Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy has faced both growing popularity and criticism as he vies for the position of US President. Despite concerns about his age, being 38, recent opinion polls have shown an increase in his popularity, with a 12-point gain since his impressive performance in the maiden Republican presidential primary debate in August.
During an interview with Fox News, Ramaswamy acknowledged the criticism surrounding his ascent and the perception that he is too young to be President. He countered this by highlighting historical precedents, such as Thomas Jefferson, who was 33 when he authored the US Declaration of Independence. Ramaswamy stressed the need to revive the spirit of youthful leadership and innovation.
He emphasized the importance of presenting a vision for the future of the United States, focusing on values like meritocracy, pursuit of excellence, economic growth, free speech, and open debate. Rather than solely criticizing the Biden administration’s agenda, Ramaswamy advocated for offering an alternative vision to unite the country.
Ramaswamy expressed confidence in his ability to deliver a moral mandate reminiscent of Ronald Reagan’s era, emphasizing that his mission is driven by a commitment to the country’s betterment. He clarified that his campaign is not aimed at competing against other candidates but rather working for the betterment of the United States.
Vivek Ramaswamy gained attention following his strong performance in the Republican presidential primary debate on August 23. The subsequent polls showed him leading in terms of performance, with 28 percent of respondents favoring him, followed closely by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence. Indian-American Nikki Haley also received a notable percentage of the votes.