Will they listen to Ramaswamy’s advice?
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former contender in the Republican presidential race, is urging fellow GOP candidates Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis to withdraw from the 2024 competition and throw their support behind former President Donald Trump, who secured a significant victory in the Iowa caucuses on Monday night.
Ramaswamy, who suspended his own White House bid after finishing fourth in Iowa, emphasized the need for the Republican Party to concentrate on nominating Donald Trump and revitalizing the nation’s foundational revolutionary principles. Speaking to Fox News anchor Jesse Watters, Ramaswamy stated, “I believe Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley would, at this point, benefit this country and the party by stepping aside to ensure we’re focused on not only nominating Donald Trump but also on restoring those founding revolutionary ideals.”
When asked directly if he was urging Haley and DeSantis to exit the race, Ramaswamy confirmed, “I am, and I do think that would be beneficial for this country.” Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, officially endorsed Trump after dropping out and is reportedly actively campaigning for his former rival.
Despite Ramaswamy’s call, neither DeSantis nor Haley has shown any inclination to drop out, holding onto their second and third positions in Iowa, respectively. While Trump secured 51% of the vote in Iowa, Ramaswamy experienced a disappointing fourth-place finish with single-digit support. DeSantis garnered 21% support, and Haley received 19%.
Political commentators, including Laura Ingraham from Fox News, have pointed to Trump’s dominant victory in Iowa as a reason for Haley and DeSantis to reconsider their campaigns. In an editorial piece published by The Wall Street Journal, the editorial board also called on DeSantis to step aside and let Haley face off against Trump.
New Hampshire-based strategist Mike Dennehy expressed skepticism about DeSantis’s prospects, stating that he is currently a “dead man walking.” Dennehy argued that DeSantis cannot convincingly claim a stronger position after losing to Trump by a significant margin and suggested that his campaign is not gaining traction.