Kristi Noem's 'outrageous' voting comment ignites frenzy: 'Saying the quiet part out loud'

Kristi Noem set off a firestorm among political observers over the weekend by making a comment about voting that many said was "saying the quiet part out loud."

Noem, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, said during a press event Saturday, "When it gets to Election Day, we've been proactive to make sure that we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country."

That comment about "the right people" voting immediately spread online, with Jonathan Karl, ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent, saying one word: "Extraordinary."

The popular Ekklesia Network wrote simply, "They are saying the usually quiet part quite openly."

Sports analyst Ben Fowlkes chimed in, "If we let these people destroy our democracy we won’t be able to say that we didn’t have plenty of advance warning."

Former Obama insider David Axelrod said, "THIS is why Noem will remain in place, despite her flagrant, corrupt mismanagement of the DHS, at least through the midterm elections."

He added that Trump "wants a loyal apparatchik in place who will do whatever is necessary to ensure 'the right leaders' win."

Camille MacKenzie, who identifies as a "constitutional conservative," weighed in, "Elections are not a 'critical infrastructure' responsibility that Kristi Noem is in charge of. She’s outright making up lies about what DHS is responsible for. It’s outrageous that she even thinks that this is something she has any power over."

Ex-GOP congressman Joe Walsh was also outraged.

"To make sure the 'right people' are voting? Who the f--- are the 'right people?'" he asked. "And it’s not government’s job to choose our leaders. It’s the American people’s job. I served in Congress with Kristi Noem. It’s not at all surprising to hear her spew this un-American s---."

Dem congressman Daniel Goldman said, "They’re not even trying to hide their intention to steal the election. We cannot give one more cent to DHS until Congress ensures our elections will be free and fair."