Iowa
Ramaswamy faces curiosity and skepticism in Iowa after center-stage performance in GOP debate
PELLA, Iowa – Vivek Ramaswamy has charged back into Iowa, stoking curiosity and skepticism after his attention-grabbing performance in the first Republican presidential debate.
The charismatic 38-year-old businessman was met Friday by hundreds of GOP activists in small central cities near Des Moines, with more events planned in the coming days.
He is drawing new interest from Republicans who will participate in the nation’s first caucuses next year, but also apprehension from attendees at his events and pointed criticism from a former GOP governor. Much of the negative feedback is about his foreign policy ideas, notably his argument that the U.S. should stop providing arms and funding to Ukraine as it fights Russia’s invasion.
“I like that he’s young and energetic, and wants to tear the whole thing down,” said Thomas Bean, a 23-year-old who attended a morning event south of Des Moines. He was referring to Ramaswamy’s goal of reducing the federal bureaucracy by 75 percent.
“I like what he’s proposing. They’re not status quo,” said Bean, a public relations professional. “I just don’t know how much of what he’s proposing is realistic.”
Like Bean, several people who came to see Ramaswamy cited his youth, energy and outsider profile — punctuated by his criticism of and by better-known rivals Wednesday in Milwaukee. He drew larger than expected audiences on Friday, first to the Indianola breakfast restaurant and later a lunchtime event at a Pella brew pub.
Ramaswamy introduced himself as the son of poor Indian immigrants. But he spent most of his time speaking for what he describes as a frustrated generation seeking meaning in a nation that he says has lost its patriotism. The Ohio businessman has a background in investing and biotechnology.
“So what does it mean to be American? It means we believe in the ideals that set this nation into motion 250 years ago,” Ramaswamy said, drawing applause. “That you get ahead in this country, not on the color of your skin, but on the content of your character and your contributions.”
He mostly took a more inspirational tone than on Wednesday, when he confronted veteran politicians such as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Vice President Mike Pence.
Ramaswamy’s argument that the U.S. should suspend financial aid to Ukraine was met with sharp rebukes from Pence and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. Haley on Wednesday likened Ramaswamy’s position to siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin and thus “choosing a murderer.”
The crosstalk and jabs during the debate, Ramaswamy said, were like “some banter on the basketball court.”
Still, Ramaswamy’s campaign was seizing on his rising profile. His campaign said it raised $450,000 in the first hours after the debate. And he is scheduled to appear Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press and CNN’s State of the Union.
Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, who has not endorsed a candidate, said in an interview that Ramaswamy “brings some real enthusiasm and commitment to traditional values that Americans are really clamoring for,” but described his foreign policy as “a real problem.”
“I don’t think he’s really thought that through. And I thought that Nikki Haley really took him to task on that,” said Branstad, who served as ambassador to China under former President Donald Trump. “Rightly so.”
Janice Johnson, a 72-year-old from Indianola, Iowa, said she wanted someone from Ramaswamy’s generation to take the nation’s reins. But speaking before one of his events, Johnson described Ramaswamy as “sometimes a little too enthusiastic.”
Jim Jones, a former county GOP official from nearby Carlisle, said he viewed Ramaswamy with equal parts intrigue and apprehension.
“The intrigue is about, how does this guy come off appearing so strong and come from nowhere so quickly?” said Jones, 75. “The apprehension comes from his idea of abandoning Ukraine. That’s a little bit scary.”
Ramaswamy said Friday that he was trying to protect Ukraine by seeking an ending in which Russia would retain territory it took by force.
“I personally think that actually is the best, reasonable outcome for Ukraine. At least it comes out with its sovereignty intact — and saving a lot of Ukrainian lives in the process,” he told reporters when asked about the criticism. “That’s the best case, realistic scenario for Ukraine.”
Others with more vested interests have also piled on Ramaswamy.
Hal Lambert, a donor to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, questioned Ramaswamy’s credentials and reason for running, noting Ramaswamy’s frequent praise during the debate for Trump, who remains the heavy favorite for the nomination.
“Either he thinks Trump is going to go to prison or he thinks at 38 years old and with less experience than an average city councilman, he’d be better than ‘the greatest president of the 21st century,’” Lambert said. “Which is it? Either way he shouldn’t be running.”
Ken Cuccinelli, chairman of the pro-DeSantis Never Back Down super PAC, predicted last week that Ramaswamy would get more scrutiny as interest in him rises. Never Back Down issued a strategy memo before the debate urging DeSantis to attack Ramaswamy — something the Florida governor did not do, opting instead to largely stay out of the infighting between others on stage.
“So, I’m not backing off ‘Vivek the fake,’” Cuccinelli said, referencing a catchphrase that Never Back Down wanted DeSantis to use. “He’s the most inconsistent candidate in the field, and he’s getting no scrutiny.”
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Associated Press writers Steve Peoples and Michelle Price contributed from New York and Bill Barrow contributed from Atlanta.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara said he didn’t travel to Saturday’s game at Maryland after not being fully cleared from a concussion sustained last month.
McNamara on Friday went to X to respond to what he called “ridiculous accusations” about his status with the team. The senior said he remains “a proud member of this football team.”
McNamara last played Oct. 26 against Northwestern, when he sustained the concussion. Brendan Sullivan stepped in and started Iowa’s next few games, but an ankle injury has sidelined him for the Maryland matchup. Sources told ESPN that Sullivan likely will not return until Iowa’s bowl game. Jackson Stratton, a walk-on who transferred to Iowa from Colorado State, will start against Maryland.
Iowa listed McNamara as the starter on its Monday depth chart, and he said he had been cleared to practice Sunday but “had an adverse reaction, which is common for someone coming out of [concussion] protocol.” He said he did not participate in practice Monday and for the rest of the week, and continues to work with team doctors and a concussion specialist.
Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday that McNamara’s status was “cloudy,” but that the quarterback had been cleared to play.
“Whether or not he can play effectively or not, we’ll see,” Ferentz said.
Ferentz said on his radio show Wednesday that Stratton was in line to make his first start.
“He’ll get the start,” Ferentz said. “Confident that he’ll do a great job. He stepped in, did a really nice job in our last ballgame, and he’s got a good ability to throw the football, and he’s learning every day.”
Stratton completed 3 of 6 passes for 28 yards in Iowa’s loss against UCLA on Nov. 8. He appeared in four games for Colorado State in 2022 and none last season.
McNamara, a transfer from Michigan who helped the Wolverines to the 2021 Big Ten title, has opened the past two seasons as Iowa’s starter. He sustained an ACL tear in September 2023 that cost him the rest of the season. McNamara has 1,022 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions at Iowa.
He wrote on X that he intends to play in Iowa’s regular-season finale Nov. 29 at home against Nebraska.
There is a 4-way tie atop our season standings between John Steppe, Jeff Johnson, Rob Gray and Beth Malicki
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The Gazette’s Pick ‘Ems for Week 13 of the college football season including long road trips for Iowa and Iowa State and the top-five showdown between Indiana and Ohio State.
Iowa (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) at Maryland (4-6, 1-6)
11 a.m. Saturday (BTN)
Line: Iowa -6.5
Mike Hlas (2-1, 24-12) — Iowa’s No. 3 quarterback for this game is a Maryland blue crab. Iowa 24, Maryland 14
John Steppe (2-1, 26-10) — My editors are excited for a deadline-friendly 11 a.m. start. I’m just excited to use Washington’s outstanding Metro system. Iowa 20, Maryland 13
Jeff Johnson (3-0, 26-10) — Hey, Coach Ferentz. I’ve got some eligibility remaining if you need a quarterback. I specialize in the Tush Push. Maryland 21, Iowa 17
Rob Gray (3-0, 26-10) — Can the return of Cade McNamara save the Hawkeyes’ season? Maybe. But can the “clouds” settle and put Jackson Stratton into the starting spot? It appears possible. Iowa 14, Maryland 10
Beth Malicki (3-0, 26-10) — I’m hosting Thanksgiving and don’t want anyone to bring their own darn food. This isn’t a potluck. This is my chance to show off and stress out. Iowa 20, Maryland 17
Todd Brommelkamp (3-0, 25-11) — Maryland has a single B1G win (by just one point) and gives up almost 30 points a game yet somehow Iowa’s final road trip of the year has become very unnerving. Iowa 28, Maryland 19
No. 22 Iowa State (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) at Utah (4-6, 1-6)
6:30 p.m. Saturday (Fox)
Line: Iowa State -7.5
Hlas — Once I was in a bar in the old Denver airport waiting to catch a flight to Salt Lake City. Someone dropped a quarter in a jukebox and played a Hall and Oates record. At that moment, the most amazing thing happened to all of us there. (Continued on Page 13C). Utah 21, Iowa State 20
Steppe — Utah has more national parks than college football wins this year. Iowa State 23, Utah 20
Johnson — “Is it possible the two Utes …” “The two what?” “What?” “Did you say two Utes?” “Yeah, two Utes.” “What is a Ute?” “Oh, excuse me, your honor. Two youths.” Iowa State 28, Utah 10
Gray — If the Cyclones can stop the run, a path to 9-2 swiftly materializes. If they can’t, this is a four-quarter game. Iowa State 27, Utah 17
Malicki — Why am I wearing a splint on each wrist when I sleep? Self-induced carpal tunnel from robust cleaning. Iowa State 31, Utah 24
Brommelkamp — Utah’s controversial loss in the Holy War two weeks ago was the final straw in a lost season for Kyle Whittingham’s team. Make it seven straight setbacks for the Utes. Iowa State 25, Utah 21
No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1)
11 a.m. Saturday (Fox)
Line: Ohio State -12
Hlas — This is the biggest Indiana football game of our lives, then we have turkey dinner five days later. So delay that move to New Zealand for another week. Ohio State 35, Indiana 28
Steppe — My mother is an Indiana grad. I hope she does her Christmas shopping for me before reading this pick. Ohio State 41, Indiana 31
Johnson — Indiana is a great story, but let’s get real. Hoosiers have played exactly ONE team with a winning record, and that’s Washington, which is a mere 6-5. Ohio State 31, Indiana 14
Gray — Heck, let’s blow it all up. Bluebloods be damned. Er, wait. On second thought … Ohio State 27, Indiana 14
Malicki — I cannot wait for all three of my adult kids to come home so I can be so overwhelmed with delight I can’t sleep so in all the pictures I have “crazy eyes.” Ohio State 34, Indiana 23
Brommelkamp — It’s clear ESPN and the CFP aren’t fans of Curt Cignetti’s upstarts. I am. The Hoosiers will (hopefully) make this a game and prove their many doubters wrong. Ohio State 31, Indiana 24
WEST DES MOINES, Ia. (WCTV) – Two people from Decatur County were arrested in Iowa Wednesday, and face charges related to an alleged robbery, according to a press release from the West Des Moines Police Department.
Daniel Mathes of Bainbridge is charged with robbery in the second degree and theft in the first degree. Lisa Haire of Climax is charged with aiding and abetting robbery in the second degree and aiding and abetting theft in the first degree.
Late Wednesday afternoon, police responded to a call of a robbery at a bank, according to authorities. No one was injured, and police determined Mathes and Haire suspects related to the incident, police say.
They were later pulled over by Iowa State Patrol on I-80, and arrested without incident, according to authorities.
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