The entrepreneur and presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has steadily picked up momentum in the Republican primary, even gaining on runner-up Ron DeSantis in recent polls — yet the rising star blankly stated that he would not accept an offer to become Trump’s running mate in remarks to Neil Cavuto on Saturday.
With Ramaswamy narrowly trailing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for second place in some polls, commentators have increasingly speculated that the Indian-American outsider could serve a subordinate role in a second Trump administration. However, Ramaswamy has steadfastly denied any interest in serving as a running mate or cabinet official for the polarizing New Yorker.
“The fact is many of these people didn’t know who I was six months ago. And we’re still sitting before the first debate. Donald Trump and I think share something in common in that neither of us does well in a number two position,” Ramaswamy told Cavuto, parroting an oft-repeated talking point.
“I’m built to actually lead the organizations that I’ve built. And I think that when I’m looking at the federal government, my greatest contribution, and one of my goals being to reunite this country, I’m going to be in the best position to get that done if I’m doing it from the top job. That’s where my focus is. I’ve been very clear. I’m not interested in a different position in the government. Frankly, I’d drive change through the private sector sooner than becoming a number two or a number three in the federal government. That’s not about ego,” Ramaswamy continued.
Neil Cavuto then sought clarification. “Are you saying that you would turn it down if offered you?”
“I am. And the reason why is that if this were about my quest for personal power, sure, that makes sense. But that’s not what this is about. This is about reviving our missing national identity, reaching the next generation of Americans who are badly disaffected from politics. A crisis of national pride. It is my job to make sure that my two sons and their generation are once again proud to be citizens of this nation. I think we’re already doing that in this campaign, bringing young people along in droves. I’m going to be best positioned to do that as the next president, and for me in November 2024, it’s not even the destination. That is the start line. The real destination is January 2033. My older son won’t even be in high school then. What do I want to tell the people of this country we accomplished? Above all, it’s that the next generation is once again proud to be American, unapologetically so, reviving the dream of the American Revolution. And I’m only going to be able to do that if I’m the next president. Leading a revolution like Reagan did in 1980, that’s what I’m aiming to lead in 2024,” Ramaswamy elaborated.
Former President Donald Trump remains the top choice for Republican voters, even as he faces four indictments. Yet, Ramaswamy’s support has surged, challenging Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. A recent Fox News poll revealed that Ramaswamy’s support among voters has more than doubled, moving from 5% in June to 11%. DeSantis, despite experiencing a decline in support, still holds the second-place position with 16% backing from voters.
Ramaswamy’s momentum is evident as the first Republican debate on August 23 approaches. His campaign gained significant attention during the Iowa State Fair, where a video of his interaction with a self-proclaimed “pansexual” activist on LGBTQ issues went viral, amassing over 13 million views.
As his popularity rises, many have voiced their support for Ramaswamy as a potential vice-presidential candidate. Yet, Ramaswamy remains steadfast in his decision to decline any such offer, claiming that he will settle for nothing less than the role of commander in chief.
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