Vivek Ramaswamy made waves during the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate in Wisconsin, with many considering him to be the breakout star of the night. According to a poll conducted by the Daily Mail, Ramaswamy received a 28 percent approval rating from voters, putting him in the top spot among the conservative candidates.
Ramaswamy, a biotech businessman, held his own against his fellow candidates on stage at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. His strong performance and commanding presence earned him the approval of a significant portion of Republican voters.
In the poll, Ron DeSantis came in second place with a 27 percent approval rating, while former Vice President Mike Pence trailed behind with 13 percent. The remaining candidates, including Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, Doug Burgum, Asa Hutchinson, and James Johnson, all polled in the single digits.
Notably absent from the debate was former President Donald Trump, who remains the frontrunner in the race according to most polls. Instead of participating in the debate, Trump chose to do an interview with Tucker Carlson that aired on X, formerly known as Twitter.
During the two-hour debate, Ramaswamy found himself in the spotlight due to several heated exchanges with his rivals. One particularly memorable moment was when Chris Christie referred to him as “ChatGPT.” Despite the pushback, Ramaswamy remained composed and held firm in his beliefs.
One controversial stance Ramaswamy took during the debate was labeling climate change as a hoax. This prompted boos from the crowd, showcasing the divide within the Republican party on this issue.
The debate also touched on foreign policy, specifically the war in Ukraine. Ramaswamy was the only candidate to raise his hand when asked if anyone would not support an increase in funding for the war. This stance distinguishes him from his competitors and further solidifies his unique position in the race.
Another moment that garnered attention was when the candidates were asked if they would support Trump if he were convicted in any of his four criminal cases. Ramaswamy quickly raised his hand, showing his unwavering loyalty to the former president.
Despite espousing controversial opinions, Ramaswamy’s popularity among the Republican base seems to be growing. His strong polling numbers indicate that he has struck a chord with conservative voters who are looking for a fresh perspective and a candidate unafraid to challenge the status quo.
As the 2024 Republican primary race continues to unfold, Ramaswamy’s performance in the first debate has put him at the forefront of the conversation. Whether or not he can maintain his momentum and translate it into a successful campaign remains to be seen. However, his ability to capture the attention and support of voters bodes well for his chances in the crowded field of contenders.