Ramaswamy Reportedly Said He's Running to Sabotage DeSantis

GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's entry into the race has sparked speculation about potential motives beyond a standard campaign.

A report from ABC News suggests that Ramaswamy's run might be strategically aligned to enhance his name recognition and simultaneously hinder Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's presidential ambitions, potentially paving the way for former President Donald Trump.

Vivek Ramaswamy Told Allies He's Running to Sabotage Ron DeSantis: Report https://t.co/Ixz5MVkLhl via @mediaite

— Neanne Derthal (@neanne_derthal) January 8, 2024

Observers note Ramaswamy's overtly friendly approach toward Trump, bordering on sycophantic, prompting speculation that his candidacy might aim at sidelining DeSantis, seen as a strong contender against Trump.

Sources reveal that, before his official announcement, Ramaswamy pitched his potential to make a significant impact on the GOP primary, arguing that his candidacy could dissuade DeSantis from entering or impact his viability if he chose to run.

"In the lead-up to his announcement, Ramaswamy would tell several other conservative activists that he believed that if he ran, it could stop DeSantis from running or impact his viability as a candidate if he did enter the race, sources said," Mediaite reported.

Scott Morefield, a TownHall.com columnist, also raised questions about Ramaswamy's motivations, considering his reluctance to directly challenge Trump.

Morefield suggests potential reasons for the campaign, including raising Ramaswamy's profile and securing a post in a future administration or clearing the path for Trump against DeSantis.

According to ABC News, Ramaswamy's sudden announcement surprised those familiar with him, as he had been attempting to launch a podcast with The Daily Wire just before, indicating efforts to raise his profile in conservative media.

The strategic move has not gone unnoticed, especially by DeSantis, who, in leaked debate prep notes, reportedly has a strategy to "hammer Vivek Ramaswamy."

When approached for comment, Ramaswamy's senior adviser, Tricia McLaughlin, responded by referencing DeSantis's residency, asking if one of the sources lived in a publicly financed mansion in Tallahassee, Florida.

The unfolding dynamics within the GOP primary race continue to draw attention and speculation as the candidates narrow and approach the first primary in Iowa later this month.