According to FiveThirtyEight’s definition, there are currently 11 prominent Republican candidates running for president. Among them is Vivek Ramaswamy, who stands out due to his lack of political experience. However, despite his newcomer status, Ramaswamy has managed to generate significant attention and poll higher than some former governors. Three main factors contribute to his visibility.
Firstly, Ramaswamy’s substantial wealth plays a crucial role. As the founder of successful companies such as Roivant Sciences and Strive Asset Management, he possesses a significant net worth estimated at $630 million. He has invested $10.25 million of his own funds into his campaign, surpassing the total raised by former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. With a well-funded campaign, Ramaswamy has assembled a staff of approximately 40 people, including individuals experienced in former President Donald Trump’s campaigns. Additionally, he has been actively campaigning in early states like Iowa and New Hampshire, spending more time there than any other major candidate.
Secondly, Ramaswamy has adeptly utilized media platforms to his advantage. Prior to his presidential campaign, he gained visibility as a guest on conservative cable news, discussing the encroachment of liberal politics in business practices in his book titled “Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam.” Since launching his campaign, he has consistently accepted interview requests and made numerous appearances on Fox News, Newsmax, and conservative podcasts. In comparison, other candidates, including Nikki Haley, have made fewer media appearances during the same period.
Finally, Ramaswamy stands out from other Republican politicians due to his nonwhite background and young age. As the son of Indian immigrants, he would be the first nonwhite Republican presidential nominee and the first Hindu president if successful. Research suggests that some Republican voters appreciate nonwhite candidates who validate conservative beliefs and counter claims of racism within the GOP. Ramaswamy, at just 37 years old, also distinguishes himself as the first millennial Republican candidate, which is particularly notable given concerns about the advanced age of other front-runners.
Despite Ramaswamy’s favorable image among potential Republican primary voters, as indicated by polling data, he has not gained significant traction in terms of voter support. While he has surged into the double digits in one survey, his polling average remains at only 4 percent, far behind front-runner Donald Trump. Furthermore, Ramaswamy’s relative obscurity has shielded him from attacks, but if he poses a genuine threat to other candidates, he may face increased scrutiny and criticism, potentially tarnishing his reputation.
