This week Rachel and Aaron change up the format to take a deep dive into the arrest and deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, imprisoned in El Salvador without due process despite a U.S. Supreme Court order to “facilitate” his return. The case has chilling parallels to what happened in Germany between 1933 and 1945. This is a warning from history worth understanding.LINKSThe Persecution and Murder of the European Jews by Nazi Germany, 1933–1945Full news conference: Trump and President Bukele of El SalvadorRep. Steven Horsford blasts U.S. trade rep after Trump tariff pauseHit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game
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Episode 11: It's the Stupid Economy
Trump’s planned destruction of America’s economy is a pivotal political moment. This week Rachel and Aaron offer advice for “normies” who are just now waking up to the mess. Plus, a reading of the tea leaves after the recent special elections, how to send us your best signs for this month’s next nationwide protests, and why was this week’s show a little late? We’ve got an exciting reason!LINKS:The 50501 Movement (April 19th protests)Sen. Rand Paul’s resolution to “Reassert Congressional Authority Over Tax Policy”Project 2025 Tracker
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Episode 10: Very Special Elections
It's Election Day! Will it be a difficult one for MAGA in Wisconsin and Florida? Plus, Rachel and Aaron get into the nitty gritty over Third Term Gate… and Signal Gate. The Trump Tax, er “Liberation Day,” prompts Aaron to move up his car shopping timeline. Musk gives away millions. And what's the one issue voters associate most with the Democratic Party? The answer may surprise you.LINKS:NBC News: Trump won’t rule out seeking a third term in the White HouseThe Intercept: In Trump’s America, You Can Be Disappeared for Writing an Op-EdThe Tufts Daily: Op-ed coauthored by Rümeysa ÖztürkThe Cycle on Substack: Voters Have No Idea What Democrats Stand ForThe New York Times: Marine Le Pen Barred From French Presidential Run After Embezzlement RulingHit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game
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Episode 09: Backdraft
This week Rachel and Aaron chase the firetrucks to the dumpster fire of the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress who’re trying to defend it. How do you explain an unprecedented security breach involving secret war plans accidentally shared with a news editor? Where do voters draw a line in the sand? Plus, a closer look at why Elon Musk is trying to break the Overton Window. And are spring breakers really this… dumb?LINKS:The Atlantic: The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War PlansNew York Times: Musk Is Positioned to Profit Off Billions in New Government ContractsCampaign Website: Judge Susan Crawford for Wisconsin Supreme CourtGreenland’s Prime Minister: “Taking over our country over our heads”CNN: Angry voters confront GOP lawmaker at town hall in WashingtonLibertyHangout.tv on YouTube: Spring Breakers Fail American History TriviaRachel at The Cycle: What is the Overton Window and Why is Elon Musk Breaking It?Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game
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Episode 08: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
This week Rachel and Aaron explore the good, the bad and the ugly. Why is Schumer’s vote to keep the government open an important political move? What prompted a pissed-off federal judge to issue an order from the bench? And what do the latest poll numbers mean for Trump 2.0? Plus: adios, habeas corpus. And we drop into a fiery town hall meeting in North Carolina’s bright red 11th Congressional District.LINKS:Rachel on The Cycle: Never Interrupt Your Enemy When They Are Making a MistakeMSNBC: ‘A sham: Federal judge blasts Trump admin on improper firings of federal workers; orders rehiringQuinnipiac University Poll: Voters’ Ratings on Economy and Trump DipNBC March 2025 PollHit ‘Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game
About This is America: Checked In for the Checked Out
From the front lines of protecting democracy, political analysts Rachel Bitecofer and Aaron Murphy, authors of Hit 'Em Where it Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game (Crown, 2024), host a brief, weekly look at "what you need to know" about Trump 2.0. They're checked in for the checked out.This is America is a callback to William L. Shirer's groundbreaking This is Berlin broadcasts from the rise of Nazi Germany in the 1930s.Subscribe to Rachel's The Cycle on Substack at thecycle.substack.com.Hit 'Em Where it Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game:hitemwhereithurts.com.
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