[Finny]

Ernst has energy, intelligence and is conspicuously pro American.

That may be, but she sure failed to exhibit it in this response to Obama. On the contrary, she exhibited cliché thinking complete with platitudes and political timidity.

[mountainfolk]

Frankly, I find your critique of the Joni Ernst response to the Obama performance to be very cliched and agendized. You seem to be more interested in pushing some personal political opinions than in considering the impact of her response on the audience that was still lingering after Obama left the platform. There was no way that Ernst could have impacted anything that Obama threw out, one way or another. Her job was not to throw out some cutting remarks to make herself look tough and placate those who are currently not too pleased with the Republican party. I thought she had a well thought out message designed for the American people in general. Her personal experiences of growing up disadvantaged is identifiable to probably most of the posters on this board. Her outlook on the future also is in sync with those millions of Americans who have always looked forward regardless of past or current circumstances. Platitudes are not a bad thing anyway. Political timidity does not fit Senator Ernst whose life story is indicative of superior strength in belief of herself and America. You should rethink your motives for trying to lessen her in any way. Response to situations need not always invite acrimony or aggressiveness. Joni Ernst did a good job with her response and I applaud her.