Vivek Ramaswamy, 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur and political newcomer, has become a notable figure in the 2024 Republican presidential election campaign. During a CNN town hall in Iowa, Ramaswamy discussed how he integrates certain aspects of his Hindu beliefs with “Judeo-Christian values.” However, he admitted that he might not be the ideal candidate to promote Christianity.
Ramaswamy, addressed various topics, including religion, immigration, border security, and economic disparity. In Iowa, a key segment of the Republican electorate consists of Evangelical Christians.
One audience member questioned Ramaswamy about the viewpoint of those who think he is unfit to be president due to his religious beliefs, which differ from those of the founding fathers. In response, Ramaswamy expressed his respectful disagreement with this notion.
As a Hindu, Ramaswamy addressed concerns about his faith not matching that of the founders. He emphasized the shared values between his Hindu faith and Christian principles, stating his gratitude to the US as his motivation for running for president.
“We don’t choose who God works through. God chooses who God works through. So we get to the Old Testament, a little bit further along, we get to the Book of Isaiah. I don’t know if many of you are familiar with that one. God chose Cyrus, a Gentile all the way in Persia, to lead the Jewish people back to the Promised Land,” he said.
“And so yes, I believe God put us here for a purpose. My faith is what leads me on this journey to run for president,” said the Indian-American GOP presidential hopeful.
Key takeaways from the event:
Ramaswamy, addressed various topics, including religion, immigration, border security, and economic disparity. In Iowa, a key segment of the Republican electorate consists of Evangelical Christians.
One audience member questioned Ramaswamy about the viewpoint of those who think he is unfit to be president due to his religious beliefs, which differ from those of the founding fathers. In response, Ramaswamy expressed his respectful disagreement with this notion.
As a Hindu, Ramaswamy addressed concerns about his faith not matching that of the founders. He emphasized the shared values between his Hindu faith and Christian principles, stating his gratitude to the US as his motivation for running for president.
“We don’t choose who God works through. God chooses who God works through. So we get to the Old Testament, a little bit further along, we get to the Book of Isaiah. I don’t know if many of you are familiar with that one. God chose Cyrus, a Gentile all the way in Persia, to lead the Jewish people back to the Promised Land,” he said.
“And so yes, I believe God put us here for a purpose. My faith is what leads me on this journey to run for president,” said the Indian-American GOP presidential hopeful.
Key takeaways from the event:
- Ramaswamy embraced several conspiracy theories, a continuation of themes from the fourth Republican presidential primary debate.
- He suggested that federal law enforcement agents played a role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol, describing it as “entrapment.” He also referenced the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, focusing on the acquittal of several charged individuals.
- An animated exchange with CNN moderator Abby Phillip highlighted Ramaswamy’s claims about the government’s systematic lies, including issues related to the coronavirus pandemic and Hunter Biden’s laptop.
- On the topic of the Supreme Court’s decision to review the case on the abortion pill mifepristone, Ramaswamy argued that federal agencies often overstep their authority. He criticized the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, calling it symptomatic of issues in the administrative state.
- Ramaswamy proposed rescinding “unconstitutional” federal regulations and reducing the federal workforce by 75%.
- Addressing income inequality and taxes, Ramaswamy shared his family’s journey from his parents’ arrival in the US to his founding of multibillion-dollar companies. He emphasized passing down the American dream of meritocracy to his children.
- On immigration, Ramaswamy advocated for a strict approach, including deploying the military to secure US borders and using local law enforcement to deport undocumented immigrants. He also supported ending birthright citizenship and completing the US-Mexico border wall.
- Ramaswamy’s town hall appearance offered insights into his campaign strategy and policy positions as he seeks to gain traction in the upcoming Republican presidential nominating process.
(With inputs from agencies)
