Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American entrepreneur turned politician, experienced a surge in popularity and online fundraising following his inaugural Republican presidential debate. Taking place on August 24, the debate propelled Ramaswamy into the spotlight, driving significant financial support to his campaign. Within the first hour post-debate, Ramaswamy’s campaign reported a total fundraising amount exceeding $450,000, with an average donation of $38.
Ramaswamy, aged 38, is a contender in the upcoming United States presidential elections. His standout performance during the debate was noted by various sources. Popular Axis reported that Ramaswamy dominated the GOP debate in the absence of Donald Trump. Initial polling data indicated that 28% of 504 respondents considered Ramaswamy the best performer, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis following closely at 27%, and Mike Pence at 13%. Nikki Haley held the lowest rank with seven percent.
Ramaswamy’s prominence extended beyond the debate stage, as he emerged as the most searched GOP candidate on Google, according to Fox News. The Wall Street Journal highlighted his spotlight-grabbing performance but critiqued his foreign policy proposals as insufficient for securing the presidency. The New York Times described Ramaswamy’s approach as assertive and confident, noting his willingness to engage with more experienced opponents.
NBC News labeled the debate as the “Vivek Ramaswamy Show,” emphasizing his role as a defender of Donald Trump’s legacy. Messenger, an online news portal, reported that Ramaswamy’s outlier policy views captivated attention and ignited debates with opponents. Ramaswamy predicted that the race would eventually narrow down to him and former President Donald Trump, whom he praised as one of the best presidents of the 21st century. Ramaswamy confidently declared himself the winner of the debate and anticipated a two-horse race in the future.
