Vivek Ramaswamy maintains his statement comparing Ayanna Pressley to a contemporary KKK leader.

2024 Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Stands by Controversial Comment

During a recent campaign stop in Iowa, Vivek Ramaswamy, ⁤a candidate for the 2024 presidential election, made headlines by referring to Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) as “a modern grand wizard of the KKK.” This statement has sparked ‌a heated debate and⁣ has drawn attention from‌ both supporters and critics.

When questioned about his comment during an appearance on‌ CNN’s State of the Union ​with host Dana Bash, Ramaswamy stood by his words. Bash challenged him on the comparison, particularly​ in light of the recent Jacksonville shooting. She also questioned how his denial‍ of experiencing white supremacy would be perceived by the victims’ families.

“You ‍know, I’m sure, the KKK was responsible for more ‌than a century worth of horrific lynchings, rapes, murders of black people. How in any way ‍are the views you’re talking ⁢about comparable to the​ views and atrocities committed by⁤ the KKK?” Bash asked.

Ramaswamy responded, “I think it is the‌ same spirit to say that I can look at you and, based on just your skin color, that I know something about the content of your character, that I know something about the content ⁤of the viewpoints that you’re allowed ⁢to express. For‍ Ayanna Pressley to tell me that because of my skin color, I can’t express my views, that is wrong, that is divisive. It is driving hate in this country. This is dividing our country to a breaking point.”

He continued, “Let’s be intellectually honest and get to the heart⁤ of what‍ this debate ought to be about. There is a world view⁤ that says that the remedy to past discrimination and present discrimination. That if⁤ you’re black or brown, you have to‍ have a particular point of view. That’s from Ibram X Kendi and Ayanna Pressley, the people I quoted in my speech.”

In the ensuing discussion, Ramaswamy remained steadfast in his stance, while Bash argued that his ‌comments hindered an “open and honest discussion.” When asked if he believed his comment had “crossed a line,” Ramaswamy firmly stated that it had not.

The controversial remark was made by Ramaswamy during⁢ his visit to Iowa, where he addressed the crowd. “Ayanna Pressley, she’s in the Congress today. She’s a member of ‘the squad.’ Her words, not mine: ‘We don’t want any more black faces that don’t⁤ want to be a black voice. We don’t want any more brown faces that don’t​ want to be a brown voice,'” Ramaswamy quoted, referencing Ibram X. Kendi’s book “How To Be Anti-racist.”

Pressley’s team swiftly condemned Ramaswamy’s statement, describing it as crossing a line. In a fundraising pitch, they stated, “We typically don’t engage in these bad-faith attacks, but yesterday a line was crossed. A GOP candidate referred to Ayanna as ‘a modern grand wizard of ⁣the KKK’ because she speaks ​out against racial injustice. This is backwards ⁤and harmful, but that is the point.”

The controversy ‌surrounding ⁢Ramaswamy’s comment continues​ to unfold, with both sides passionately defending their positions.

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