In the fourth GOP presidential debate, Vivek Ramaswamy delivered a performance that not only captivated the audience but also visibly stunned fellow candidate Nikki Haley. Known for his assertive and articulate style, Ramaswamy dominated the stage with a blend of incisive arguments and bold statements on the subjects of climate change, the Ukraine war, and more.
Questioning Competence on Ukraine
The debate kicked off with a discussion on U.S. involvement in Ukraine. During this segment, Ramaswamy questioned Nikki Haley’s basic geographical knowledge, which nullified her into a blank stare. “Look at that … She has no idea what the hell the names of those [Ukraine] provinces are, but she wants to send our sons and daughters and our troops and our military equipment to go fight it.”
The “Dirty Little Secret” of American Politics
Ramaswamy then shifted his focus to the dynamics of American politics. He exposed what he called the “dirty little secret” of the system, stating, “The people who we elect to run the government are not the ones who are even actually running the government.”
Spitting Fire
Ramaswamy made an array of statements that go against the GOP establishment rhetoric. “Why am I the only person on this stage at least who can say that January 6 now does look like it was an inside job?” he asked. Ramaswamy added that the Russia collusion narrative surrounding Trump’s presidency was a hoax and that the 2020 election was stolen from him by Big Tech.
Direct Accusations of Corruption
Ramaswamy’s debate performance escalated when he directly accused Nikki Haley of corruption. While holding a sign that read, “Nikki = Corrupt,” he charged, “Nikki, I don’t have a woman problem. You have a corruption problem. And I think that that’s what people need to know. Nikki is corrupt. This is a woman who will send your kids to die so she can buy a bigger house.”
Climate Change Is a “Hoax” and a “New Religion”
Ramaswamy, in his closing statements, turned his attention to the topic of climate change, which he described as a “new religion” and a “hoax.” He passionately argued, “If you thought COVID was bad, what’s coming with this climate agenda is far worse. We should not be bending the knee to this new religion. That is what it is. It is a substitute for a modern religion. We are flogging ourselves and losing our modern way of life, bowing to this new god of climate. And that will end on my watch.”
Ramaswamy stands out as a candidate unafraid to voice his opinions candidly and thoroughly. Should the scenario arise where Donald Trump faces a felony conviction, rendering him ineligible for a presidential run, Ramaswamy seems to be positioning himself strategically as the ideal alternative for Trump’s voter base. His unapologetic way of speaking his mind makes him a strong contender as Trump’s VP pick — or as the GOP candidate should Trump be absent from the ballot.