10/03/2024
After it was announced that Donald Trump had selected J.D. Vance as his pick for running mate for the 2024 election, many started to wonder what this could mean for Vivek Ramaswamy, a rising star in the Republican Party. An Indian American entrepreneur and former pharmaceutical executive, Ramaswamy had been one of the oft-named possible picks for vice president. Now that the decision is made, Ramaswamy’s ambitions have shifted in a different direction.
Campaign Trail
The most divisive figure who has taken center stage as a Republican is Ramaswamy. His strong stance on meritocracy issues is matched only by the boldness of his proposals—to raise the voting age to 25 and dissolve the federal bureaucracy. He believes America should reward talent and hard work, not skin color or identity politics. As he once said, “The American dream means you believe in merit… not on the color of your skin, but on the content of your character.”
Yet, despite these outspoken and bold ideas, Trump decided on Vance as his running mate—a pick many believe was the work of Trump’s inner circle. Travis Cooper, a history and politics teacher, thinks this decision may not significantly impact the Trump campaign. "For a candidate like Trump, the VP pick is not going to move the needle that much. His supporters and detractors are already baked into the campaign."
The Vance-Ramaswamy Contrast
There was much debate before Vance’s selection over Ramaswamy. After all, Vance is a senator from Ohio who represents a continuation of Trumpian populism, while Ramaswamy’s platform focused more on radical government reform and bureaucratic overreach. Cooper writes that Vance’s nomination seems to indicate what type of campaign Trump intends to run—one emphasizing continuity rather than shaking things up.
Not all voters are convinced Vance is the better option. Rohan Philip, a student of Indian descent, had hoped Ramaswamy’s background could have brought a different dynamic to the ticket. "Just knowing he was Indian has changed my view on him… he knows the struggles of being Indian as well as what being Indian means," Philip said, reflecting that Ramaswamy could have been a powerful symbol of diversity in the Republican Party.
However, Bilal Muzaffary, a diabetic student concerned about healthcare, had a less favorable view of Ramaswamy. "Vivek is incapable of making fair decisions for all. His interests only lie in the profits he's able to bring into his company," Muzaffary said. This concern stems from Ramaswamy’s involvement in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly given the high cost of insulin, a product that directly impacts Muzaffary’s family.
What's Next for Ramaswamy?
Ramaswamy may need to explore other avenues to advance his political career. He has hinted at pursuing an Ohio Senate seat in the event of a Trump presidency—a move that would keep him in the political spotlight. Long-term ambitions could include a future presidential run for Ramaswamy, perhaps as early as 2028.
Cooper believes Ramaswamy’s future is bright, stating, "If he does not win the Vice Presidency, I think Vance has secured himself a position in the Republican Senate leadership." Cooper suggests that Ramaswamy might follow a similar career path. Additionally, Ramaswamy’s ideas about shrinking the federal government and opposing the "woke agenda" continue to resonate with many conservative voters, which could sustain his relevance in the Republican Party for years to come.
The Way Forward
While the forthcoming 2024 election may elevate Vance in the Trump campaign, Ramaswamy remains a formidable figure. His staunch meritocratic ideals, disdain for identity politics, and radical ideas for government reform set him apart from other Republicans. Whether he joins the Senate, pursues another government post, or waits for a future presidential bid, Ramaswamy’s political journey is far from over.
For now, though, Vance is the story.
Image Description: Republican presidential candidate businessman Vivek Ramaswamy (L) sings an Eminem rap at the Iowa State Fair Saturday, August 12. Eminem (R) has taken exception to Ramaswamy singing his song during his political campaign. (Photo credit: AP, Reuters)
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