Amazon has suspended customer reviews for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s new book, “No Going Back,” citing abnormal review patterns. Despite this, the book has received a low average rating on the platform. In the memoir, Noem discusses her decision to euthanize her dog, Cricket, describing the dog as “untrainable” and a threat. This admission has led to widespread criticism from various quarters, including public figures such as Hillary Clinton.

This controversy arises amid speculation regarding Noem’s potential candidacy for the vice-presidential slot alongside former President Donald Trump in upcoming elections. Reports suggest that Noem was not on the shortlist of candidates even before the dog euthanasia story broke.

In a broader context, the competition to become Trump’s running mate is heating up, reflecting a shift in political tactics among Republican contenders. Figures like Tim Scott and Elise Stefanik have made notable shifts in their political stances to align more closely with Trump, with actions perceived as undermining democratic values to garner favor.

This race for the vice-presidential nomination is exposing a willingness among candidates to significantly align their positions with Trump to secure his endorsement, highlighting the ongoing influence Trump maintains within the Republican Party.