TL/DR –
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s recent controversies have solidified her fall from presidential contention, according to multiple Republicans. Revelations from her upcoming book, such as her decision to kill an “untrainable” hunting dog and claims of meetings with world leaders that did not happen, have drawn criticism and damaged her reputation. Despite once being considered a top contender for Vice President, Noem is no longer on Trump’s shortlist and her recent actions have ensured she is unlikely to return to it anytime soon.
By Daniel Strauss, Alayna Treene, Kristen Holmes and Kit Maher, CNN
(CNN) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has hit bumps on the road to 2024 vice presidential contention, with her recent actions triggering questions.
Notably, Noem’s story about euthanising her non-performing hunting dog Cricket, worth mentioning in her imminent book “No Going Back”, has given her unwanted attention. This, alongside other issues, has confirmed to some Republicans that Noem isn’t ready for vice-presidential consideration.
The dog story, intended as a demonstration of Noem’s ability to make tough decisions, resulted in bipartisan criticism from Congress and widespread public censure. Defending her decision on Fox News, Noem explained that the aggressive dog had posed a danger to her family and business.
Noem’s book launch has also been mired by reporting inaccuracies. Independent newspaper The Dakota Scout reported Noem falsely claimed meetings with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and French President Emmanuel Macron. Noem’s spokesperson acknowledged these errors, promising rectification in forthcoming editions.
Noem’s standing
Previously seen as a top vice-presidential contender, recent revelations diminished Noem’s standing among Trump’s advisors. Noem’s national image, despite her strengths as an anti-abortion Republican and crowd-charmer, has been tarnished by criticism over her handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, staff reshuffling in her office, ethics complaints, and contentious relations with tribal leaders.
Despite her problems, Noem continues to try to improve her national profile. She is slated to appear at a big fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago and a fundraiser in Jefferson County, events usually associated with top-tier Republicans. These appearances come amidst growing skepticism amongst Republicans about Noem’s viability.
Noem’s challenge now is changing this unfavourable narrative. “If you don’t like the current headline, make a new one… The worst thing you can do is hideout and let the headlines overtake you. You want to create headlines as much as you can, create your own news, your own content,” advises veteran Republican strategist Matt Gorman.
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