(GoRealNewsNow.com) – Over the weekend, popular South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem came out swinging at her fellow Republicans who dared to challenge Donald Trump for this year’s GOP presidential nomination.
At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Noem questioned the motives of Trump’s opponents, suggesting they were in the race for personal gain rather than the party’s success. “We’ve known that for over a year [that] he’s the only person who’s got the support to be the Republican nominee. So why did all these other people and candidates get into the race? For themselves? For personal benefit? For a spotlight for a period of time?” she posed to the audience.
Noem’s loyalty to Trump was evident as she recalled her early endorsement of his presidency and her decision not to run against him, citing the futility of competing with a front-runner like Trump.
Noem also hinted at her potential as a vice-presidential candidate, emphasizing the need for leadership originating outside of Washington, D.C. “For me, there is no going back. I’m all in and you need to be too,” she declared, urging the party to find leaders beyond the “swamp” of national politics. Her comments came amid speculation linking her as a top choice for Trump’s running mate, alongside other notable figures such as Sen. Tim Scott and former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who also praised Trump in her CPAC speech.
Gabbard dismissed criticisms of Trump as exaggerated threats to democracy, aligning with Noem’s narrative that the Republican Party has evolved beyond figures like Mitt Romney and Dick Cheney to embrace a broader base of support. “We are not going back to the good old days of the Romneys or the Cheneys. The Republican Party is much bigger than that. Now, we are filled with blue-collar workers, many cultures, perspectives, and viewpoints,” Noem stated, marking her stance against the party’s moderate wing.
Noem’s speech did not directly address questions about the necessity of choosing a female vice-presidential nominee. After her address she chose not to engage with press inquiries on the subject exiting the venue discreetly to avoid further questions.