It was at a town hall meeting in Parkersburg, Iowa that Senator Joni Ernst made what many consider the most insensitive remark of her career. The gathering was part of a series of events where she routinely met with constituents to discuss pressing issues. This particular meeting focused on the Medicare cuts that proposed by the House Republicans as part of their sweeping budget plan, which was publicized by President Donald Trump as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.’
Ernst was defending the proposed legislation when a woman in the crowd interrupted, shouting, “People will die!” In response, Ernst said, “People are not—well, we all are going to die. For heaven’s sakes, folks.” The crowd erupted in boos and shouts of disapproval, frustrated by her seemingly dismissive tone. While everyone understood that mortality is inevitable, they were angered by her trivialization of the real-life consequences—millions of seniors facing loss of essential healthcare. The exchange was widely televised, drawing national attention. Her remark, originally meant to defuse concerns, became a defining moment in the debate.
The senator from Iowa, apparently determined to have the final say, posted a video filmed in a cemetery, with gravestones clearly visible in the background. She began with, “Hello everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize for a statement that I made yesterday at my town hall.” Then her tone shifted. “I made an incorrect assumption that everyone in the auditorium understood that yes, we are all going to perish from this Earth,” she said, adding a sarcastic jab, “I’m really, really glad that I did not have to bring up the subject of the tooth fairy as well.” She closed the video by saying, “For those that would like to see eternal and everlasting life, I encourage you to embrace my lord and savior, Jesus Christ.”
The reaction to Sen. Joni Ernst’s cemetery video was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Critics across the political spectrum viewed it as mocking and tone-deaf, especially given the serious concerns raised at the town hall about healthcare and mortality. National media outlets like MSNBC and The View called the video “clueless,” “bizarre,” and “heartless,” questioning whether Ernst had grasped the gravity of the issue or was simply doubling down on a flippant remark. Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Chris Murphy, emphasized that the concern wasn’t about death being inevitable, but about preventable deaths caused by loss of healthcare—Murphy noted, “They would just rather die in old age at 85 or 90, instead of dying at 40.”
   #40 WED CAN Joni Ernst 7/1/1970 |    #65 FRI LEO Chris Murphy 8/1/1973 |
Joni Ernst was born on a Wednesday in the zodiac sign of Cancer. Mercury is the ruler of her INNER Self and the Moon governs her OUTER Self. Individuals with the #40 WED CAN Dayology Signature are naturally bright yet prone to emotional fluctuations. This can make their actions seem inconsistent, especially when it comes to their personal expectations regarding others. They can be deeply loyal in certain circumstances but thoroughly detached in others.
Chris Murphy, on the other hand, was born on a Friday in the zodiac sign of Leo. Venus is the ruler of his INNER Self while the Sun governs his OUTER SELF. Those with the #65 FRI LEO Dayology Signature tend to be cheerful and confident regarding their social roles. While some may use this pleasant identity as a means to ruthlessly advance or conceal ulterior motives, Murphy is quite genuine, demonstrating sincerity through his words and actions.
One astrological contrast that both connects and separates them is their Solar-Lunar OUTER dynamic, Ernst’s Cancer Sun is Lunar in nature, while Murphy’s Sun Leo is Solar. In the natural order of planetary rulerships, the Sun is dominant and assertive, where as the Moon is reflective and adaptive. However, Ernst would never defer to Murphy, regardless of circumstances.
Ernst’s Cancer Sun carries a deep emotional resilience and self-sufficiency that prevents deference even when in error. Cancer, ruled by the Moon, is protective and inwardly strong—its strength is not about outward assertion but rather emotional fortitude. This unwavering nature made Ernst firm in her stance, prioritizing emotional security over physical reality.
