In “No Going Back,” Kristi Noem discusses various aspects of her political career and personal life, including her interactions with other politicians and her motivations for certain actions. Despite moments of bipartisanship and vulnerability, such as her reflection on feeling lonely when first moving to Washington, Noem also demonstrates a tendency towards pettiness and contradiction. For example, she uses the story of her dog Cricket to take jabs at President Biden and engages in small acts of retaliation against critics, such as directing business recruitment ad funds towards billboards in Minnesota to annoy Governor Tim Walz.
Noem also attempts to adopt a tough-guy, Trump-like persona in her memoir, embracing simplistic trolling and divisive language that has become prevalent in the political discourse of recent years. She praises Donald Trump for speaking in a way that feels relatable to everyday people, while also denigrating the political establishment and appealing to a sense of populism. Noem’s attempts to emulate Trump’s attitude are evident in her rhetoric, where she criticizes “bastards” and “haters” in Washington and laments the existence of the “swamp.”
Despite Noem’s posturing and attempts at being a tough political figure, there are instances in the memoir where she displays moments of vulnerability and introspection. She acknowledges that working with Democrats helped lessen her negative opinions of the party and emphasizes the importance of healthy debate and respect in politics. These moments offer a more nuanced view of Noem as a leader and hint at a potential for genuine bipartisanship in her approach to governance.
However, Noem’s narrative is also marked by contradictions and inconsistencies. While she advocates for women politicians to support each other, she recounts a dubious incident where Nikki Haley allegedly threatened her during a phone call. This discrepancy between her stated beliefs and actions highlights the complexity of her character and the challenges of navigating political relationships within the Republican Party.
Overall, “No Going Back” paints a portrait of Kristi Noem as a politician who is willing to engage in divisive rhetoric and petty actions, while also displaying moments of vulnerability and potential for bipartisanship. Her attempts to emulate the style of Donald Trump in her memoir reveal a desire to appeal to a certain segment of the political base, but also suggest a lack of authenticity in her approach. Noem’s story is one of contradictions and complexities, mirroring the broader political landscape in which she operates.
