In a recent Sunday interview, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and CNN anchor Dana Bash had a heated exchange. The discussion revolved around Ramaswamy’s comparison of Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s (D-Mass.) statements to rhetoric he equated with “modern grand wizards of the KKK.
Defending his stance from a Friday campaign speech, Ramaswamy suggested they could spark a broader conversation when discussing Pressley’s remarks. He critiqued what he termed the “modern left” for racial prejudices he’s experienced in the U.S.
Ramaswamy stated, “The sentiments of the KKK grand wizards would resonate with her words, asserting that racial identity should determine one’s views.”
Bash challenged him, highlighting the distinction between rhetoric and implying someone embodies the essence of a historically violent group like the KKK.
Ramaswamy was referring to a 2019 statement by Pressley: “We don’t want Black faces that aren’t Black voices, or brown faces that aren’t brown voices.” Pressley’s representative clarified that her comment underscored the importance of diversity in policy, not just representation.
Ramaswamy justified his comparison, suggesting he vocalized what many whisper in private. He emphasized the need for transparent conversations about emerging “anti-racist” cultures, which he sees as a different form of racism. He also criticized proponents of affirmative action, drawing parallels to the KKK’s philosophy.
Pressley’s representatives countered Ramaswamy’s critique, labeling it “backward and harmful.” They stated, “While we typically avoid reacting to such comments, a boundary was overstepped when Ayanna was labeled ‘a modern grand wizard of the KKK’ for condemning racial injustice,” according to a report from Politico.
Emerging from the initial 2024 Republican primary debate, newcomer presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has become the focal point of discussions within the party. Post-debate, there was a noticeable spike in online searches related to Ramaswamy. The transition from businessman to politician appears seamless, as he’s now prominently featured across various media platforms.
Despite some questionable promises he will propose as a potential president, there’s no question that he’s the unknown who’s becoming known.
