Trump-Free GOP Means More Ramaswamy: Trends and Highlights of the First Debate

After the conclusion of the first Republican presidential primary debate in Milwaukee, supporters of the candidates sought to spin performances into definitive victories. However, it is essential to look beyond the mere rhetoric and delve into the substance of the debate. One notable figure who emerged in the Trump’s absence was Vivek G. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, anti-woke investor, and occasional rapper. Ramaswamy’s Trump-like stances and Trump-friendly rhetoric drew significant attention and criticism from opponents during the debate. This article will explore the trends and highlights of the debate, emphasizing the significant role played by Ramaswamy in the Trump-Free GOP.

Drawing Attacks: Ramaswamy Scores Victories

During the debate, Ramaswamy faced fierce opposition from several candidates, including Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, and Chris Christie, primarily on foreign policy, climate change, and other issues. Contrary to predictions, Ramaswamy’s rise in popularity showcased his ability to become the focal point of criticism, overshadowing even the favored candidate, Ron DeSantis. The ease with which opponents targeted Ramaswamy demonstrated that acceleration is more vulnerable to attack than steady momentum.

Ramaswamy and Trump: An Unconventional Alliance

Ramaswamy’s strategy of portraying himself as an underdog resonated with the audience. He captivated the crowd by praising former President Donald Trump, contrasting the support he received with the criticism faced by rivals such as Christie. Chris Grant, a senior advisor to the Ramaswamy campaign, declared that establishment politicians like Haley and Pence were jealous of his rise. Ramaswamy’s agile maneuvering and well-received punches reinforced his position and earned him public acclaim.

Foreign Policy Disputes: Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel

Foreign policy debates proved to be a contentious issue during the debate, with candidates taking positions contrary to the frontrunner. Ramaswamy and DeSantis displayed divergent stances on Ukraine funding, with Ramaswamy opposing it outright and DeSantis suggesting that support should be contingent upon greater contributions from American allies closer to Ukraine. Pence criticized Ramaswamy’s proposal to cede parts of Ukraine to Russia, calling it a “giveaway” to Putin. Meanwhile, Haley accused Ramaswamy of wanting to hand Ukraine to Russia, let China influence Taiwan, and stop funding Israel. Ramaswamy emphasized the importance of the friendship between the United States and Israel, promising to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Abortion: Divisions Among Candidates

Candidates also clashed over the issue of abortion, particularly national restrictions. Pence expressed support for a 15-week limit, describing it as an idea whose time has come. Haley questioned the feasibility of a federal ban, citing the lack of pro-life senators to make it a reality. Burgum, the North Dakota Governor, supported pro-life views but opposed a federal ban, highlighting the need to return the issue to the states based on the 10th Amendment.

Trump’s Influence Prevails

It became evident that the shadow of former President Trump loomed over the entire debate. Observers suggested that candidates such as Haley, Scott, and DeSantis were positioning themselves for vice presidential slots on a ticket led by President Trump. Nigel Farage, former leader of the UK Brexit Party, called the event a “beauty contest” for vice presidential candidates. Despite the fierce competition among GOP candidates, President Trump’s overwhelming popularity and dominance in the information ecosystem through an interview with Tucker Carlson overshadowed the entire debate.

No One Escapes Trump’s Shadow

While every candidate would say they’re in it to win it, many informed observers have speculated that Ms. Haley, Mr. Scott, and others are gunning for vice presidential slots, most plausibly on a ticket led by President Trump.

Another voice in that chorus is Nigel Farage, former leader of the UK Brexit Party.

In a pre-debate interview near Rumble’s studio on the Forum campus, Mr. Farage told The Epoch Times the event was “almost a beauty contest” for vice presidential contestants.

As the base’s loyalty to President Trump grows with each new indictment, he looks increasingly difficult to unseat from the nomination. Not only that—in keeping with the last eight years of news, President Trump has come to dominate the information ecosystem, this time partly through the airing of an interview with former Fox News journalist Tucker Carlson at the same time as the debate.

In line with this, some of the fiercest comments concerned whether Mr. Pence “did the right thing” when he certified the results of the 2020 election.

After first deflecting, Mr. DeSantis eventually conceded that “Mike [Pence] did his duty.” At the opposite extreme, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson suggested the 14th Amendment may prevent President Trump from becoming president again because of what Mr. Hutchinson called “the insurrection”—the breach of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Mr. Ramaswamy scored points by highlighting his commitment to pardon President Trump “on day one” as president, challenging Mr. Pence on the issue.

“That’s the difference between you and me. I’ve actually given pardons when I was governor of the State of Indiana. It usually follows a finding of guilt and contrition by the individual that’s been convicted,” President Trump’s former vice president responded.

Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson who has worked on all of his presidential campaigns, told The Epoch Times in the spin room that President Trump was the “one winner for tonight,” citing the many tens of millions of views his interview with Mr. Carlson has already drawn.

He said President Trump is unlikely to appear at the next Fox/GOP debate, scheduled for September at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, “unless he says otherwise.”

Mr. Cheung dismissed the significance of the first debate, in light of President Trump’s strong polling.

“Will anyone ever really remember what happened on the stage tonight? No,” Mr. Cheung said.

“Right now, this is President Trump’s to lose,” Mr. Spicer said.

“Trump’s the only one right now that is on a path to accumulate the delegates that will be necessary [for the nomination],” he added.

If nothing else, the debate showed that a future Trump-free Republican Party might not belong to names like Ms. Haley, Mr. Pence, Mr. Scott, or even Mr. DeSantis.

The biggest moments on Wednesday night belonged to Mr. Ramaswamy’s GOP.