"I believe that people are thirsty, curious, and secretly, genuinely interested in something different. Yet, it can't just be something different to seem different or to claim that generational transition is the cause. I am aware that they are not seeking novelty only for novelty's sake. In order to truly better advance the America First agenda, I believe they are searching for something else "explained Ramswamy. "And I believe that the majority of Republicans fervently support some of the ideas I'm putting forth, including getting rid of affirmative action in America, abandoning climate religion in America, and using the military to actually destroy the cartels south of the border and end the fentanyl crisis. I think that most Americans share these opinions. Even still, a lot of Republican politicians seem to be reluctant to say these things out loud."
Even Donald Trump criticizing affirmative action, the environment, and religion are political subjects that, in Ramaswamy's opinion, many people dance carefully and step carefully around.
The multi-millionaire businessman blasted the establishment media for failing to cover his campaign, particularly The New York Times and The Washington Post, which have barely mentioned him since he announced his bid for president. He claimed that these publications don't put up with political outsiders who disagree with their "sacred cows," such as climate change.
Yet Ramaswamy seemed to poke fun at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a candidate who is looking more and more likely to challenge Ramaswamy in 2024 and who has been open about squelching negative press while campaigning.
"[Media outlets] frequently claim that conservatives dislike having open discussions and debates. And sadly, even some of our Republicans that I personally respect fall into the trap of saying, "Oh, I'm not going to talk to a certain network that's unkind to me." This makes me feel a bit sad. Don't fall into that trap because that's precisely what MSNBC or the left-wing media want you to say "said Ramaswamy. "I've actually said the contrary, though. I've made it very clear that I'm willing to speak with anyone, whether or not they share my opinions, because guess what? You probably shouldn't be the one representing America to Xi Jinping if you don't have a thick enough skin for the left-wing media in this nation."
After MSNBC anchor Andrea Mitchell falsely claimed during an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris that Team DeSantis did not want slavery to be taught in schools, Team DeSantis has been vocal about declining interviews with traditional media outlets. More recently, Team DeSantis made its disagreement with NBC News public. Later, she walked the comments back. Yet, DeSantis' staff pledged to continue ignoring NBC unless Mitchell extended a more thorough apology.
Later, Ramaswamy added, "So that left-wing media can actually criticize candidates to their own readership, they want Republican candidates who promise not to speak to them. Republicans, I urge you to avoid falling into that snare. Have some spine! Show some courage! Don't declare that you won't communicate with the opposing side. Show them by doing it that we do, in fact, value free speech and open discussion."
When questioned if DeSantis was specifically mentioned in those remarks, Ramaswamy's campaign responded, "Yes."
Ramaswamy declined to directly respond to the question of whether his participation in the GOP primary is a hint that he doubts former President Trump's chances of defeating President Biden in a prospective rematch.
Instead, he asserted that a Trump-Biden rematch would result in a "national divorce," whereas his candidacy may result in a "national resurrection," telling Fox News Digital that he wouldn't be running if he believed a different candidate could bring the country together.
Yet getting a spot on the main debate stage is his first significant challenge.
The RNC's chairwoman Ronna McDaniel has been urged by Ramaswamy to outline the requirements by the end of March.
He asserted that he is confident he will participate in the debate as long as the RNC doesn't play any tricks.
"In my opinion, the Republican Party apparatus still has a long way to go before winning back the base's trust completely. And I believe that's the best course of action—transparency, clarity, and a complete lack of any semblance of game-playing. So, they ought to establish those standards "explained Ramaswamy.
But, when questioned precisely if he would be prepared to keep the "loyalty vow" McDaniel had previously suggested, Ramaswamy was hesitant to say yes but would still cooperate if his rivals would.
I've stated that I would be willing to do it on the premise that the other candidates would do the same because that debate stage is crucial, if that's what it takes to get everyone together, he added.
