Staff Reports
Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota is confident that Donald Trump can take the high road and remain on top in the upcoming presidential debate against Joe Biden. Noem, a staunch ally of Trump and once considered a top candidate for his running mate, believes that the former president will focus on policy rather than personal jabs to highlight the stark contrast between his record and Biden’s shaky presidency.
Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Noem expressed her belief that Trump has no need to get personal. This sentiment comes despite her previous criticisms of Trump’s penchant for personal insults. She suggests that Trump will shine by emphasizing his successes and Biden’s laundry list of failures, which voters are all too familiar with. Noem pointed out that the increasing prices of groceries and a struggling economy are more than enough talking points for Trump to dominate the debate stage.
WATCH: In 2022, @GovKristiNoem said she didn’t appreciate Trump’s use of personal insults.@PeterAlexander: “Should he avoid those insults on the debate stage?”
Noem: “I don’t think that he has to … get personal. … He’s going to have so many good things to talk about pic.twitter.com/Nm1h7TU7sY
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) June 23, 2024
Pundits and strategists, like former White House chief of staff Karl Rove, echo similar sentiments, arguing that Trump’s best shot lies in sticking to policy rather than turning the debate into a mud-slinging contest. However, it seems Biden has his own mountain to climb, needing to demonstrate both vigor and mental stamina—qualities frequently questioned during his tenure.
Describing Trump’s strengths, Noem underscored how focusing on Biden's policies' tangible, negative impacts could effectively galvanize voters. The well-documented economic woes under Biden’s administration provide Trump with ample ammunition to stay on the high ground while still landing significant blows.
Despite Noem’s firm support for Trump, her own political missteps—most notably, her controversial account of putting down her own pet—seem to have cost her a spot on Trump’s vice-presidential shortlist. The backlash was swift and fierce, illustrating the power of public opinion and the perils of personal anecdotes in the political sphere.
As the Republican National Committee Convention approaches, all eyes are on Trump’s choices for his running mate. Sens. J.D. Vance from Ohio, Marco Rubio from Florida, and Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota are currently leading the pack. Whoever Trump selects to stand beside him will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the campaign, especially as they prepare to face off against an incumbent president struggling under the weight of his own administration’s shortcomings.
