In what could only be described as the plot twist of the political season, Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, once a shining star in the constellation of Vice Presidential hopefuls for Donald Trump’s return bid, finds herself on the outs. And the reason? Well, folks, it’s a doozy. It seems that the Governor’s literary debut, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,” has caused quite the stir, but not for reasons she might have hoped.
The book, which was intended to cast Noem in the rugged light of a decision-maker unafraid to pull the trigger (literally) on tough choices, instead backfired spectacularly. Among tales of rural life and political musings, Noem recounts a rather unsettling story about putting down a 14-month-old wirehaired pointer named Cricket. This dog, who had succumbed to his baser instincts and killed a neighbor’s chicken, was deemed “untrainable” and met his fate at the end of Noem’s gun in a gravel pit.
Now, anyone who’s been around the political block knows that Americans love their dogs. We’re talking “man’s best friend,” featured in heartwarming movies, saving Timmy from the well, and all that jazz. To many, this tale from Noem didn’t showcase the decisiveness intended but struck a chord of outrage. It seems there’s an unspoken rule in politics: You can mess with taxes, but don’t you dare mess with Fido.
Sources close to Trump, speaking with the New York Post, shared that this revelation did Noem no favors. Despite her being an unlikely choice for VP, she had a shot. But post-publication? “It’s just impossible,” said one source. Another ally drew parallels to Mitt Romney’s 2012 “dog-on-the-roof” debacle, hinting at the political suicide of alienating dog lovers.
Trump himself, who is not exactly known as a dog person, seems to understand the unwritten rule of American politics better than Noem. While personal feelings towards the Governor remain positive, the “dog story” has undoubtedly cast a pall over her chances.
Noem’s defense of her actions, citing South Dakota law and previous aggressive behavior from Cricket, hasn’t done much to quell the storm. Her insistence on the necessity of her decision mirrors her political stance of making hard choices for the greater good. Yet, this episode has left many wondering if some decisions are better left untold, especially in the memoir of a potential Vice Presidential candidate.
In the grand scheme of Trump’s 2024 campaign, the VP shortlist reads like a who’s who of conservative heavyweights. Names like Tucker Carlson, recommended by Melania Trump, J.D. Vance, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Kari Lake make the rounds, each bringing their own brand of political firepower. Yet, in this saga of governance and gunpowder, Noem’s narrative has inadvertently shot her prospects squarely in the foot.