Conservatives are growing increasingly uncomfortable with Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign for Ohio governor, largely due to his ties to the MAGA movement and its attendant prejudices. President Donald Trump has already thrown his support behind Ramaswamy, but the endorsement comes at a time when the candidate is facing fierce backlash from within his own party.
Ramaswamy's Indian heritage, as well as his affiliation with the Hindu faith, have become liabilities for some conservatives who view him with suspicion. His recent remarks about Americans' work ethic and his push for increased use of H-1B visas to bring in foreign-born workers have further alienated many within the MAGA movement.
The anti-Ramaswamy sentiment was on full display after Ohio Democrat Amy Acton seized upon one of Ramaswamy's 2024 comments, portraying him as out of touch with working-class Americans. Acton claimed that Ohioans are "working harder than ever" and "doing everything right," but just need more breathing room – a message that resonated deeply with many on the left.
The reaction to Acton's post was swift and widespread, with many conservatives expressing outrage and, in some cases, outright racism towards Ramaswamy. Right-wing commentator Dinesh D'Souza even weighed in on the issue, making comments that seemed to suggest Ramaswamy's Indian heritage could be an asset in his campaign.
However, not all conservatives are buying this narrative, and many are now questioning whether Ramaswamy is truly fit to lead the GOP ticket. The backlash against Ramaswamy's campaign has undoubtedly hurt his prospects, but it remains to be seen how much damage can be done before the primary season gets underway.
Ramaswamy's Indian heritage, as well as his affiliation with the Hindu faith, have become liabilities for some conservatives who view him with suspicion. His recent remarks about Americans' work ethic and his push for increased use of H-1B visas to bring in foreign-born workers have further alienated many within the MAGA movement.
The anti-Ramaswamy sentiment was on full display after Ohio Democrat Amy Acton seized upon one of Ramaswamy's 2024 comments, portraying him as out of touch with working-class Americans. Acton claimed that Ohioans are "working harder than ever" and "doing everything right," but just need more breathing room – a message that resonated deeply with many on the left.
The reaction to Acton's post was swift and widespread, with many conservatives expressing outrage and, in some cases, outright racism towards Ramaswamy. Right-wing commentator Dinesh D'Souza even weighed in on the issue, making comments that seemed to suggest Ramaswamy's Indian heritage could be an asset in his campaign.
However, not all conservatives are buying this narrative, and many are now questioning whether Ramaswamy is truly fit to lead the GOP ticket. The backlash against Ramaswamy's campaign has undoubtedly hurt his prospects, but it remains to be seen how much damage can be done before the primary season gets underway.