Vivek Ramaswamy criticizes GOP rival Trump as wounded

Republican Candidate Vivek⁢ Ramaswamy Criticizes Trump as “Wounded” in Rare Break from Pro-Trump Stance

In a surprising departure from his previous support for former President Donald ​Trump, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has directly‌ and repeatedly criticized Trump as “wounded.” This shift in stance is notable considering Ramaswamy’s previous backing of Trump, despite the former president facing 91 felony charges and potential removal from primary‍ ballots in Colorado and ​Maine due to ⁣Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

Deep Intraparty⁤ Divisions as Republicans Head into 2024

During ‍a joint interview ⁤with NBC News and the Des Moines Register,⁣ Ramaswamy stated, ⁤”At the end of the day, if we need a commander in chief who is going to lead ‍us to victory, I think that our base needs to choose the general who ⁣is not yet wounded in that war.” While Trump remains the favorite in the GOP primary, his legal battles this year, including⁣ criminal cases and ⁢allegations of election⁣ interference, have created⁤ uncertainty. Ramaswamy previously pledged to sit out primary ‌races in states threatening to remove Trump⁤ from the ballot,⁣ urging his 2024 rivals to do the same.

Despite the challenges Trump faces, his Republican⁢ rivals are ⁢not vying for first place in the⁢ primary, but rather for second, ⁢with the hope that if Trump is unable to run, ⁤the runner-up could assume the ‌nomination. Ramaswamy, ⁣however, believes he is the best candidate for the‌ role, even though he trails behind Gov. Ron DeSantis ⁤and former United ⁤Nations ‍Ambassador Nikki⁢ Haley ⁣in the polls.

Ramaswamy ‌stated, “When it comes​ to ‍selecting⁢ a commander in chief, a general to lead us‍ to victory in that ⁤war, I think I’m best positioned ‌to do it with fresh legs, as a leader​ who is not ‌yet wounded‌ in that war. And I do think a lot of people see that back in⁣ me, as well, and will be making that ‌choice accordingly on Jan.‌ 15.” He also emphasized his intention to build upon Trump’s foundation and unite the country.

According to RealClearPolitics, Trump ⁤leads the‌ national polls with 62.7%, followed by Haley at 11%, DeSantis at 10.9%, and Ramaswamy at 4.3%. In ⁤Iowa, Trump maintains a strong lead at 51.3%,⁢ with⁢ DeSantis at 18.6%, Haley at‌ 16.1%, and Ramaswamy at 5.9%.

The joint interview took place ahead of the ⁤crucial Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses, where voters will have their first opportunity to voice their preference for the party’s leader against President Joe Biden. Despite canceling all​ TV ads before Iowa and the Jan. 23 New Hampshire primary, Ramaswamy, a ‌political novice, remains confident in his ability to surprise ‍Washington pundits. Although he did not meet the polling threshold to participate in CNN’s Jan. 10 primary debate in ⁢Iowa, Ramaswamy dismissed the event as boring and instead opted to participate in a live-studio town hall airing one hour before the debate.

Click here to read more⁤ from The Washington Examiner.

What concerns are many Republicans expressing about Trump’s potential legal ​troubles and their impact on his viability ‌as ‍a candidate?

⁤ Supported Trump, but his recent criticism suggests a growing division within ​the Republican Party‍ as they head into the 2024 presidential election.

Ramaswamy’s use of the term “wounded” to describe Trump’s current state resonates with the concerns of many Republicans who worry about⁣ his potential legal troubles. With 91 felony charges pending against⁢ him‍ and the possibility of being‌ removed from primary ballots in Colorado and Maine, Trump’s ability to be an effective candidate ‌is in question. Ramaswamy’s decision ⁤to speak out against‌ Trump signifies a break from his previous support and reflects a broader sentiment within the party that ​is questioning ‌their allegiance to the former president.

The joint interview with NBC News and⁤ the ‍Des Moines​ Register provided a platform⁣ for Ramaswamy to express his ⁣views on the matter. He⁤ emphasized⁢ the need for ‍a commander in chief who is not⁤ burdened by legal issues⁤ and can​ lead the ​party to victory. This statement highlights the doubts surrounding ⁢Trump’s ability to effectively govern while facing numerous ⁢legal​ battles.

Despite ‍these criticisms,⁣ Trump remains the favorite in the Republican primary. His support base remains strong, and ​he continues ⁤to wield‍ significant influence within‍ the party. However, the⁢ growing division ⁢within the⁣ party is ⁢becoming more apparent ⁤as more Republican figures voice their ‌concerns​ about​ Trump’s viability ​as a candidate.

The upcoming 2024 presidential ‍election​ will be a critical moment ⁤for the Republican Party. The choice​ they make in selecting their nominee will​ have long-lasting implications for the⁢ future of the party. The criticisms voiced by Ramaswamy and others ⁤reflect a ⁢deep-rooted unease within the ​party and an acknowledgment that⁣ a shift in leadership ​may be ⁤necessary for the party’s success.

As the ⁣Republican Party ⁣looks ahead to the 2024 election, ‍they must grapple with the⁤ challenges posed by Trump’s legal troubles.⁢ The ⁣divide within the party is becoming more⁣ pronounced, and it ⁤remains to be seen how‍ this will ultimately shape ‍the outcome of the primary. ⁢The upcoming election will be a test for the Republican Party, as ‍they must decide whether to continue their support for a wounded candidate or ⁤seek a new leader who can guide them to ‍victory. Only time will tell how this intraparty division will play out and what implications it will⁢ have for the future of the ‍Republican Party.