Governor Kristi Noem Can’t Dig Her Way Out of Recent Backlash
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Key Takeaways
- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has generated severe public backlash after a story from her memoir went viral in which she shot a puppy.
- As more details from the book emerged, Noem’s public image continued to be tarnished with accusations that she’s a liar and a phony.
- Thus far, Noem’s attempts to rehabilitate her image and maintain the chance at becoming the Trump VP pick has continued to crash and burn.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
24,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
14 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article
Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota, has been facing significant controversy and backlash due to statements she made in a book about killing her own hunting dog. Noem admits to shooting Cricket, a dog she described as "untrainable." Her subsequent comments about President Biden's dog, Commander, have also generated criticism.
One of the most widespread reactions to Noem’s story is condemnation and horror. Even among her voter base, people have begun to question her character and suitability for office. The label "puppy killer" has been repeatedly used across the internet and social media, reflecting a strong negative reaction among voters, significantly tarnishing her public image.
Another major point of contention is the alleged falsehoods in her book, particularly her claim about having a confrontation with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This has been ridiculed and dismissed as a lie by critics, further feeding into narratives questioning her honesty and integrity.
Overall, the public reaction to Kristi Noem's recent controversies has been overwhelmingly negative. Critics on both sides of the political aisle focus on her character, honesty, and the appropriateness of her actions and statements.
- In the last two weeks, after significant backlash about the dog shooting story, Kristi Noem’s approval dropped from 50% to 38% as online mentions jumped to 2,500.
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Universal Shock and Disapproval
Kristi Noem's recent controversies appear to have severely damaged her public image, particularly among voters who value animal rights and ethical leadership. The widespread criticism and negative reactions could potentially impact her political future, especially if she seeks higher office.
Even among Republican and conservative voters, sentiments lean heavily toward disgust and disapproval. Noem’s attempt to double down on her commitment to the story about Cricket has also garnered negativity.
Some presumably Democratic voters contrast Noem’s behavior with President Biden's persona as a dog lover, using it to emphasize a difference in character and compassion between the two. This not only serves to criticize Noem but also to bolster Biden's image.
Noem’s VP Chances Plummet
There is also significant discourse on how these controversies might affect her political future, particularly her aspirations to a potential vice-presidential candidacy. The negative press and voter reactions suggest this fiasco may derail such ambitions.
Suburban and educated voters, particularly women, who often play crucial roles in elections, might view this scandal as indicative of Noem's temperament and decision-making qualities. The extreme nature of her statements could alienate this demographic, which might be concerned about leadership style and empathy in governance.
The doubts about her honesty and the criticism she has faced could potentially alienate voters and impact her effectiveness in office. Many are expressing their withdrawal of support, even if they previously liked Noem.
- Regarding the possibility of Noem clinching a Trump 2024 VP pick, mentions of her spiked to more than 2,000 as approval for VP fell to 30%.
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Media and Deflection
In an attempt at damage control, Noem has referred to the media’s portrayal of the events as "fake news," suggesting the media and public are not privy to the full context or facts. She encourages people to read her book for her version of the story, indicating she views the book as revelatory in setting the record straight.
Noem's portrayal of herself as a victim of media bias or a smear campaign has not been widely accepted. Instead, many see this tactic as a deflection from the substantive issues at hand. Those who believe in mainstream media bias against conservatives are particularly vocal that Noem is misusing the accusation in this situation.
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