NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland — Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) is confident she has what it takes to help former President Donald Trump win the presidential election in November, if he gives her the chance.
Asked if she could help deliver Trump a win against President Joe Biden in the 2024 race as his running mate, she instinctively responded, “Oh, I know I could.”
In an interview with the Washington Examiner following her Friday speech at the American Conservative Union’s 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference, Noem cited her “experience running businesses, being a governor, serving in Congress, but most of all, being a mom” as evidence of this.
Noem explained being a mother means “I have the ability to always get up every day and think about what kind of a country am I leaving my kids,” noting she also has “two grandbabies.”
“All of that is a different perspective than I think a lot of people can bring to the table,” she said, “but we’ll see.”
On the other hand, Noem claimed Trump needs somebody “tough” who can give him “strength” at difficult junctures in the campaign.
The South Dakota governor and rising star in the Republican Party said Trump hasn’t asked her to take on the role. “And we’ve never had that conversation,” she added.
She remarked that “he’s got some good choices” and reiterated her willingness to “do everything” to ensure he wins in November.
While speaking at CPAC, Noem reminded the crowd that she endorsed Trump early on in the primary process. “Last year, when everyone was asking me if I was going to consider running for president, I said no,” she recalled. “Why would you run for president if you can’t win?”
Trump confirmed during a recent town hall on Fox News that Noem was on his short list for a running mate, along with Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), and former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
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The names were suggested by host Laura Ingraham, with Trump responding in the affirmative that each was being considered. “They are,” he revealed. “Honestly, all of those people are good. They’re all good. They’re all solid.”
Trump is increasingly expected to become the Republican nominee for president, likely set to compete against Biden, who is running essentially unopposed for the Democratic nod. Trump boasts a significant double-digit lead over one of the only remaining GOP opponents, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, in her home state, which will vote Saturday.
