Governor Kristi Noem, a prominent figure within the Republican Party representing South Dakota, has thrown a spotlight on the whispers of her potential entry into the 2024 presidential race. In the midst of an already bustling field of GOP contenders, Noem has made her stance clear: the current juncture is not conducive for a presidential bid. She delivered a resounding message that reverberated through political circles, asserting that no Republican contender can successfully clinch the nomination while the towering presence of former President Trump looms large.
During an insightful conversation on Fox and Friends, Noem succinctly articulated her viewpoint, stating, “The fact is, none of them can win as long as Trump’s in the race. And that’s just the facts. So why run if you can’t win?”
Trump’s dominance in the polls since his reentry into the political arena remains unshaken. Even his nearest challenger, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has struggled to make headway against this formidable force. According to RealClearPolitics, the 45th president maintains an imposing 38-point average lead in the polls, consistently amassing an average polling rate of 53.9 percent.
While Noem refrains from prematurely aligning herself with any candidate, she assured the nation that her backing for GOP contenders will become evident in due time. Yet, she playfully hinted at a leaning towards Trump.
Noem commended Trump’s “inspirational” leadership during his tenure, highlighting his willingness to empower her to govern her state while President Joe Biden’s approach veered towards centralized control. Reflecting on her own political trajectory, she noted, “I’ve participated in approximately ten statewide races. I’ve secured victories in all of them. Not once have I faced defeat. If I embark on a race, victory will be the outcome. President Trump’s legacy in our state and nation is notable—his leadership enabled me to perform my duties. He granted me the autonomy to fulfill my responsibilities as governor, a gesture for which I am profoundly grateful.”
Probed about the intriguing possibility of joining Trump’s ticket as his running mate, Noem neither confirmed nor rejected the notion. She smartly sidestepped the question, indicating that a decision would be made if and when such a scenario materialized. Importantly, she underscored that Trump hadn’t extended an official invitation to assume the role of vice president.
Pollster Richard Baris introduced a pivotal aspect of the electoral landscape, shedding light on the unwavering “Trump or bust” sentiment. He emphasized that this faction would staunchly rally behind Trump and not extend their allegiance to any other Republican contender. Baris highlighted that this sentiment wields significant influence, surpassing the often-discussed NeverTrump stance. He underscored that DeSantis, while possessing substantial appeal, faces a formidable challenge in securing a general election triumph without the unwavering support of the MAGA vote.
In this dynamic political arena, Noem’s calculated moves and strategic positioning reflect her readiness to navigate the intricate and evolving tapestry of political discourse.