Staff Reports
Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican presidential candidate, isn’t too pleased with being compared to Andrew Yang. Ramaswamy took to the former Twitter, now known as “X,” to express his disapproval of the comparison. According to Ramaswamy, the only thing they have in common is their Asian heritage. Ramaswamy sees this connection as another example of the anti-racist “revealing their true colors.” But despite his objections, many observers can’t help but notice some striking similarities between the two candidates.
The connection between Ramaswamy and Yang has not gone unnoticed, especially by influential figures who supported Yang during his previous run for the Democratic nomination. Yang himself has even used the comparison to praise Ramaswamy and distance himself from another potential Trump presidency. In an article he wrote for Politico, Yang outlined “9 Ways Vivek Ramaswamy Can Beat Donald Trump.” According to Yang, Ramaswamy has a positive message that resonates with Republicans and could be a formidable contender against Trump.
One of the similarities between the two candidates is their ability to navigate the digital world. Yang had the support of the “Yang Gang,” a group of online supporters who boosted his profile, especially among young voters. Ramaswamy has also been active on social media platforms like Twitter/X, which has allowed him to directly connect with his audience. Both candidates understand the importance of the attention economy and how to effectively use social media to get their messages across.
However, there are some notable differences between Ramaswamy and Yang. Ramaswamy is further to the right than Yang, making his ideological stance much different. Ramaswamy has expressed skepticism towards the climate change agenda, opposes gun registries and a shadow database, and wants to shut down the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. These positions contrast with Yang’s advocacy for net zero emissions and a stricter gun licensing system.
"The only real thing we actually have in common is that our parents are both Asian."@VivekGRamaswamy doesn't appreciate being likened to @AndrewYang. Yet, to many observers, it's hard not to wonder if the two outsider candidates have deeper similarities. https://t.co/u2CkyFvcwg
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) September 1, 2023
Despite their differences, both Ramaswamy and Yang are considered to be ahead of their time. They have unique and radical policy proposals that set them apart from their competitors. Ramaswamy, for example, has proposed “civic duty voting,” a requirement for young adults seeking the franchise. He has also pushed for scaling back or eliminating federal agencies like the Department of Education and the FBI. These ideas, although different from Yang’s universal basic income proposal, are seen as radical and forward-thinking.
As Ramaswamy faces increased scrutiny after his strong debate performance in Milwaukee, the question remains whether his trajectory will mirror Yang’s rise and fall. If Ramaswamy can avoid stumbling in the coming months, his conservative critics, particularly those supporting other candidates, may draw comparisons to Pete Buttigieg, who seemingly came out of nowhere during the last presidential election cycle. Like Buttigieg, Ramaswamy’s political experience is questioned, as he faces criticisms for his lack of experience in the political arena. But running for president is no easy feat, and Ramaswamy will need to weather the storm of personal, professional, and political attacks that are sure to come his way.
