Discover the latest political twist as Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy drops out of the 2024 Presidential Race, reshaping Republican dynamics.
In a surprising turn of events, Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has officially withdrawn from the 2024 US presidential race, conceding defeat after a lackluster performance in the Iowa Republican caucuses. The unexpected move came as former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in Iowa, solidifying his position as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination.
Ramaswamy, an Ohio native born to immigrant parents from Kerala, entered the political arena in February 2023, initially a relatively unknown figure. Despite this, he managed to capture attention and support among Republican voters with his strong opinions on immigration and an America-first approach. His campaign strategy closely mirrored that of Trump, both in tone and policy, as he sought to tap into the conservative base that had propelled Trump to success in previous elections.
However, the tides turned against Ramaswamy in the final days leading up to the Iowa caucuses, as Trump publicly denounced him, labeling him a “fraud” on his social media platform Truth Social. Trump asserted that a vote for the Indian-American entrepreneur was a vote for the “other side.” This public disapproval from the former president significantly impacted Ramaswamy’s standing within the party.
In the Iowa caucuses, Ramaswamy finished fourth, securing around 7.7% of the votes. Trump’s resounding victory further underscored his dominance within the Republican Party and his appeal to the party’s conservative base.
Ramaswamy, a Harvard-educated millionaire, gained prominence in right-wing circles with his 2021 bestseller, “Woke, Inc.,” a scathing critique of corporate decisions based on social justice and climate change concerns. Despite his intellectual credentials, fellow Republican presidential hopefuls, including former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, expressed frustration with Ramaswamy during debates. Haley, herself of Indian origin, took a jibe at him, stating, “Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber.”
Following his decision to drop out, Ramaswamy announced his support for Trump, aligning himself with the former president’s political agenda. With Trump finishing at the pole position in Iowa, Ron DeSantis secured second place, surpassing Nikki Haley in the caucuses.
As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, the dynamics within the Republican Party continue to be shaped by the influence and endorsement of Donald Trump, reaffirming his significant role in shaping the party’s future direction.