South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's bid for vice-presidential candidacy faces turbulence.
Following a slew of controversies, Gov. Kristi Noem's chance to be former President Donald Trump's vice-presidential candidate seems to be fading.
According to Politico, Gov. Kristi Noem's political journey hit significant obstacles after a public recount of her decision to euthanize her family dog, Cricket. This incident was detailed in her political memoirs, meant to bolster her vice-presidential campaign, but instead drew widespread criticism.
Noem's memoir was surprisingly candid, including the distressing anecdote about her decision to shoot Cricket. This revelation shocked many and cast a shadow over her personal and political judgment.
Gov. Kristi Noem, once a rising star in the Republican Party, has seen her star dim. The governor was frequently featured in conservative media circles and was known for her strong opposition to COVID-19 restrictions, bolstering her national profile.
However, her reputation began to suffer due to allegations of an illicit affair with Corey Lewandowski, a prominent political adviser. Moreover, her involvement in questionable endorsements for a dental company while leveraging state funds to run promotional ads portraying her in various professional guises also attracted skepticism and criticism.
Gov. Noem is scheduled to address a donor retreat in Palm Beach soon, an event packed with potential candidates for Trump's running mate. Despite this, the controversies seem to persist in shadowing her steps, making her less appealing as a candidate for the vice-presidential ticket.
Critics of Gov. Noem highlight her potential detraction rather than attraction to certain voter segments. David Urban, a political strategist, pointedly doubted her ability to draw suburban women voters to Trump’s camp. He remarked on the improbability of her enhancing Trump's appeal to these crucial demographics. Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, remarked:
I think Gov. Noem’s efforts have been sophomoric. Killing the dog and then writing about it ended any possibility of her being picked as VP. Her actions seemed an attempt to impress, yet tragically out of touch with suburban voter sensibilities.
Her recent appearance on Sean Hannity's program was intended to shift the narrative concerning her decision to euthanize her dog. She expressed that she hadn’t anticipated the public focus on this anecdote, reflecting a miscalculation of public sentiment.
Gov. Noem's attempts at damage control, including book promotions and media appearances, have been met with skepticism from various quarters. Critics like Steve Bannon and Erick Erickson have suggested that her actions may be overly extreme, even within politically conservative circles.
Another politician, Sen. Kevin Cramer, inferred that her actions might not directly aid her brand. He noted the difficulty in seeing how her current controversies would contribute to any rise in positive public recognition.
Furthermore, Gov. Noem staunchly denied the affair allegations, labeling them “total garbage and a disgusting lie.” Despite her denials and efforts at recovery, the accumulation of controversies has significantly impeded her political momentum.
In conclusion, Gov. Kristi Noem's political journey has encountered substantial turbulence following her recent decisions and public appearances. Once noted as a potential vice-presidential candidate alongside former President Trump, her chances now seem jeopardized by personal controversies and strategic misjudgments. As she continues to navigate this challenging phase, her political and public reception of her actions will critically determine her future standing within her party and national politics.
