Vivek Ramaswamy is a newcomer to the political scene and arguably the most pleasant surprise of the GOP candidates vying to become the nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
He’s only 37 years old, graduated from Harvard College and Yale Law School, and has established himself as an entrepreneur, founding the biopharmaceutical company Roivant Sciences. He brings youth, energy, and passion to the GOP that some people have claimed has largely been missing since Ronald Reagan’s “A Time for Choosing” speech in 1964.
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I’ve seen him speak twice in Philadelphia, and while I didn’t agree with everything he said, I still came away impressed.
He recently toured Philadelphia's Kensington section and witnessed the harmful effects of the opioid crisis in person. He also spoke at the Moms for Liberty Summit in the city and expressed his support for education without indoctrination — something that endeared him to mothers across the country. Others must have shared that sentiment because recent poll results have shown he is growing in popularity and appeal.
His youthful exuberance is a refreshing change of pace to a country accustomed to having octogenarians making policy and political decisions.
Ramaswamy's platform is filled with commonsense politics and empathy that run counter to much of the bureaucratic nonsense that burdens the country today. Additionally, he supports moving on from the perpetual victimization narrative of society that has hampered the country for decades, and supports ideas such as individual liberty and traditional American values — for people of all races and genders — that should garner universal support. It's perhaps why many people have a favorable view of Ramaswamy despite being a newcomer.
According to Rasmussen Reports, 42% of voters “have a favorable impression of Ramaswamy,” including 17% with a “very favorable opinion” of him. It bodes well for Ramaswamy’s political future, especially compared to veteran, more experienced, and established politicians who aren’t viewed as favorable.
Furthermore, his appeal appears to transcend political parties. And while he does not hold a majority in any poll or with any particular demographic, it’s evident to everyone that his popularity is growing. He arguably has the most widespread appeal of any GOP candidate running for president, according to recent polls. Other candidates have years invested in campaigns; Ramaswamy barely has six months.
Consider the results of the Rasmussen Reports poll, which showed that Ramaswamy has a favorable view with 36% of Democrats, 43% of voters not registered with either major party, and 47% of Republicans. Moreover, poll results showed that “slightly more Democrats (25%) than Republicans (24%) think Ramaswamy is at least somewhat likely to end up being the Republican presidential nominee in 2024.” It is particularly impressive since most people didn’t even know who Ramaswamy was six months ago.
Additionally, polls showed that Ramaswamy’s favorability was relatively high among minority voters, especially considering GOP candidates’ struggles with these demographics. Among racial demographics, 38% of white voters, 39% of black voters, and 55% of other minorities expressed “at least a somewhat favorable” view of him. Also, 20% of black voters and 36% of voters of other racial minorities believed Ramaswamy is “at least somewhat likely to get the 2024 GOP nomination.”
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And while Rasmussen has Ramaswamy behind former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in its polls, he doesn’t seem to be some flash in the pan.
Perhaps most telling about his widespread appeal, despite the ominous-sounding title, Ramaswamy was considered the “least hated GOP candidate,” according to Rasmussen. This should be seen as a badge of honor, especially given the anti-GOP political climate in schools, colleges, media, and pop culture.