What's happened
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's memoir 'No Going Back' has ignited controversy due to her recounting of killing her dog, Cricket, and a false claim of meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The book, published on May 7, 2024, has led to significant backlash, potentially damaging her chances of being selected as Donald Trump's running mate. Trump has commented on the controversy, calling it a 'tough story,' but has not entirely dismissed Noem as a vice-presidential candidate.
Why it matters
The controversy surrounding Kristi Noem's memoir is significant as it highlights the potential pitfalls of political memoirs and the impact of personal anecdotes on public perception. Noem's recounting of killing her dog and the false claim of meeting Kim Jong-un have not only sparked public outrage but also raised questions about her judgment and credibility. This controversy could influence her political future and her chances of being selected as Donald Trump's running mate. The story also underscores the importance of accuracy and sensitivity in political narratives, as well as the potential consequences of missteps in the public eye.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Noem's memoir has been described as an 'utter disaster,' with the dog-killing story and the false claim about meeting Kim Jong-un being particularly damaging. The New York Times highlights the backlash and ridicule Noem has faced, including from Saturday Night Live. Business Insider UK reports that Trump has not entirely dismissed Noem as a vice-presidential candidate, despite the controversy. The Independent notes that Noem's story has elicited bipartisan outrage and could prompt Trump to look elsewhere for a running mate.
How we got here
Kristi Noem, the Governor of South Dakota, has been a rising star in the Republican Party, known for her conservative credentials and potential as a vice-presidential candidate for Donald Trump. Her memoir, 'No Going Back,' was intended to showcase her political journey and personal experiences. However, the book has generated significant controversy due to Noem's recounting of killing her dog, Cricket, and a false claim of meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. These revelations have sparked public outrage and raised questions about her judgment and credibility.
Common question
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Kristi Lynn Noem is an American politician who is the 33rd governor of South Dakota, serving since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served as the U.S.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Kim Jong-un is a North Korean politician who has been the supreme leader of North Korea since 2011 and chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea since 2012.
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Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of eleven players on a field at the centre of which is a 22-yard pitch with a wicket at each end, each comprising two bails balanced on three stumps.