I’ve followed presidential politics for what seems like 100 years, and with few exceptions, I’ve been surprised by neither primary winners nor presidential election results. Now, early in the 2024 general election cycle, one surprise has been the steady rise of Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

Based on the results of a new poll, the anti-woke 37-year-old multimillionaire has broken into double digits, moving into third place behind former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

According to the latest Echelon Insights survey, conducted June 26-29, Ramaswamy stood at 10 percent, with the former president at 49 percent and the Florida governor at 16 percent. Former Vice President Mike Pence grabbed the fourth slot, at just five percent. Ramaswamy has also seen a significant rise in both name recognition and favorability in Morning Consult’s latest weekly survey.

Ramaswamy made headlines on June 13 when he challenged all other Republican presidential candidates to commit to pardoning Trump if he’s convicted on federal charges— “or explain why you won’t.”

I challenge every US Presidential candidate to join me in standing for TRUTH. Commit to pardon Donald Trump for these federal charges on Day 1, or explain why you won’t. No one should hide. Not Biden. Not DeSantis. Not Haley. Not Pence. Not RFK. Not Scott. Not anyone. Principles over politics.

Principles over politics. If it were only so— on both sides of the political divide.

I challenge every US Presidential candidate to join me in standing for TRUTH. Commit to pardon Donald Trump for these federal charges on Day 1, or explain why you won’t. No one should hide. Not Biden. Not DeSantis. Not Haley. Not Pence. Not RFK. Not Scott. Not anyone. Principles… pic.twitter.com/qYP3fUrE5R

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) June 13, 2023

One surefire example of proof that the left is leery of Ramaswamy is the same surefire example we always see when Democrats are frightened by the message of an enemy on the right: vicious attacks as part of the same old politics of personal destruction they relish. We’ve seen it employed against everyone from Clarence Thomas to Donald Trump to Tucker Carlson.

As we reported on June 24, Iowa’s Quad-City Times published a wildly racist cartoon depicting Ramaswamy as an “anti-woke crusader,” being “welcomed” by bigoted Republican supporters who shout: “Muslim!” “Show us your birth certificate!” and “Get me a SLUSHEE, Apu!” (Ramaswamy is a practicing Hindu.)

Two days later, after Ramaswamy fought back – with grace — as we also reported, the paper issued a hollow promise, ridiculously claiming the bigoted cartoon “slipped through our editorial process.”

Ramaswamy has connected strongly with conservative pro-life voters, declaring in late April: “Abortion is a form of murder.”

I think abortion is a form of murder. Murder is dealt with through state law, not federal law. I think we should be consistent about that. That’s what the Constitution demands.

Also in April, Ramaswamy schooled then-CNN host Don Lemon about his ignorance on the issue of Civil Rights.

Don Lemon should actually study civil rights history before spouting off about it. Shouting down ideas you don’t like & restricting what you can say based on your skin color won’t bring us together. Open debate will. I’ll keep going on any network to debate the other side & revive the ideals that make this country great. Facts first.

Boom.

.@donlemon should actually study civil rights history before spouting off about it. Shouting down ideas you don’t like & restricting what you can say based on your skin color won’t bring us together. Open debate will. I’ll keep going on any network to debate the other side &… pic.twitter.com/P67ScBDAhO

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) April 19, 2023

Obviously brilliant, Ramaswamy’s crisp articulation of the issues and his incisive communication skills have gained national attention for one simple reason: He means what he says, he’s not afraid to say what he thinks, and he doesn’t give a damn about the naysayers on the left.

Finally, in a bold, 25-point America First 2.0 plan, Ramaswamy challenged the status quo while also demonstrating a strong commitment to conservative principles.

The Bottom Line

While there’s a lot of water yet to flow under the 2024 Republican primaries and general election bridge, Vivek Ramaswamy simply makes too much sense for Republicans to overlook, particularly as he continues his rise in the polls. While he’s certainly a long shot to win the nomination, at this early point, young Vivek is building a case for strong consideration for the VP slot.