(Image source from: Facebook.com/VivekGRamaswamy)
Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American entrepreneur, withdrew from the 2024 US presidential race today and expressed his support for Donald Trump. This decision came after a disappointing performance in the Iowa Republican caucuses.
When Ramaswamy first entered the race in February 2023, he was not well-known in political circles. However, he managed to gain attention and support from Republican voters by voicing strong opinions on immigration and advocating for an America-first approach. His campaign strategy closely resembled that of former President Trump, both in terms of tone and policy. Ramaswamy aimed to tap into the conservative base that had propelled Trump to success in previous elections.
On the same night, Trump emerged as the winner in Iowa, solidifying his position as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Ramaswamy, an Ohio native with immigrant parents from Kerala, unexpectedly emerged as one of the contenders in a Republican field still dominated by Trump's reputation.
However, in the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses, the tides turned against Ramaswamy as Trump publicly criticized him. Trump labeled him a "fraud" on his social media platform, Truth Social, and claimed that voting for the Indian-American would be supporting the "other side."
In Iowa, Ramaswamy finished in fourth place, receiving approximately 7.7% of the votes.
A wealthy individual rose to prominence within conservative circles by publishing a popular book in 2021 titled "Woke, Inc." In this book, he strongly criticizes corporate decisions influenced by social justice and climate change concerns. Throughout debates, other Republican presidential candidates, including former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, expressed frustration with him. During one such debate, Haley, who is of Indian descent, made a sarcastic remark, saying, "Every time I hear you speak, I feel my intelligence diminish."
In the Iowa caucuses, Donald Trump secured the top position, while Ron DeSantis surpassed Haley to claim second place.
