Politics is a nasty business. Substantive differences are expected, but in the era of social media so are personal attacks.

After the State of the Union Address, the Republican response was delivered by newly elected Iowa Senator Joni Ernst. Ernst is a combat veteran and farmer who came from humble beginnings to the United States Senate. But none of that mattered to many on Twitter who took the opportunity, probably their first to ever see her, to smear her with vile and sexist tweets.

Imagine answering a knock on your door and seeing that creepy, smiling Joni Ernst there. #HideTheKids — chaplinlives (@chaplinlives) January 21, 2015

Joni Ernst worked the morning biscuit line at Hardees? SO DID I, BITCH, SO WHAT. — Barbara Ellingson (@MrsTomSauter) January 21, 2015

Joni Ernst dine on vag. And that's okay. But get the fuck off my screen changing the subject. — Jeaux A. (@JeauxAlejandro) January 21, 2015

@joniernst falsely & overly emotional,voice was both offensive and unbelievable. Classically empty response in typically condescedning tone — Chris Martinez (@CMartinezSTL) January 21, 2015

@joniernst this whore. Is a worthless cunt. I wish bin laden fucked her ass in Iraq — DR.ReginaldQ Johnson (@REGGIEQJOHNSON) January 21, 2015

So, is anyone going to address the fact that Joni Ernst looks like a demonic doll or naaaah — J C (@JayCiao) January 21, 2015

But the vitriol wasn’t just reserved for random people. An MSNBC host got into the act too.

Joni Ernst delivering response in the style of an in-flight safety video. — Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow) January 21, 2015

"We'll also cut wasteful spending and balance the budget." [pantomimes latching shut safety belt] — Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow) January 21, 2015

Stay classy, progressives.

Pro-Abortion Group Trashes Joni Ernst as “Window Dressing:” Can’t be Pro-Woman Since She’s Pro-Life http://t.co/WO2J9gcufy via @sharethis — ate mely (@atemely) January 21, 2015

@joniernst Yeah , RIGHT… Can You Say CRAZY WITCH?? — kendall264 (@kendall264) January 21, 2015