Mike Pence and Vivek Ramaswamy Clash Over Presidential Powers in Fiery GOP Debate

Former Vice President Mike Pence and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy engaged in a fiery exchange during the first GOP debate on Wednesday night. The debate, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, focused on what a president can and cannot accomplish in the White House.

Pence criticized his fellow candidates for avoiding important issues such as Social Security and Medicare. He specifically called out Ramaswamy, saying, “Vivek, you recently said a president can’t do everything. Well, I got news for you, Vivek. I’ve been in the hallway. I’ve been in the West Wing. The President of the United States has to confront every crisis facing America. I will put our nation back on a path to growth and prosperity and restore fiscal responsibility, just as I did in Congress and as governor.”

Ramaswamy responded by stating, “This isn’t complicated, guys. Unlock American energy, drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear. Put people back to work by no longer paying them more to stay at home. Reform the US Fed, stabilize the US dollar and go to war.”

Pence then promised to explain his statement to Ramaswamy, saying he would go “slower this time” to ensure understanding. He highlighted his accomplishments as vice president and took a jab at Ramaswamy’s lack of political experience, stating, “Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We don’t need to bring in a rookie. We don’t need to bring in people without experience.”

Ramaswamy accused Pence of reciting a “memorized, pre-prepared slogan” and criticized professional politicians for following slogans handed to them by super PACs. The two candidates continued to spar throughout the debate, with Ramaswamy accusing Pence of not acknowledging the “dark time” America is facing, and Pence emphasizing the need for a government as good as its people.

After the exchange, Ramaswamy’s campaign highlighted his position as an outsider, stating, “Vivek is the outsider on this stage. He’s not a politician–America doesn’t need another career politician beholden to the donor class sitting in the White House. The choice for GOP primary voters: do they want incremental reform or do they want revolution? Vivek is on the side of revolution.”

Pence’s spokesperson, Devin O’Malley, responded by saying that Ramaswamy “would need training wheels if he became president, and America can’t afford that.” O’Malley emphasized that Pence is ready to take on the job from day one.

The heated exchange between Pence and Ramaswamy showcased the differing views and approaches within the GOP as the candidates vied for the party’s nomination in the 2024 presidential race.

What specific issues did Mike Pence accuse his fellow candidates, including Vivek Ramaswamy, of avoiding during the GOP debate

Former Vice President Mike Pence and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy had a heated exchange during the inaugural GOP debate on Wednesday night in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The focus of the debate was the extent of a president’s capabilities in the White House.

Pence took a critical stance towards his fellow candidates, accusing them of avoiding crucial issues such as Social Security and Medicare. In particular, he singled out Ramaswamy, stating, “Vivek, you recently asserted that a president cannot accomplish everything. But, I must inform you, Vivek, that I have witnessed the inner workings of our nation firsthand. The President of the United States is obliged to confront every crisis that confronts America. I vow to lead our nation towards growth, prosperity, and fiscal responsibility.”