Entrepreneur and Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has found himself at the center of controversy after an old video of him giving an interview barefoot resurfaced on social media. The clip, live-streamed last year, sparked heated debate, with critics calling his appearance “inappropriate” for a political figure.
Social media users slammed Ramaswamy, with one writing, “Vivek will never be governor of Ohio. This is unacceptable for America.” Another questioned, “Maybe at least have some socks on while you interview for a position in the most powerful empire on the planet, yeah?”
However, not everyone agreed with the backlash. Commentator Ian Miles Cheong dismissed the criticism as “the dumbest argument,” pointing out that many cultures remove shoes indoors. Some users highlighted that going barefoot at home is common in Indian households as a sign of respect and hygiene.
Responding to the controversy, Ramaswamy said, “This is America, folks. I let the dogs out in my house when I feel like it.” His supporters praised him for handling the situation with composure, with one noting that he showed “extreme class” when facing past criticisms.
As the debate continues, Ramaswamy’s barefoot moment has sparked wider discussions about cultural norms and personal freedoms.
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