Governor Kristi Noem recently found herself at the center of a heated debate.
During a recent interview on Fox Business Network, Governor Kristi Noem discussed a polarizing incident from her new book, where she made the tough decision to shoot a dangerous dog.
Breitbart News reported that in her appearance on "Varney and Co.," hosted by Stuart Varney, Noem explained the context behind the controversial story in her autobiography "No Going Back." The governor described the dog as a serious threat to her family's safety and their livestock.
Noem has frequently been criticized for her decision to shoot the dog, a story that has been circulated and politicized against her over the years.
In defending her decision, Noem stated that the dog was not just any pet but a fully grown, aggressive working dog that posed imminent danger.
Her team advised against including this story in her book, suggesting the sensitivity and potential backlash of the decision. However, Noem decided to share it to set the record straight.
During the interview, a notable exchange between Varney and Noem escalated when Varney pressed on the implications of including such a story in her book. Noem emphasized that many politicians avoid discussing difficult decisions they’ve made, and she wanted to be transparent about her actions.
This tense dialogue culminated in Varney questioning Noem's political future and even her potential candidacy as vice president alongside Donald Trump. Noem responded firmly, referencing her frequent discussions with Trump but underscoring that only Trump would decide on his running mate.
Noem criticized the focus of the interview, expressing frustration that the conversation was not addressing what she considered more pertinent issues to the American people. "This interview is ridiculous, which you are doing right now. So you need to stop. It is okay. It is. Let’s talk about some real topics that Americans care about," insisted Noem.
Varney concluded the interview by acknowledging the public's significant interest in the story despite Noem's call to change the subject.
The tale of the dog has left an indelible mark on Noem's public image and continues to stir discussions about her political judgment and future. Despite the vast spectrum of opinions, Noem maintains that truthfulness about such moments in her career is crucial for her integrity and public understanding.
In response to the ongoing public debate, Noem noted: "That has been a story that’s been out there for years, Stuart. My political opponents have used it for years. So I want people to know the truth about it.”
As Noem navigates the repercussions of her personal and hard decisions, this story underscores the often complex and controversial nature of public life, where personal actions can significantly impact a political career.