Vivek Ramaswamy does not actually want to be president
Jack Elbaum
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Just because someone is a long shot does not necessarily mean they shouldn’t run for president of the United States. In the case of Vivek Ramaswamy, for example, it initially looked like he may be an interesting candidate who could really add something to the Republican primary. But now, it has become more than clear he has overstayed his welcome. It no longer even seems like he is seriously trying to become president.
Earlier today, Ramaswamy held a press conference in Miami to object to the indictment of former President Donald Trump. He announced that he filed a Freedom of Information Act request related to the indictment and also issued a challenge to the other candidates to “Commit to pardon Donald Trump for these federal charges on Day 1, or explain why you won’t.” He added, “No one should hide. Not Biden. Not DeSantis. Not Haley. Not Pence. Not RFK. Not Scott. Not anyone.”
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https://twitter.com/VivekGRamaswamy/status/1668637436497240064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
He did all this right outside of the courthouse and while wearing one of his campaign hats which is almost identical to Trump’s Truth Social merch. He also made sure to include a jab at DeSantis, questioning why he was not there too, considering the arraignment is happening in Florida. This is all consistent with Ramaswamy’s campaign thus far, which has included a lot of bizarre ideas and attacks against DeSantis — all while cozying up to Trump.
None of this makes sense for Ramaswamy to do if he was legitimately trying to win the nomination. But it all makes perfect sense when one realizes his actual goal is to become one of Trump’s new right-hand men. Last month, Rolling Stone reported that Trump and his allies currently look at Ramaswamy as a secret weapon against DeSantis.
Why exactly he is angling for a position within Trump’s orbit after he drops out of the race is anybody’s guess, though. Over his lifetime, Trump has made it quite clear who he is. In marriages he’s a cheater; in friendships and work life he is disloyal; in politics he is beholden to nobody but his own ego. The idea that one would intertwine his own reputation with someone as corrupt politically and morally as Donald Trump is just bizarre.
Nevertheless, we can expect Ramaswamy to officially transition from alleged presidential candidate to open Trump lap dog sooner rather than later. After all, he is currently polling at a mere 2.2%, according to the RealClearPolitics average.
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When that happens, I will be tempted to say good riddance. But I think saying good luck is more appropriate.
After all, there have been only a few people who have worked for Trump and not later been trashed by the man they once called boss.
Jack Elbaum is a summer 2023 Washington Examiner fellow.