Opinion: The Enduring Brilliance of Ramaswamy
Experience the unmatched charisma and showmanship of Donald Trump as he effortlessly outshines Vivek Ramaswamy in the realm of theater and spectacle Dive into the captivating world of politics with our expert analysis
Bill Carter has covered the media business for over 25 years at The New York Times and has been a contributor to CNN. He is also the author of four books about television, including "The Late Shift," and the Emmy-nominated writer of the HBO adaptation of the book. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. For more opinions, visit CNN. After a series of debate performances that were heavily criticized, Vivek Ramaswamy needed a town hall TV appearance as much as Linus needed his blanket.
Bill Carter
Bill Carter
On Wednesday night in Iowa, he participated in a town hall moderated by CNN's Abby Phillip. Ramaswamy attempted to present himself as more temperate and reasoned, which seemed to be a strategic move that was somewhat effective. However, when he began talking about the January 6 insurrection, it came across as if he was treating it like a new episode of "The X-Files," with the "Smoking Man" scheming to use federal agents to tarnish a MAGA gathering at the Capitol.
Ramaswamy's innate ability to spark anger and controversy became evident as he revealed a more volatile side, exposing the underlying tension beneath his calm exterior. When questioned by Phillip about his recent statement that January 6th was an "inside job," Ramaswamy managed to incorporate several conspiracy theories, which he asserted were "hard facts," including claims of federal agents manipulating the crowd, the dismissal of the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and, of course, the mention of Hunter Biden's laptop.
A town hall during a party's primary season typically involves a crowd consisting of the party's base voters, which can shield the candidate from tough questions and criticisms, ensuring a supportive atmosphere with enthusiastic applause.
Conspiracy theories tend to resonate with many Republican voters, particularly when it comes to the events of January 6. Most people recognize that a violent riot broadcast live on TV is problematic and feel uncomfortable being associated with it, making efforts to shift blame onto someone not affiliated with their party a welcome diversion.
However, the national TV audience on CNN will not exactly reflect the Iowa Republican folk present at Grand View University in Des Moines. Therefore, Ramaswamy's attempt to justify the debunked theories behind the January 6 riot may not have much value. This trend can also be observed in the town hall as a whole, with Ramaswamy's decline in the polls and other Republican candidates struggling to gain momentum.
In recent weeks, multiple news outlets have claimed that former President Donald Trump is gaining support from Black voters. However, author and radio host Clay Cane remains skeptical of these reports.
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In this campaign, Trump's appeal has been widely considered too powerful to challenge directly, so opponents have resorted to subtle hints: hoping voters understand the message and that Trump does not succeed.
Ramaswamy is particularly ill-suited to counter Trump because he is striving to emulate him. This was evident in his recent attacks on undocumented immigrants, promises to deport them, disregard for climate change, and abandonment of Ukraine in favor of a complex deal involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and China.
Ramaswamy frequently brags about his status as a businessman from outside the establishment, a theme he often promotes during his campaign. However, the comparison to Trump only goes as far as their fashion choices. While Ramaswamy may have a talent for referencing history and details, Trump outshines him in his ability to captivate an audience. Trump has the charisma of a classic showman, able to engage a crowd with his humor and persuasion, leading them to willingly part with their money.
Ramaswamy lacks Trump's natural talent for theater and spectacle. Instead, he comes across as an overly aggressive street hustler, constantly bantering and invading personal space as you walk away.
One significant contrast, particularly in terms of Iowa, is the approval Trump receives from evangelicals, despite his egregious immoral behavior. He has already been legally implicated in sexual abuse (which he denies), yet he is still able to secure a large percentage of Iowa's Christian vote.
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Ramaswamy, despite quoting from the Book of Isaiah (which Trump likely couldn't even name), was asked how he would handle critics who think he can't be president because he isn't a Christian. He attempted to navigate the awkward question by praising shared religious values.
He initially appeared unsure of his response when asked about his most significant impression of Iowans, but eventually mentioned their "candor." This suggests that he may have received some negative feedback from Iowans, though not to the extent of being called an "obnoxious blowhard."
In the end, even the warm blanky of a town hall with nice Iowan Republicans may not have provided the comfort Ramaswamy needs to be as popular as Trumpor Linus.
