From 'Full Dusty' to 'That's the plan!': Johnson's ad style plays with both fun and fear

By Lori Walsh

Published February 18, 2026 at 3:00 AM CST

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Dusty Johnson has launched two new ads with airtime during the Super Bowl and during Winter Olympic primetime coverage.

Political analysists Jon Hunter, former publisher of the Madison Daily Leader, and Michael Card, Ph.D., professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Dakota, take a look at a variety of messages for clues into Johnson's campaign.

Kristi Noem, Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security — and former governor of South Dakota — also made new headlines as the Wall Street Journal published extensive reporting that alleged "constant chaos" inside the department under her leadership.

Hunter and Card ask whether Noem's current media blitz is "damage control" or if it reveals presidential ambitions.

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From 'Full Dusty' to 'That's the plan!': Johnson's ad style plays with both fun and fear

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If you are having trouble locating or accessing SDPB content and services for any reason, including a need for accommodations such as alternate formats for accessibility purposes, we will do our best to provide the assistance you need.

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