Vivek Ramaswamy, the Indian American contender, showcased his assertive performance during the inaugural Republican presidential debate, outshining his seasoned rivals through witty remarks and confident retorts. Ramaswamy’s debut was marked by an intriguing comparison to former US President Barack Obama, prompted by his own introduction.
Chris Christie, a fellow candidate and former New Jersey Governor, likened Ramaswamy to a “novice” Barack Obama due to Ramaswamy’s description of himself as a “skinny guy with a funny last name.” The resemblance sparked discussions on social media, with accusations of him imitating Obama’s persona.
Ramaswamy humorously acknowledged the curiosity surrounding his presence on the debate stage, stating, “I’m not a politician. I’m an entrepreneur.” He emphasized his immigrant background and successful ventures as embodiments of the American dream.
During the debate, Christie sarcastically referred to Ramaswamy’s earlier comment, highlighting his skepticism about the climate change agenda. Ramaswamy retorted by challenging Christie to “give me a hug like you did to Obama,” referencing a memorable moment from the 2012 hurricane crisis where Christie had denied embracing Obama.
Opinion polls positioned Ramaswamy as the second-ranking candidate after former President Donald Trump, who opted not to participate in the debate. Despite moving up in the rankings and becoming a significant player, Ramaswamy faced repeated criticisms during the debate, particularly from former Vice President Mike Pence.
President Joe Biden even weighed in on Ramaswamy’s climate change statement, affirming its reality on social media. Another Indian-American candidate, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, shared the debate stage but did not experience as much scrutiny as Ramaswamy.
Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna commented on the Obama comparisons, suggesting that the former President would find amusement in the situation, considering Ramaswamy’s unique political positioning.
Ramaswamy, a second-generation Indian-American, founded Roivant Sciences in 2014, leading notable biotech IPOs. His confident performance and distinct political stance set him apart in the early stages of the Republican presidential race.
