Hanania put up a really compelling article on his own Substack you can find right here titled: What I Got Wrong About Trump. Again as a political behaviorist, let me reiterate that two things are particularly hard psychologically for anyone to do (and most can’t do at all) and those two things are:* admitting you got something wrong* Breaking with your own “tribe” to do so. Show Richard Hanania some grace folks, and give his mea culpa a read: Get content you won’t find anywhere else. 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

Trump pushes socialist price controls for pharmaceuticals, refugee status for white people and free flights out for everyone else. Rachel and Aaron also dive into the effort to suspend the U.S. Constitution, and compare how Trump’s chaotic presidency parallels the rise of Vladimir Putin. Plus…Da Pope offers inspiring words for the world.LINKS:* Trump wants drug price controls (* Trump bashes price controls on Truth Social (August 2024)* White House: TO ALL ILLEGAL ALIENS: BOOK YOUR FREE FLIGHT NOW* Cardinal Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) tweet re: JD Vance (Feb 3)* Bannon’s War Room: Marjorie Taylor Greene* Rachel on white South African refugees* OANN on Twitter* Pope Leo XIV: “Evil will not win”* Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game* The Cycle on Substack 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

History is certainly echoing now!Folks, I’m returning to my conversational pods with interesting people talking about interesting s**t. I’m kicking things off by living by example and doing a crossover show with THE Mr. Beat, who hosts a very popular You Tube channel. There’s a whole world out there that doesn’t engage with or see any of the political content that are the staples of our lives. AND that world is much, much bigger than our world. This is why we’re seeing a concerted effort by Democrats to do something they have always feared: have real conservations with real people on media people actually watch. Don’t forget, the average daily audience of MSNBC is 700,000 people. That’s about .000000001% of the country watching Deadline, in case you’re wondering why people voted for fascism. In fact, on Monday you’re going to get a very important announcement about the future of The Cycle and the cool s**t we’re going to be dropping as the year progresses. Anyhoo, Mr. Beat was kind enough to come have a conversation with me about what my new major thesis: American history is actually just one book with different chapters, those chapters being: * The Great Compromise (AKA: The Constitution* The Expansion of the American West * Civil War* End of Reconstruction and the introduction of Jim Crow* The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960sANNNNDDDD Chapter 6: Whatever the F**k it is That This MAGA Thing is Going to End With.Because that book is still be written. Right now. By us. Now, before any of you get too excited about that you should know this is what I’m noodling on in terms of my next book proposal: preemptively titled as Living History. Once I go to sell it, it will end up with a 15 word subtitle so I’m going to enjoy my two word title until they pay me money to get over it. As subscribers to The Cycle y’all are the very first people to hear about this new project which is still in its early planning stages. Back to Mr. Beat, who figured out he could make more money swinging history videos on You Tube than he made after 11 years of being a high school history teacher (which you should read as a testament to how shitty teacher pay it is). He is also a published author of The Power of Our Supreme Court: How Supreme Court Cases Shape Democracy and you should check it out! I hope you enjoy our crossover conversation! You can subscribe to Mr. Beats You Tube You right here! AND of course you can share and subscribe to The Cycle here! Did you learn something new from today’s conversation? Don’t be a knowledge hoarder!! Hit share! Do you appreciate my fusion of political science, data, history, economics, and culture?? Subscribe now!!! 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