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Unexpected Rise of Vivek Ramaswamy in Republican Presidential Race Raises Questions

Vivek Ramaswamy’s strength comes almost entirely from polls conducted over the internet, according to a POLITICO analysis. | Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo

In a surprising turn of events within the Republican primary race, two new polls released on Thursday have shaken up the hierarchy of candidates. While former President Donald Trump maintains a solid lead, the notable contender for the second spot is not the expected Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, but rather a 38-year-old political newcomer, Vivek Ramaswamy.

The prominence of Vivek Ramaswamy, a first-time political candidate, is causing ripples of speculation within the GOP electorate. However, a closer look at the data reveals certain methodological intricacies that cast a shadow over Ramaswamy’s exact standing among the second-tier hopefuls beneath the frontrunner.

The assessment of Ramaswamy’s actual position has implications beyond curiosity. The Republican National Committee plans to use polling results to determine podium placement for its upcoming sanctioned debate, implying that Ramaswamy could find himself in a central position on stage if Trump chooses not to participate.

Methodology and Rankings:

Currently, polling averages place Ramaswamy solidly in third place. According to RealClearPolitics’ average, Ramaswamy holds 6.1 percent, trailing Trump at 54.2 percent and DeSantis at 15.1 percent. Notably, he surpasses other notable figures like Mike Pence (5.2 percent), Nikki Haley (3.4 percent), Tim Scott (2.8 percent), and Chris Christie (2.6 percent). FiveThirtyEight’s polling average places Ramaswamy even higher, at 7.5 percent, ahead of Pence by 2 points.

However, a closer examination reveals that Ramaswamy’s strength predominantly stems from internet-conducted polls, where he averages 7.8 percent. In contrast, polls conducted via telephone, reflecting a broader population, depict Ramaswamy’s support significantly lower at just 2.6 percent, placing him seventh.

The Disparity and Potential Explanations:

The stark divide between internet and telephone poll results raises questions about the methodology’s impact on Ramaswamy’s ranking. Experts suggest several theories, including the demographics and internet literacy of Ramaswamy’s supporters. Additionally, his name’s complexity poses challenges in telephone polls, especially with an older, predominantly white audience.

The disparity is evident in two polls released on Thursday. A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll placed Ramaswamy at 3 percent, tied with Haley for fifth place. Conversely, a web-panel poll by Republican firm Cygnal positioned Ramaswamy at 11 percent, edging past DeSantis.

The Rise of Ramaswamy:

Despite the methodological intricacies, Ramaswamy’s ascent is undeniable. His presence has shifted from 3.1 percent a month ago to 6.1 percent today. Impressively, Ramaswamy has relied primarily on earned media rather than substantial financial investments in ads, setting him apart from other contenders.

Ramaswamy’s appeal is particularly strong among younger Republicans and voters with college degrees, demographics that often dominate online polls. The attention he garners comes from high-intensity voters closely following the race through media platforms. Morning Consult’s data indicates that 36 percent of GOP primary voters have heard positive information about Ramaswamy in the past week.

The Road Ahead:

Ramaswamy’s growing popularity could undergo shifts as televised debates and other closely-watched events unfold. The question remains: will Ramaswamy’s internet-driven surge translate to a solid foundation in the traditional voting population?

As the Republican primary race progresses, analysts will keep a keen eye on how Ramaswamy’s candidacy evolves, whether he can bridge the gap between internet and telephone polling, and if his name becomes synonymous with the broader electorate.

In a race already marked by surprises, Vivek Ramaswamy’s rise adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama of the 2024 Republican primary.

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