Vivek Ramaswamy Exit: Despite his bravado and bluster, the Trump wannabe didn’t stand a chance

Vivek Ramaswamy declared his withdrawal from the pursuit of the party's nomination for the upcoming US Presidential election.

Following a subpar showing in the Iowa caucuses, the inaugural event in the 2024 Republican presidential race, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy
declared his withdrawal from the pursuit of the party's nomination for the upcoming US Presidential election. The affluent political novice emulated Donald Trump's approach in his campaign, projecting himself as a charismatic and outspoken populist consistently targeting adversaries.

Succeeding in politics, especially within the Republican Party, demands more than mere imitation of a particular style, such as Trump's. Just 48 hours before the Iowa caucuses, Trump targeted Ramaswamy, deeming him a threat to the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA). Despite prior indications of mutual regard, their relationship underwent a very public and dramatic rupture.

The shift occurred when Ramaswamy criticised Trump by asserting that his legal challenges rendered him a weak candidate. The ex-president's fury was further prompted by the shirts distributed by Ramaswamy's campaign, bearing the slogan 'Save Trump, Vote Vivek.' Following his event in Rock Rapids, Iowa, on Saturday, Ramaswamy shared a photo featuring a group of young men adorned in these shirts.

For a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) aspiring to the US presidency, the optimal political stance hinges on a nuanced grasp of current issues and public sentiment, adept communication, and the ability to garner widespread support across diverse US communities. However, examining Ramaswamy's shortcomings reveals that his rigid attempt to appear more “American” than his counterparts was a notable point of failure.

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During the initial campaign phases, Ramaswamy engaged with Ron DeSantis from a conservative standpoint and, initially, refrained from criticising Donald Trump. In fact, he professed to be a fan of Trump. This contradictory signal, opposing Trump for the presidential nomination while seemingly aligning for a potential VP role if Trump secured the Republican seat, created confusion. It might be misconstrued as if Ramaswamy was falsely projecting himself as a Trump supporter, when in reality, he was attempting to undermine him to secure the votes of Trump supporters.

The two prominent PIOs in this campaign, Nikki Haley and Ramaswamy, conspicuously undermined each other, surpassing even their visceral aversion to other candidates. Ramaswamy's initial ascent also stirred unease within Republican ranks, marked by overt attacks from Christian pastors. Moreover, despite the USA's professed democratic liberalism and secular sentiments, one would doubt the presidential prospects of a Hindu-religion following America-born desi in a Christian-sentiment-led America. The PIOs have to prove that despite their education, success, leanings and national pride, they are Americans, in the first place.

Srinath Sridharan is Author, Policy Researcher & Corporate Advisor, Twitter: @ssmumbai. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.