Thanks, Dave. I was offended by her original comment—now, I am insulted and really pissed off. First, the tooth fairy comment, then her reference to her lord and savior. What the…? Just who does she think she is? I know her as the woman who COULD and SHOULD have stopped Hegseth, but caved; the Doge supporter who never squealed about Musk ending all the agencies with active investigations against him and who continues to parrot the Waste Fraud and Abuse mantra while remaining silent (and complicit) about the corruption emanating from the White House. You are correct, Iowans must remember and make sure we all remember those silly, arrogant comments. BTW—her taxpayer funded gold plated health care program we pay for will be hers for all of her life—unlike those working poor Iowans who are at the mercy of politicians who are on the hunt for waste, fraud, etc, etc.
She is awful representation for the people of Iowa. I am eagerly looking forward to voting for her opponent, whoever that may be. Thoroughly disgusted - the “apology” video was icing on an already bitter cake.
To follow up that awful town hall with the insulting Instagram video shows Ernst has gone full MAGA. “If Trump can get away insulting everyone, I can, too.”
She shows zero evidence of following the oldie but goodie, “When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.”
This was so on the money Dave. You hit every button except was the video backdrop a cemetery? Stunned and insulted. Ernst wouldn’t have my vote before this and am hoping her followers see the light and not the light Ernst threw in at end of that video.
It's time for Iowans and the nation to make here squeal and get her out of Washington. It's hard to imagine that Iowans replaced the remarkable Tom Harkin with her.
It is indeed sad that she succeeded Harkin, though I respect the decision he made. It was right for him and Ruth. If only more politicians were as wise and would step down when it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation.
I agree. I wish Grassley had been wise enough to make the same decision while he could have enjoyed some time with his family as well instead of staying and going downhill as he has been for awhile now. I remember interviewing him a time or two when he was pretty sharp and knew exactly what was going on and even had a pretty good sense of humor. It’s hard getting old and walking away from a job you love.
I saw her comment and if I had been in the room my reply might have said the following. “Senator with all due respect, thank you for stating the obvious…but the reason we are here is because it is how we may die that is at issue. Failure to get medical aide and or needed food because the government doesn't think we need it even though most of the most vulnerable will have no other access that has been provided in the past. We are talking about dignity and respect all of which are lacking in your response.” She does not wear sarcasm well and hopefully the people of Iowa can respond with their votes.
You said what a good person would say, Brian, because you are one. I used to think she was a decent person, regardless of disagreeing with her policy positions. But the way she has handled this, and her gutless confirmation of Hegseth are clear signs that her priorities are preservation of power and to hell with her own reputation and to hell with everyone else.
I found her reply not only to be sarcastic, but morbid and morose. And in a cemetery? Who does that? I also wondered if she had "lost it." Any kind and considerate person would sincerely apologize and address the stated fears. When people show you who they are....
Well said, Dave. Honestly, my first thought when I heard that video was, “will you please stop pandering to mean and stupid people?” I mean, that’s the only people this is going to play well to. And hopefully, there aren’t enough of them to re-elect her this time around.
The whole Jesus Christ thing at the end was insulting to everyone, including Jesus. Fortunately, He can take it!
Who would? My beautiful mother always was polite and I never heard her say rude things about anyone. I do remember her telling me I had the choice of friends. We need to vote our choice for our families.
John and I looked at each other, shook our heads and said, “This must be AI generated!” we couldn’t believe that Joni would stoop so low! I agree with you: Democrats need to run the hell out of those videos to ensure that woman is defeated in the next election!
I remember a few years ago she showed some weird game show-like chart at a senate hearing, apparently thinking her comedic skills would advance her message and standing among those from whom she wanted attention.
Kind of the same this time - is her primary audience one person?
Her self-righteous, condescending snark should make every Iowan recoil in disgust. Why do so many Republicans think they only need to represent the views of the constituents that voted for them, or that ascribe to the MAGA religion? You need to support and legislate for ALL Iowans, Joni. Wipe that holier-than-thou smirk off your face. If you're truly a Christian, show it by following the teachings of Jesus like compassion, care and understanding for the weak and needy.
She's right, we're all gonna die. And the only thing we leave behind is our legacy. What's her legacy gonna be? And no, she didn't do Jesus any favors either. We know who her true master is.
Thank you Dave. You helped motivate my substack post today: The Politician Who Laughed at Life and Death --Exacting the Political Cost of Callousnes
Parties with the resources use a variety of polling to determine immigration messaging (Laura Belin wrote the messaging on immigration). I am waiting for new Republican messaging, at least creative defense, or using the Trump technique--blame the democrats for what Ernst said. I am also waiting for Democrat leaders and candidates to use their megaphones daily about the 1000 page bill, which conducts a 1000 year war on everyday Iowans.
Iowa has seen protests to support rural hospitals (I think it was Knoxville. Every politico/candidate should be filmed standing in front of this very visible reminder of the impact of the cuts.
Thanks, Dave. I was offended by her original comment—now, I am insulted and really pissed off. First, the tooth fairy comment, then her reference to her lord and savior. What the…? Just who does she think she is? I know her as the woman who COULD and SHOULD have stopped Hegseth, but caved; the Doge supporter who never squealed about Musk ending all the agencies with active investigations against him and who continues to parrot the Waste Fraud and Abuse mantra while remaining silent (and complicit) about the corruption emanating from the White House. You are correct, Iowans must remember and make sure we all remember those silly, arrogant comments. BTW—her taxpayer funded gold plated health care program we pay for will be hers for all of her life—unlike those working poor Iowans who are at the mercy of politicians who are on the hunt for waste, fraud, etc, etc.
She must think she’s in a safe seat. Perhaps she is. People have short memories and November 2026 is a long way off.
We can't stand her. She votes against conservative values and is a warmongering neocon.
She is awful representation for the people of Iowa. I am eagerly looking forward to voting for her opponent, whoever that may be. Thoroughly disgusted - the “apology” video was icing on an already bitter cake.
All of our (so called) conservative reps need voting out.
To follow up that awful town hall with the insulting Instagram video shows Ernst has gone full MAGA. “If Trump can get away insulting everyone, I can, too.”
She shows zero evidence of following the oldie but goodie, “When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.”
I wonder if she got some interesting looks from staff when she returned to the office today.
Johnson suggested that they not do town halls this year because we are angry. They did do some and they ALL got an earful. They don't care.
This was so on the money Dave. You hit every button except was the video backdrop a cemetery? Stunned and insulted. Ernst wouldn’t have my vote before this and am hoping her followers see the light and not the light Ernst threw in at end of that video.
It was indeed in a cemetery. Classy.
It's time for Iowans and the nation to make here squeal and get her out of Washington. It's hard to imagine that Iowans replaced the remarkable Tom Harkin with her.
It is indeed sad that she succeeded Harkin, though I respect the decision he made. It was right for him and Ruth. If only more politicians were as wise and would step down when it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation.
I agree. I wish Grassley had been wise enough to make the same decision while he could have enjoyed some time with his family as well instead of staying and going downhill as he has been for awhile now. I remember interviewing him a time or two when he was pretty sharp and knew exactly what was going on and even had a pretty good sense of humor. It’s hard getting old and walking away from a job you love.
I saw her comment and if I had been in the room my reply might have said the following. “Senator with all due respect, thank you for stating the obvious…but the reason we are here is because it is how we may die that is at issue. Failure to get medical aide and or needed food because the government doesn't think we need it even though most of the most vulnerable will have no other access that has been provided in the past. We are talking about dignity and respect all of which are lacking in your response.” She does not wear sarcasm well and hopefully the people of Iowa can respond with their votes.
You said what a good person would say, Brian, because you are one. I used to think she was a decent person, regardless of disagreeing with her policy positions. But the way she has handled this, and her gutless confirmation of Hegseth are clear signs that her priorities are preservation of power and to hell with her own reputation and to hell with everyone else.
Someday we should talk about Josh Hawley!
I found her reply not only to be sarcastic, but morbid and morose. And in a cemetery? Who does that? I also wondered if she had "lost it." Any kind and considerate person would sincerely apologize and address the stated fears. When people show you who they are....
…believe them!
Well said, Dave. Honestly, my first thought when I heard that video was, “will you please stop pandering to mean and stupid people?” I mean, that’s the only people this is going to play well to. And hopefully, there aren’t enough of them to re-elect her this time around.
The whole Jesus Christ thing at the end was insulting to everyone, including Jesus. Fortunately, He can take it!
I’d be curious to know if anyone, including her supporters, thinks the follow up video knocked it out of the park. Anyone proud she did this?
Who would? My beautiful mother always was polite and I never heard her say rude things about anyone. I do remember her telling me I had the choice of friends. We need to vote our choice for our families.
With apologies to Oscar Wilde, an alternate title could be The Importance of Being Ernst
😂
Good one, Mark. I have a feeling Oscar would approve.
John and I looked at each other, shook our heads and said, “This must be AI generated!” we couldn’t believe that Joni would stoop so low! I agree with you: Democrats need to run the hell out of those videos to ensure that woman is defeated in the next election!
Agree. But we can’t just run against her. We need to run FOR something.
Just.Plain.Wierd. You nailed it again, Dave.
“What the?” is exactly how I felt, too.
I remember a few years ago she showed some weird game show-like chart at a senate hearing, apparently thinking her comedic skills would advance her message and standing among those from whom she wanted attention.
Kind of the same this time - is her primary audience one person?
Thank you, Dave.
Her self-righteous, condescending snark should make every Iowan recoil in disgust. Why do so many Republicans think they only need to represent the views of the constituents that voted for them, or that ascribe to the MAGA religion? You need to support and legislate for ALL Iowans, Joni. Wipe that holier-than-thou smirk off your face. If you're truly a Christian, show it by following the teachings of Jesus like compassion, care and understanding for the weak and needy.
She's right, we're all gonna die. And the only thing we leave behind is our legacy. What's her legacy gonna be? And no, she didn't do Jesus any favors either. We know who her true master is.
I don’t think this makes the first line of her obituary, but it deserves a mention!
Ernst's comments were behind insulting -- and will definitely come back to haunt her in the future. This is not how a public servant should behave.
I hope you are right Amy - that this will haunt her. I wish I had more confidence in Iowa voters.
Thank you Dave. You helped motivate my substack post today: The Politician Who Laughed at Life and Death --Exacting the Political Cost of Callousnes
Parties with the resources use a variety of polling to determine immigration messaging (Laura Belin wrote the messaging on immigration). I am waiting for new Republican messaging, at least creative defense, or using the Trump technique--blame the democrats for what Ernst said. I am also waiting for Democrat leaders and candidates to use their megaphones daily about the 1000 page bill, which conducts a 1000 year war on everyday Iowans.
Iowa has seen protests to support rural hospitals (I think it was Knoxville. Every politico/candidate should be filmed standing in front of this very visible reminder of the impact of the cuts.