New Delhi: Indian-American businessman, Vivek Ramaswamy, has officially pulled out of the 2024 US presidential race, a decision influenced by his underwhelming performance in the Iowa Republican caucuses.
When Ramaswamy initially entered the political arena in February 2023, he was a relatively unknown figure. However, his strong stance on immigration and commitment to an America-first approach quickly garnered attention and support among Republican voters. Emulating the campaign strategy of former President Donald Trump, Ramaswamy aimed to tap into the conservative base that had propelled Trump to success in previous elections.
On the night of the Iowa caucuses, Trump emerged as the clear winner, solidifying his status as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. Ramaswamy, an Ohio native born to immigrant parents from Kerala, became an unexpected contender in a Republican field still heavily influenced by Trump’s reputation.
Despite his initial rise, the political landscape took a turn against Ramaswamy in the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses. Trump publicly denounced him, branding him a “fraud” on his Truth Social media platform and claiming that a vote for the Indian-American was essentially a vote for the “other side.”
A Harvard-educated millionaire, Ramaswamy had gained prominence in right-wing circles with his 2021 bestseller, “Woke, Inc.,” a scathing critique of corporate decisions driven by social justice and climate change concerns.
During debates, Ramaswamy’s fellow Republican presidential hopefuls, including former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who shares Indian heritage, expressed frustration with him. Haley took a dig at Ramaswamy, remarking, “Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber.”