South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem believes Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump can win Thursday’s debate by focusing on policy rather than getting personal with President Joe Biden. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Noem said Trump will emphasize the positive aspects of his own record and contrast them with Biden’s policies, rather than engaging in personal attacks.
“I don’t think he has to get personal at all because he’s going to have so many good things to talk about in contrast with Joe Biden’s policies,” Noem stated, citing the economy and rising costs, such as at the grocery store, as areas Trump will likely focus on. Other strategists and analysts have made similar comments, even, in former White House chief of staff Karl Rove’s case, with some arguing that Trump should stick to policy issues rather than making it “all about himself.”
Biden, on the other hand, is expected to focus on showcasing his vigor and mental stamina, according to most analysis. Noem, a close ally of Trump, was initially considered a strong contender to be his running mate in the spring, but an anecdote about her killing her dog generated intense backlash and derailed her chances. Trump is expected to announce his running mate selection around the time of the Republican National Committee Convention, which begins on July 15, with Senators J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, and Governor Doug Burgum being mentioned as potential options.
