There are certain times when interpreting an expression on someone’s face is close to actual mind reading. Under the last photo of Rep. Ryan the strong signal I hear is “What an a**hole!” And most of America agrees.
He was putting on an ostentatious display of challenge politics -- personal challenge, i.e. disrespect and ridicule, directed at his opponent. "Yeah, I'm laughing at you, punk! You want this job? You're a joke!"
Old-school political brawling. Works for some people.