U.S. missile shortage, Trump’s secret Air Force One swap, “Choosin’ Texas” & a new political party? | Ep. 81
In this week's Brief: the U.S. has burned through a staggering share of its missile stockpile in the war with Iran — Patriot interceptors down over 50%, THAAD missiles depleted by 80%. Conner and Micah break down why replenishing these stockpiles takes years, and what it means for U.S. readiness. But they land on the reminder that while we can't control geopolitics, we can cast our anxieties on the God who holds it all.
From there, they dig into Tucker Carlson's rumored third-party ambitions and why there may actually be an appetite among Americans for a new political party with record-high frustration with both parties. Conner and Micah discuss whether this movement could actually reshape American politics, or if it's more style than substance.
Plus, Trump's secret Air Force One switcheroo over a credible assassination threat, two former NBA players filing for the WNBA draft to force a reckoning on eligibility, and Ella Langley's "Choosin’ Texas" closing in on the all-time Billboard record. Micah also says (see you later) as he steps back from his regular seat behind the mic.
Topics
- (0:00) Introduction
- (1:58) Iran war context
- (5:50) Missile stockpile crisis
- (15:44) Geopolitical risks ahead
- (17:10) Faith over anxiety
- (22:29) Tucker and Greene fallout
- (25:41) Polling fuels realignment
- (27:16) Can third parties win
- (34:38) Micah steps back
- (38:17) A New Kind of News
- (41:18) Air Force One switcheroo
- (44:06) WNBA eligibility debate
- (45:42) Song of the summer
- (48:52) Conclusion
Resources
- Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
- Culture Brief Instagram
- Watch on Youtube
- Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe
Articles on this week’s top headlines:
- U.S. has used nearly all its stockpile of long-range missiles in Iran war, sources say
- Renewed Iran War Would Test Diminished Interceptor Inventories
- Replacing an SM-3 Interceptor Takes Up to 64 Months. The US Military Just Spent Half Its Stock on Iran.
- America’s depleted weapons stockpiles undermine Trump’s leverage with Iran
- Pentagon pushing defense contractors to speed up weapons production
- Ukraine May Be Just the Ally America Needs
About Conner Jones
Conner Jones is the Managing Editor for Denison Forum at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.
About Micah Tomasella
Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.
About Denison Forum
Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.
All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.
