"RECAP is a deep dive into the top Intel shared on social media, spotlighting what resonated most with my audience. In this segment, I unpack why these topics matter, break down my findings, and provide the latest updates on the stories driving the conversation."

Today's Hits.

• "Lunatic Rage": Nancy Mace's Fiery Town Hall Spotlights a Divided America
• Russian Fighter Jet Video Reveals Secretive US Spy Pod in Action
• From Colleague to Critic: Why Chuck Grassley Says He Was 'Naive' About former President Biden

"Lunatic Rage": Nancy Mace's Fiery Town Hall Spotlights a Divided America

In the hyper-polarized landscape of American politics, town hall meetings have increasingly become arenas for confrontation rather than civic dialogue. A recent event held by South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace serves as a potent example. The Republican congresswoman faced a barrage of jeers and pointed questions from constituents at a raucous town hall, leading to several heated exchanges. Rather than backing down, Mace met the hostility head-on, later dismissing the protesters' behavior in a Fox News interview as the product of "lunatic rage." Her stark choice of words quickly made headlines, perfectly capturing the deep-seated anger and frustration that now characterize many interactions between elected officials and the public.

The contentious atmosphere wasn't fueled by a single issue but by a cocktail of grievances that reflect the nation's broader political battles. According to reports from the event, constituents grilled Mace on a wide range of topics. Protesters voiced their anger over her pivotal vote to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, her nuanced but still conservative stance on abortion rights, and her recent headline-grabbing comments about banning "chemtrails." Throughout the meeting, Mace sparred directly with the crowd, defending her record and refusing to be shouted down. Her response after the fact—labeling the dissent as unhinged—signals a doubling down on her combative style, framing her critics not as concerned citizens but as an irrational mob.

This fiery town hall is more than just a local squabble; it's a microcosm of the current state of American political discourse. For Rep. Mace, who has carefully cultivated a brand as an independent-minded Republican maverick, the event highlights the difficulty of navigating a deeply divided electorate. While she has broken with her party on certain issues, her conservative positions on others continue to draw intense opposition. The "lunatic rage" incident underscores a growing trend where civility is eroded, and both politicians and voters appear locked in a cycle of mutual animosity. It serves as a stark reminder that in today's political climate, finding common ground is becoming an increasingly rare and difficult task.

That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., called the protests at her town hall “lunatic rage,” defending Trump’s immigration policies against critics. She claimed Democrats support criminals. Mace faced questions on due process for detainees, asserting she’d use the National Guard if possible.

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Russian Fighter Jet Video Reveals Secretive US Spy Pod in Action

A tense aerial encounter over the Black Sea recently provided a rare and revealing glimpse into secretive U.S. military technology. Footage, reportedly filmed from the cockpit of a Russian Su-35S fighter jet, captured a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft during an intercept. While such encounters have become routine in the region, this video was unique. It clearly showed the Poseidon flying with its AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) radar pod fully extended from beneath its fuselage—a configuration rarely seen in public and a significant intelligence catch for the pilot who filmed it.

The AN/APS-154 AAS is no ordinary sensor. It is a state-of-the-art, long-range radar system designed to provide incredibly detailed, high-resolution surveillance of both land and sea targets. Capable of tracking vehicles, ships, and other objects across vast areas with precision, the "canoe-like" pod is one of the P-8A's most powerful intelligence-gathering tools. Its appearance in the open is so uncommon because it is typically stowed flush against the aircraft's belly to maintain aerodynamics. The Russian footage, therefore, doesn't just show an American plane; it captures a powerful surveillance asset in the middle of an operational mission, offering a candid look at a system the Pentagon prefers to keep well out of the spotlight.

This incident underscores the high-stakes intelligence and surveillance game unfolding in the skies around Ukraine. The Black Sea remains a critical operational theater, and the U.S. and its NATO allies are conducting continuous ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions to monitor Russian naval and military activities. The intercept by the Russian fighter is a standard, albeit tense, procedure in international airspace. However, the release of this particular footage serves a dual purpose: it acts as a Russian propaganda tool showcasing their ability to shadow advanced American assets, while simultaneously giving the public an unprecedented window into the cutting-edge technology being deployed daily in this pivotal geopolitical conflict.

That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

Russian fighter footage shows a US Navy P-8A Poseidon with a rarely seen extended AN/APS-154 AAS radar pod over the Black Sea, highlighting its crucial intelligence role in the active war zone.

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From Colleague to Critic: Why Chuck Grassley Says He Was 'Naive' About former President Biden

In a striking admission that underscores Washington's deep political fractures, veteran Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa recently declared he was "naive" about former President Joe Biden. Having served alongside Biden in the Senate for decades, Grassley drew a sharp distinction between the man he knew as a fellow legislator and the leader now in the Oval Office. This wasn't just a fleeting political jab; it was a personal critique from a former colleague, suggesting a profound disappointment in what he sees as a fundamental shift in Biden's approach to governance. Grassley's comments, made during a podcast interview, highlight the erosion of the old-guard senatorial camaraderie that once defined their relationship, framing the former President as a departure from the more moderate, deal-making "Senator Biden" he once knew.

Diving into the specifics, Grassley's criticism centers on two main arguments: a perceived cognitive decline and the belief that the former President was no longer in full command of his own administration. Echoing a common Republican talking point, Grassley has voiced concerns about the President's mental acuity. More pointedly, he has claimed that former President Biden is heavily controlled by his staff and beholden to the progressive wing of the Democratic party. This, in Grassley's view, has led to an "ineffective" presidency marked by executive actions and policies, such as certain presidential pardons, that he believes the Biden of the Senate would never have supported. This narrative paints a picture of a president who has abandoned his centrist roots in favor of a far-left agenda he doesn't fully control.

While Grassley's assessment provides a unique, personal lens, it also aligns perfectly with a broader Republican strategy to frame the former President as unfit for office. The critiques of age, mental fitness, and staff influence have become central themes in the GOP's messaging. Naturally, the White House and its allies dismiss these accusations as predictable, partisan attacks designed to undermine the former President's authority. However, when such criticism comes from someone with a 30-year working history with Joe Biden, it carries a different weight in the political arena. It transforms a standard line of attack into a more personal and compelling narrative about the perceived transformation of one of America's longest-serving public figures.

That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, called former President Joe Biden ineffective, citing his perception of Biden’s mental decline, staff control, and pardons. Grassley admitted being “naive” about “President Biden” vs. “Sen. Biden.”

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What else is smoking?

That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

The Air Force will grant military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, killed during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, reversing a prior denial. This follows a $5M settlement for her family and draws mixed reactions.

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That Smoke Pit Veteran (@thatsmokepit.vet) on Threads

A 32-year-old Army captain, Jacob Suenkel, pleaded guilty to selling over $150,000 worth of stolen equipment from Fort Stewart, GA, including a Bobcat skid-steer. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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