Meeting voters with Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 37-year-old biotech entrepreneur and founder of an asset management firm, is gaining attention as a Republican presidential hopeful in the 2024 election. His platform focuses on reversing declining youth patriotism and promoting civic duty. The proposal that has received the most attention is his call to require anyone under 25 to pass a civics test or participate in national service to be eligible to vote. Critics have argued that it’s “more punitive than restorative” and would risk alienating young voters. Despite the uphill battle of changing the voting age through a constitutional amendment, Ramaswamy believes his proposal would increase voter participation among 18- to 25-year-olds.
Along with promoting civic duty, Ramaswamy says that invigorating the economy is central to restoring youth patriotism. Drawing upon his expertise, he believes stimulating the economy will promote national pride among young people. Ramaswamy has faced skepticism over his hard-line proposals, including shutting down “toxic” government agencies such as the Department of Education, the FBI, and the IRS, and filling the vacuum of purpose and identity on the right.
Ramaswamy addressed his criticisms in a recent interview, stating that he approaches critics with open arms. His campaign team’s strategy in New Hampshire is winning primary voters through relentless exposure. Although his polling numbers are hovering below 4%, Ramaswamy pointed out that Trump’s numbers were similar at this point in the 2016 cycle.
Ramaswamy is the youngest contender in the primary election and decades away from Trump and Biden. As he works the room, that seems to resonate with younger voters. Despite his proposal potentially alienating young voters, he emphasizes reaching the next generation of Americans is central to his mission.
FAQs:
Who is Vivek Ramaswamy?
Vivek Ramaswamy is a 37-year-old biotech entrepreneur and founder of an asset management firm.
What is Ramaswamy’s campaign platform?
Ramaswamy’s platform focuses on reversing declining youth patriotism and promoting civic duty. He proposes increasing voter participation by requiring anyone under 25 to pass a civics test or participate in national service.
What are some of Ramaswamy’s hard-line proposals?
Ramaswamy’s hard-line proposals include shutting down “toxic” government agencies such as the Department of Education, the FBI, and the IRS, and filling the vacuum of purpose and identity on the right.
What is Ramaswamy’s strategy in the New Hampshire primary?
Ramaswamy’s campaign team’s strategy is winning primary voters through relentless exposure.
What are Ramaswamy’s polling numbers?
Ramaswamy’s polling numbers are hovering below 4%, coming in just below Mike Pence and Nikky Haley, and well behind frontrunners DeSantis (21%) and Trump (54%).
What is Ramaswamy’s response to criticism?
Ramaswamy says he approaches critics with open arms and believes in engagement, not disengagement.
How old is Ramaswamy?
Ramaswamy is 37 years old.
Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate, meets with voters.
Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy recently invited a critic to join him on the campaign trail in New Hampshire, in an effort to engage in dialogue rather than disengagement. In an op-ed for The Washington Post, the critic had criticised Ramaswamy’s proposal to raise the minimum voting age. The proposal would require those under 25 to either enroll in national service or pass a civics test in order to vote. Ramaswamy’s goal is to help reinvigorate civic duty and reverse declining youth patriotism. However, the proposal would require a constitutional amendment, making it more of a conversation starter than an actionable policy. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and founder of an asset management firm, is also keen on stimulating the economy in order to promote national pride by proxy. Whilst the campaign faces an uphill battle, Ramaswamy believes that winning primary voters through relentless exposure and working within an established party offers the most feasible path to success.