Joni Ernst's win over Rep. Bruce Braley (D) to win a Senate seat in Iowa thrilled Republicans Tuesday night, as her victory helped the GOP take control of the Senate for the first time in eight years.
But some quickly became uncomfortable with the new GOP star during her acceptance speech, in which she repeatedly unleashed a dry cackle that immediately drew harsh reactions and set off a raging Twitter debate Tuesday night.
Some reveled in the harsh sound as one that would likely rub salt in the wounds of Democrats. "Joni Ernst has... an incredibly annoying laugh, which must really gall MSNBC as they're watching her victory speech," one observer tweeted.
Others defended it as a joyous and even "fun" laugh:
Joni Ernst has a contagious and fun laugh! Good for her! #IowaSen
— City Girl (@ConservCityGirl) November 5, 2014.@joniernst Ernst has class- and a GREAT laugh!
— ★♥ Harriet Baldwin (@HarrietBaldwin) November 5, 2014But many shuddered at the sound. One tweet called it "the stuff of nightmares," and another said "ISIS might surrender if inflicted with Joni Ernst's laugh."
The Joni Ernst laugh really creeps me out
— Joey Donia (@KWQC_Joey) November 5, 2014Ok but Joni Ernst needs a laugh coach.
— Daniel Foster (@DanFosterType) November 5, 2014Other commenters on Twitter said it reminded them of famous fictional characters. One said it sounded like Dr. Evil, and another picked Cruella de Vil, the famous Disney villain from 101 Dalmantions.
