Indian American US Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his withdrawal from the 2024 US presidential race following a timid response of voters in the Iowa Republican caucuses.
Entering the political arena in February 2023, Mr. Ramaswamy, previously a relatively unknown figure in political spheres, successfully captured the attention and support of Republican voters with his strong stance on immigration and an America-first approach. Adopting a campaign strategy reminiscent of former President Donald Trump, both in tone and policy, Ramaswamy aimed to appeal to the conservative base that had propelled Trump to victory in previous elections.
On the same night, Trump emerged victorious in Iowa, solidifying his position as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Despite being an unexpected contender in a field still dominated by Trump’s reputation, Mr. Ramaswamy, an Ohio native born to immigrant parents from Kerala, found himself gaining recognition.
However, fortunes shifted for Mr. Ramaswamy in the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses, as Trump publicly denounced him, branding him a “fraud” on his Truth Social platform. Trump asserted that a vote for the Indian-American was a vote for the “other side.” In Iowa, Mr. Ramaswamy finished fourth, securing around 7.7% of the votes.
The Harvard-educated millionaire had previously gained prominence in right-wing circles with his 2021 bestseller, “Woke, Inc.,” a sharp critique of corporate decisions influenced by social justice and climate change concerns.
During debates, Mr. Ramaswamy’s fellow Republican presidential hopefuls, notably former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, expressed frustration with him. Haley, of Indian origin herself, took a jab at him, stating, “Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber.”
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