By now, John, you might have heard about the big story out of the Midwest that's captured the political world's attention this past week: Iowa Senator Joni Ernst and her no-good, very bad efforts to defend the Medicaid and SNAP cuts that House Republicans passed.
Ernst was confronted at a town hall by constituents about the truly life-altering impact of slashing these essential programs. Her response? "Well, we all are going to die."
She was roundly condemned for her comments (though, tellingly, every Republican House member from Iowa was silent...). And then she made her situation even worse.
In an "apology" video – filmed at a cemetery – she bizarrely brought up the tooth fairy and concluded by telling viewers: "For those that would like to see eternal and everlasting life, I encourage you to embrace my Lord and savior Jesus Christ."
The public saw that this wasn't some isolated gaffe. Here was a major Republican, backed into a corner after failing to plausibly defend her party's horrible policies, turning to outright mockery and callousness to tell voters: your life doesn't matter because death is inevitable, so why care about us cutting your healthcare or food assistance?
This saga revealed a lot about the Congressional Republican mindset, and it's given everyone who's determined to stop the Medicaid-busting budget bill renewed momentum in the fight. It happened because folks in the Midwest felt empowered to go out to town halls and put their elected officials on the spot.
That's exactly what we at Midwest Majority PAC are working toward this year: engaging, inspiring, and mobilizing folks to make their voices heard and challenge the representatives who have decided to turn their backs on our shared values.
It's not just about creating headlines; it has a real impact on the policies and legislation that move – or don't move – through Congress. And it helps shape the views of the electorate heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
We're committed to turning folks out this summer and beyond in key districts – and we're going to need your help. So can we count on you to chip in a few dollars? We're scaling up our outreach, and every contribution helps us get the word out further.
Thanks so much,
Team MMP
