Vivek Ramaswamy: Trump Wildwood Rally & Ann Coulter's Controversial Comments | PBD Podcast | Ep. 410

Added: May 14, 2024

In this podcast episode, Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate, discusses his campaign, the current state of politics, and potential future roles in government. The host brings up an exchange Ramaswamy had with a previous guest who suggested he was "too brown" to become president. Ramaswamy dismisses this notion, attributing his loss in the Republican Presidential nomination to the popularity of Donald Trump rather than his ethnicity. He acknowledges facing challenges due to his ethnicity and religion during his campaign, with some voters expressing reluctance to support him based on those factors.

Key takeaways

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Vivek Ramaswamy attributes his loss in the Republican Presidential nomination more to the popularity of Donald Trump than to his ethnicity, highlighting the significant influence of established political figures in primary elections.

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Trust plays a crucial role in politics, as demonstrated by Ramaswamy's acknowledgment that he underestimated the importance of trust among the Republican base, which favored Trump due to his track record.

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Ramaswamy's openness to serve in a future administration, regardless of the position, underscores the importance of skill set and impact over title, reflecting a commitment to public service and country over personal ambition.

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The critique of the Michael Cohen trial as politically motivated rather than a legitimate legal process reflects a broader concern about the politicization of legal proceedings and the potential impact on public trust in the justice system.

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On international issues, Ramaswamy advocates for a diplomatic approach that considers the self-interest of all parties, emphasizing the importance of peace and rational decision-making in foreign policy.

The Importance of Trust in Politics

Ramaswamy emphasizes the importance of trust in politics and admits that he underestimated the trust factor in his own campaign. He notes that the Republican base was more inclined towards Trump due to his proven track record and actions as president. Despite facing challenges, he remains open to the possibility of running for president in 2028 if he believes the country requires it and urgent action is needed. He stresses the importance of making a difference now rather than waiting for future opportunities.

Ramaswamy's Willingness to Serve

When asked about potential roles in a Trump administration, Ramaswamy expresses willingness to consider any job where he could have the most impact and make use of his skill set. He highlights the importance of aligning with Trump's vision and serving in a position that benefits the country. He also discusses the importance of accountability in leadership and the need to make tough decisions when necessary.

Potential Vice Presidential Candidates

The conversation shifts to potential vice presidential candidates. Ramaswamy praises Ben Carson for his inspirational qualities and commitment to serving the country, as well as Tulsi Gabbard for her independent thinking and stance against unnecessary wars. He refrains from publicly endorsing a specific candidate, emphasizing the president's decision in selecting a vice president.

Michael Cohen Trial Analysis

The conversation then delves into the ongoing trial involving Michael Cohen and his testimony regarding hush money payments made during the 2016 campaign. Ramaswamy critiques the prosecution's case, arguing that it is politically motivated rather than a legitimate legal process. He plans to attend the trial to show support for former President Trump and observe the proceedings firsthand.

The Republican Party's Unity Challenge

Ramaswamy discusses the division within the Republican Party and the challenges they face in uniting against the Democratic Party. He emphasizes the need for Republicans to stand by their convictions and vision, rather than solely focusing on criticizing the opposing party. He stresses the importance of taking decisive action on issues such as border security and mass migration to secure a victory in upcoming elections.

Addressing College Campus Protests

The podcast also touches on civil unrest and protests on college campuses, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Ramaswamy observes that these protests are often led by a fringe minority lacking a deep understanding of the issue's complexities. He calls for a return to first principles and a focus on national sovereignty in addressing these protests.

Diplomatic Solution for Ukraine Crisis

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Ramaswamy suggests a diplomatic approach that respects the self-interest of all parties involved. He advocates for a deal that restores NATO commitments and extracts concessions from Russia to prevent further conflict escalation. He emphasizes the importance of peace and rational decision-making in foreign policy.

Ramaswamy praises Pelosi's courage

The conversation then shifts to a clip of Nancy Pelosi speaking at Oxford University, where she faces criticism for her comments on democracy and populism. Ramaswamy praises Pelosi for attending such events despite potential opposition and highlights the need for Republicans to engage in open debates with those holding opposing views.

Ramaswamy supports immigration policy reform

A clip of Fareed Zakaria from CNN is discussed, where he suggests President Biden should consider reverting to some of Trump's immigration policies. Ramaswamy agrees, stating that the current asylum system is being exploited and in need of reform. He cautions against insincere attempts to gain credibility through timing admissions and policy reversals.

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