Staff Reports
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican, has made a public plea to former President Donald Trump to consider the benefits of having a woman as his running mate if he decides to run for president again. Noem stated that polls have shown having a woman on the ticket could help Trump win swing states, and she emphasized the importance of reaching out to Republican women who are still undecided about their support. However, reports have indicated that Noem is not among the top contenders for Trump’s running mate, which includes several senators, representatives, governors, and a former cabinet member.
Noem’s attempt to boost her profile comes after facing criticism for various controversies, including the revelation in her book that she had killed her family’s puppy and her involvement in promoting business products on social media. Additionally, political strategists have suggested that Noem’s previous missteps may have damaged her chances of being selected as Trump’s running mate.
Women will determine the outcome of this election. We need to make sure they are supporting @realdonaldtrump.
I spent the majority of my time in Wisconsin talking with women — talking with independents — talking with the people we need win over. pic.twitter.com/r359dNZlw9
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) June 9, 2024
Despite Trump’s legal issues involving women and concerns about winning over female voters, some GOP strategists are skeptical that adding a woman to the ticket would significantly improve Trump’s standing with women voters. They suggest that Trump must directly address and convey his message to female voters to gain their support.
A poll has shown that a majority of women supported President Joe Biden in a potential matchup against Trump, and suburban women have indicated that abortion is a significant factor in their voting decisions.
While Trump has made statements regarding leaving abortion policy to individual states, some anti-abortion groups and lawmakers have expressed reservations about his stance. Additionally, independent voters’ reactions to Trump’s legal problems could impact the election, as some disillusioned Democrats may sway their support based on the situation.
As Noem seeks to reposition herself as a potential running mate for Trump, she may need help gaining his favor as he may want to avoid a vice president who could overshadow him in the media. Some Republican strategists have criticized Noem for appearing too eager for the position and suggested that Trump may not appreciate such behavior.
