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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is bringing quiet fire to the California GOP Congress

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What at first seemed like a great idea — getting South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as the keynote speaker for the 2024 California GOP Convention, May 17-19 in Burlingame, Calif. — became after the uproar caused by her ghostwriting, undoubtedly far less invigorating biography, “No Going Back.” The outrage over Noem killing a dog for failing to carry out his assigned hunting duties, as well as claims that he was involved with the North Korean despot leader Kim Jong Un, when such an event had not taken place, have significantly weakened a politician who was once thought to have a great chance of becoming Donald Trump’s vice president in the 2024 election.

The California GOP chose to make its point by not withdrawing the invitation. Noem responded with a well-received, moderate speech highlighting her political and operational philosophy as well as the challenges facing Republicans in 2024.

Noem received a hot standing ovation during her introduction. She began her speech by noting that the South Dakota state motto (“Under God, the people rule”) is her guiding political principle. As she explained, this results in all decisions being filtered through the lens of whether they comply with the South Dakota Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. It was a topic she touched on several times in her speech.

Noem first addressed the border issue. She noted how Mexican cartels exploit tribal law by setting up camps on Indian reservations in her state – where they are unhindered by state and federal laws – and from there carry out their vile business of drug and sex trafficking. Noem added that she supports Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in his efforts to curb both the border invasion and the federal government’s mix of indifference and outright hostility toward preventing it.

Noem next commented on China. She noted that the United States was the only thing standing between China and world domination. Noem mentioned that China is using all available means, both internally and externally, as part of its plan to take control of and destroy the United States, including committing horrific human rights abuses against its citizens.

Noem next pointed to her previously stated theme of making all political decisions by examining whether they are constitutional, thereby making the arduous decisions easier. She took aim at California Gov. Gavin Newsom by rhetorically asking whether Newsom ever asked whether a decision was constitutional before making one. Noem praised her state’s achievements in low unemployment and low taxes and noted that conservative messages should focus not on rhetoric but on simply showing how conservative principles work in real life.

Noem briefly mentioned her book. She did not comment on the controversial aspects, but rather on elements such as her direct interaction with people who are struggling to pay the bills for basic necessities.

The governor indirectly referenced her recent arduous time by talking about how she always wears something with pearls, not out of vanity but because of the way they are made. She then moved into an area that caused at least some discomfort among parts of the assembled audience by declaring that we must pray for our leaders, regardless of who they are. Noem illustrated this point by mentioning how, during her time in Congress, she paced back and forth in the back of the House of Representatives during one of Barack Obama’s State of the Union addresses, praying that God would do something to stop Obama from continuing to lie when she felt a sturdy conviction that this was the exact opposite of how she should pray for him, or the time of prayer. She added how much joy she gets from being a grandmother, using it as a none-too-subtle rebuke against the mainstream media’s efforts to dehumanize those with whom they disagree.

Noem urged those in attendance not to feel insulted and encouraged them to “just get over themselves.” She added that audiences need to restart conversations with people who see things differently, and clarified her point with the principle: “Speak moderately so you can govern conservatively. Start by listening.”

Noem praised Donald Trump for not pretending to be someone or something he is not. She shared an anecdote about how shocked she was when Trump began his 2016 campaign announcement by descending a golden escalator. Noem compared this to how most politicians try to pass themselves off as working people. She further detailed how Trump’s connection to the people is demonstrated by the fact that those who work or have worked for him universally praise his genuine concern for their well-being. She commented: “The only thing we need are elected officials who don’t believe they are better than anyone else.”

The governor urged attendees to get directly involved in the upcoming election by doing whatever work is necessary – knocking on doors, hosting meetings with neighbors, and so on. She concluded with an illustration of how the bison – for which South Dakota is known – when a storm comes, instead of turning their tail to it, they turn toward it and run straight into the storm so they can get through it faster.

Noem received another hot standing ovation after completing her speech. What her political future will be is unknown, but at least this afternoon her words and actions will be deeply appreciated by the GOP faithful.

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