Vice President Candidate Kristi Noem Shares Lessons Learned
My fellow ambassadors, I’m honored to share these words with you, and I’m honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this fight. In my book, No Going Back, I’ve presented lessons learned, and what I’m learning along the way. Here’s another look at my encouragement for you.
1.) Who’s in control? We are, theoretically, but that won’t become a reality unless we take back control. When we step into the raging river of politics, we’ve got to be careful and keep our footing. We need officials who are focused on their oath to the Constitution.
2.) Campaigns are weird and tough, but it’s part of keeping a republic. Your involvement really matters. Don’t let any elected official or government “expert” talk down to you. It really isn’t that complicated. Trust your gut.
3.) We need people who break what’s broken. But we need builders even more—at every level of government and in our communities. True builders don’t think they’re better than anyone else.
4.) When the difference between right and wrong is clear, there’s no room for compromise or passing the buck. As you step into the arena and talk with elected officials, remember that your voice matters, despite what the establishment wants you to believe. If you’re an elected official or running for office, remember to speak moderately— with forethought—to make your case.
5.) The next crisis is always around the corner. Panic is not an excuse to abandon our laws or our Constitution. It’s in challenging times that our values and convictions are put to the test. Be ready. Be loyal to what matters.
6.) The entire world is watching the United States of America. We need leaders who have a solid understanding of life outside our nation but are clear that our nation is always the number one priority. And we need people like you to help elect them.
7.) Ignore the doubters—including your own doubts. Form a wolf pack. You and your friends can support each other and kick some butt.
8.) Cultural decline is not inevitable. There really are forces at work trying to erode our values and freedoms. Live your beliefs, and let your actions speak. Then, when you’re ready to make your case, you can persuade others.
9.) Losing sucks. Winning is better. Get to know your state’s secretary of state, and make sure your election rules and systems are solid. When it comes to turning donkeys into elephants in the next election, I can’t imagine a better time to make our case, based on a shared love for our country.
10.) For our children’s sake, and for the sake of their education, we can’t trust the government to do what’s best for our kids. We’ve seen what happens when we naively expect them to honor our historical values. You know what to do.
11.) The political soap opera that is Washington, DC, is captivating—and deceptive. You are the most powerful person in government. What’s decided in your homeowner’s association meetings, town hall, county commissioner’s meetings, or state capitol is just as important—and often more important—than what makes national headlines. What happens locally will happen nationally. The more we exercise our freedom of speech, the more difficult it will be to have others try to silence us.
12.) We need leaders. And we need leaders who raise up more leaders. Everyone is a leader because everyone influences. Leaders remember to give people a heads-up, thank them, and take time to celebrate. Leaders keep their eye on the ball and keep their priorities straight.
Remember, help is on the way, and you are that help.
BE “SOMEONE” OR DO SOMETHING?
United States Air Force fighter pilot Colonel John Boyd was an influential figure in his military career, which began in the 1950s. His innovative strategies have not only been applied to aerial combat—where they are still taught—but in business, leadership, and legal circles. His “to be or to do” speech applies to our fight today:
You’re going to have to make a decision about which direction you want to go. If you go that way you can be somebody. You will have to make compromises and you will have to turn your back on your friends. But you will be a member of the club and you will get promoted and you will get good assignments.
Or you can go that way and you can do something— something for your country and for your Air Force and for yourself. If you decide you want to do something, you may not get promoted and you may not get the good assignments and you certainly will not be a favorite of your superiors. But you won’t have to compromise yourself.
You will be true to your friends and to yourself. And your work might make a difference.
The New York Times bestselling author, governor of South Dakota, and former congresswoman tells eye-opening stories of DC dysfunction, shares lessons from leading her state through unprecedented challenge, and explains how we seize this moment to move America forward.
Any elected official can talk about how broken our government is. But their solutions always seem to involve more money, new programs—and reelection to another term. Few offer an unfiltered glimpse into how government actually works, empowering citizens with the knowledge to be part of the solution.
Governor Kristi Noem never planned on being in politics. But her concern for our nation compelled her, on a local, national, and global level. Because she took a different path into public service, as a concerned mom and rancher, her insights help every citizen understand how positive change really happens, despite the dysfunction in Washington DC.
Governor Noem explains how the country is not going back to the Republican party of the 2000s. And that’s a good thing. This book is packed with surprising stories and practical lessons from the front lines of the battle. And she names names.
A lot has changed since 2016, and based on her accomplishments in Congress and as Governor, no one is better equipped than Kristi Noem to explain the tremendous opportunities this opens up for every American.
