Politics
Surging Outsider Vivek Ramaswamy Emerging as No. 2 for GOP Nod
By Belal Awad · July 30, 2023
In brief…
- Vivek Ramaswamy, a political outsider and entrepreneur, is gaining notice in GOP circles.
- Ramaswamy has surged in recent polls - tied with FL Gov. Ron DeSantis for No. 2 in race for GOP presidential nomination.
- Emphasizes pro-America, anti-woke stance, highlights his business success and understanding of the Constitution.
- Claims to be free of ties to super-PACs.
- Steers clear of front-runner Trump.
Looks like the GOP has a new No. 2.
The surging candidacy of political outsider Vivek Ramaswamy is making people take notice. The 37-year-old entrepreneur, son of immigrants, and Yale Law grad has vaulted in the polls to a virtual tie with would-be Trump-slayer Ron DeSantis. Ramaswamy appears poised to displace the Florida governor for No. 2 in the race for the Republican presidential nod.
With his pro-America, anti-woke message, sharp intellect, and the horse sense to steer clear of attacking front-runner Donald Trump, Ramaswamy is fast gaining traction.
Born in Cincinnati to Indian immigrant parents - father was a patent attorney, mother a psychiatrist - Ramaswamy was raised as a Hindu but attended Catholic high school.
Responding to critics who claim he lacks the experience and professional chops to be leader of the free world, Ramaswamy told News Nation, “Look, it’s not my first job. I’ve built multi-billion-dollar businesses. I’ve created work for thousands of people. I’ve also developed medicines that have helped save people’s lives.”
Ramaswamy founded the biopharmaceutical company Roivant Sciences and serves as an investment partner Strive Asset Management.
On the qualities that comprise a successful president, Ramaswamy told host Chris Cuomo, “I think it takes an outsider, somebody who has been a CEO, somebody who has actually led people, including honestly generating wealth in the private sector. But to combine that with also somebody who has a deep understanding of the Constitution and the laws of this country.”
Explaining his sudden rise in the polls, Ramaswamy cited his authenticity and lack of ties to super-PACs, saying he has connected with voters on a deeper level by offering tangible solutions to revive America’s national identity. “Voters have a good sixth sense for whether they’re being fed some poll-tested slogan or someone’s actual convictions. That’s what I think is actually lifting us up … I think the reason I’m moving up strikingly in the polls this quickly, this early, is because I am speaking the truth without apology. I am untethered,” he said.
The coming months will tell whether Ramaswamy is the real deal or a just passing summer breeze.