NEW DELHI: Three Indian-Americans are looking to replace Joe Biden as the President of the United States in next year’s elections. While the race is still in primaries, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has emerged as a serious contender and trailing only former President Donald Trump to become a Republican nominee.
Ramaswamy, who was recently endorsed by billionaire Elon Musk, has marched ahead in the race and is tied with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for second place, according to a recent poll. He has left behind former Vice President Mike Pence.
Several polls have placed Ramaswamy among the contenders like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, and Democrats Joe Biden and Robert Kennedy Jr.
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Ramaswamy, a second generation Indian-American, has built his campaign on reviving meritocracy, reducing dependency on China, censorship, stopping illegal immigration, and criticism of the Biden administration’s Covid-19 handling. His unique position on the Russia-Ukraine war has earned applause on social media platforms.
He has blamed the expansionist policy of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) for the ongoing war in Ukraine. His peace plan includes Russia keeping some key occupied areas but severing its military partnership with China.
The Republic sees the Russia-China military partnership as the single biggest threat to America. “The aim of the war should not be for Russia to lose, but the US to win,” Ramaswamy recently said while speaking of his “win-win” formula to end the Ukraine war.
At 38 years of age, Ramaswamy is the youngest major Republican candidate in history. His campaign aims to challenge conventional norms and promises to address key concerns such as education, employment, and national security. His campaign has also garnered support from right-wing backers and those opposed to environmental and corporate governance initiatives.
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With regards to immigration, the Republican candidate’s stance is in extension of border policies implemented by the Trump administration. “I will station military personnel along the US-Mexico border every half-mile to protect against illegal immigration and drugs like fentanyl entering the country,” he said.
Though the answer to whether he can win the US presidency depends on several factors, he would most likely get nominated as the Republican candidate if Trump decides not to run in wake of his indictment in several criminal cases, experts say.
Ramaswamy, who finds his roots in Kerala, has ruled out serving as the Vice President. “President Trump and I have something in common. And neither of us can settle down for number 2,” he told reporters earlier last week.