South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is growing weary of defending herself over the controversial revelation in her new book “No Going Back” about shooting her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, two decades ago. During an interview with Fox Business host Stuart Varney, Noem expressed frustration at the persistent focus on the dog saga, insisting it was time to move on to more substantive topics.
Tensions Flare During Interview
Varney repeatedly pressed Noem about whether she had discussed the dog story with former President Donald Trump, despite their initial discussion about her potential as Trump’s vice president. Noem abruptly shut down the line of questioning, denouncing the interview as “ridiculous” and urging Varney to shift the conversation to issues of greater importance to Americans.
Media Blitz Met with Dog Story Backlash
Noem’s media tour to promote her book has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding her decision to euthanize Cricket. The governor has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum after details of the incident emerged, with accusations that she “hated” the dog for its behavior. Noem initially defended her actions, citing state law regarding livestock protection, but now contends that the media has distorted her narrative.
Public Fallout and Cancelled Event
The fallout from the dog story extended to a canceled fundraiser in Colorado, where a local Republican group received death threats over Noem’s scheduled appearance. Both the group and the governor’s office cited safety concerns in calling off the event. Additionally, scrutiny intensified after reports emerged about an anecdote in the book claiming a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which Noem later admitted should not have been included.
Noem Addresses Anecdote Controversy
In response to questions about the North Korea anecdote, Noem acknowledged the error and stated that she had requested its removal from the book. However, she stopped short of confirming or denying the veracity of the claim, instead emphasizing her accountability for the mistake.
As Noem grapples with ongoing scrutiny and backlash, her attempts to pivot away from the dog story controversy suggest a desire to refocus public attention on her political agenda and aspirations. Yet, questions persist about the veracity of her claims and the implications for her political future.
COMMENTS