Pella: After his attention-grabbing performance in the first Republican presidential debate, Vivek Ramaswamy has sprinted back into Iowa, igniting doubt and curiosity.

Hundreds of GOP activists greeted the affable 38-year-old businessman on Friday in small central cities close to Des Moines, and additional events are scheduled for the coming days.

Republicans who will take part in the country's first caucuses next year are showing renewed interest in him, but there is also trepidation among attendees at his events and scathing criticism from a former GOP governor. Most of the criticism is directed at his views on foreign policy, particularly his claim that the US should stop arming and funding Ukraine as it resists Russian invasion.

Also Read: Philippines Shows Interest in More Indian Military Hardware

Thomas Bean, 23, who was present at a morning event south of Des Moines, said, "I like that he's young and energetic, and wants to tear the whole thing down." He was referring to Ramaswamy's intention to cut the federal government's bureaucracy by 75%.

"I approve of his proposal. They are not the status quo, according to public relations expert Bean. I'm just not sure how much of what he's suggesting is doable.

Similar to Bean, many of those who attended Ramaswamy's performance in Milwaukee on Wednesday praised his youth, vigour, and outsider persona, which were emphasised by his criticism of and by more well-known rivals. On Friday, he attracted larger crowds than anticipated, first to the breakfast restaurant in Indianola and then to a lunchtime event at a brew pub in Pella.

Ramaswamy identified himself as the poor immigrant Indian father. But he spent the majority of his time speaking for what he calls a frustrated generation looking for purpose in a country that, in his opinion, has lost its sense of patriotism. The businessman from Ohio has experience in both biotechnology and investing.

"So what does being an American mean? Ramaswamy received cheers when he said, "It means we believe in the ideals that launched this nation into motion 250 years ago. Your ability to succeed in this country depends more on the quality of your character and contributions than the colour of your skin.

Compared to Wednesday, when he confronted seasoned politicians like former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Vice President Mike Pence, he generally adopted a more upbeat tone.

Also Read: 'Post-Zelensky Ukraine Could Be Ruled by Warlords,' US Presidential Hopeful Says

Ramaswamy's call for the US to halt financial assistance to Ukraine was met with stern criticism from Pence and former UN envoy Nikki Haley. On Wednesday, Haley compared Ramaswamy's stance to "choosing a murderer" by supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ramaswamy compared the debate's crosstalk and jabs to "some banter on the basketball court." Ramaswamy's campaign was still utilising his growing notoriety. According to his campaign, $450,000 was raised in the first few hours following the debate. Additionally, he will be a guest on State of the Union on CNN and Meet the Press on NBC on Sunday.

Although he has not endorsed a candidate, former Iowa governor Terry Branstad stated in an interview that Ramaswamy "brings some real enthusiasm and commitment to traditional values that Americans are really clamouring for," but called his foreign policy "a real problem."

He hasn't given that much thought, in my opinion. Branstad, who served as the former president Donald Trump's ambassador to China, said Nikki Haley "really called him out on that. Rightfully so.

A representative from Ramaswamy's generation should lead the country, according to Janice Johnson, a 72-year-old from Indianola, Iowa. But before one of his events, Johnson said of Ramaswamy that he was "sometimes a little too enthusiastic."

Ramaswamy was viewed by Jim Jones, a former county GOP official from nearby Carlisle, with equal parts intrigue and trepidation.
The intriguing question, according to Jones, 75, is "how does this guy come off appearing so strong and come from nowhere so quickly." "The worry stems from his thought of leaving Ukraine. That's a little frightening.

Ramaswamy claimed on Friday that he was working to protect Ukraine by attempting to have Russia keep the territory it illegally annexed.
"In my opinion, that is the fairest and best outcome for Ukraine. When asked about the criticism, he told reporters, "At least it comes out with its sovereignty intact—and saving a lot of Ukrainian lives in the process. The best-case, most likely scenario for Ukraine is that.
Ramaswamy has also been attacked by others who have stronger personal interests.
Hal Lambert, a supporter of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, questioned Ramaswamy's qualifications and motivation for running, pointing out Ramaswamy's frequent praise of Trump, who is still the overwhelming favourite to win the nomination, during the debate.

"Either he thinks Trump is going to prison or he thinks that at 38 years old and with less experience than the average city councilman, he'd be better than 'the greatest president of the 21st century,'" Lambert claimed. Which one is it? He shouldn't be running, either way.

Ramaswamy will face increased scrutiny as interest in him grows, according to a prediction made last week by Ken Cuccinelli, chairman of the pro-DeSantis Never Back Down super PAC. Never Back Down published a strategy memo before the debate advising DeSantis to take on Ramaswamy, but the Florida governor chose to largely avoid getting involved in the on-stage squabbles.

Also Read: Tragedy Strikes in California as Estranged Husband Opens Fire, Claiming Lives of 11

Cuccinelli used a catchphrase that Never Back Down wanted DeSantis to use: "So, I'm not backing off 'Vivek the fake,'" he said. He is the most erratic candidate in the running, yet he is not being investigated.