This is America

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