

Episode 25: Dept. of War
This is America: Checked In for the Checked Out by Rachel Bitecofer & Aaron Murphy
E25
Sep 9, 2025
27:00
Episode notes
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 Game
Keywords
MAGA
Political Commentary
Hit 'Em Where It Hurts
Culture
Fascism
Economy
Civics
Nazi Germany
Vladimir Putin
Jeffrey Epstein
Tariffs
Gavin Newsom
JB Pritzker
RFK