Ramaswamy, addressing the GOP convention, highlighted historical triumphs and called for a revival of this dream to strengthen the US, while also expressing strong support for Donald Trump‘s return to the White House.
“Fear has been infectious in this country. But courage can be contagious, too. That, too, is what it means to be an American…If you’re at home and you disagree with everything I just said, our message to you is this: We will still defend to the death your right to say it, because that is who we are as Americans,” said Ramaswamy, who had exited the presidential race earlier this year.
He highlighted the opportunity for Americans to hold differing opinions yet come together peacefully, stating, “We are the country where we can disagree like hell and still get together at the dinner table at the end of it. That is the America I know. That is the America we miss.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk reacted to Ramaswamy’s remarks, “Well said!!”on his X handle.
Ramaswamy emphasised the US’s potential for growth, asserting, “we don’t need to be a nation in decline,” and that it can still be a “nation in ascent” with its best days ahead.
He elaborated that in the US, people can succeed based on their hard work and dedication irrespective of their identity or background. “That country where, no matter who you are, where your parents came from or what your skin color is, or how long your last name is, you will still get ahead in this country with your own hard work, your own commitment, your own dedication, and that you know what? You are free to speak your mind at every step of the way,” he said.
The GOP leader further linked the concept of ‘American exceptionalism‘ to the potential revival under Donald Trump’s presidency. “That is the American dream. That is what won us the American Revolution. That is what reunited us after the American Civil War. That is what won us two world wars and the Cold War. That is what still gives hope to the free world,” Ramaswamy stated.
He added, “And if we can revive that dream over group identity, victimhood, and grievance, then nobody in the world, not a nation, not a corporation, not a virus, not China, is going to defeat us. That is what American exceptionalism is all about. And that is what we will revive this November when we send Donald J Trump back to the White House.”
Earlier in the day, the 38-year-old addressed the issue of illegal immigration, promising firm action. “Our message to illegal immigrants is also this; we will return you to your country of origin. Not because you’re all bad people, but because you broke the law, and the United States of America was founded on the rule of law,” he declared.
Ramaswamy also pledged to seal the southern border on the first day if they came to power.
Speaking directly to black Americans, he sought to counter media perceptions about Republican neglect. “The media has tried to convince you for decades that Republicans don’t care about your communities. We want for you what we want for every American: safe neighborhoods, clean streets, good jobs, a better life for your children, and a justice system that treats everyone equally – regardless of your skin color or your political beliefs,” he said.