Indian-origin Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy stressed on the ‘American Dream’ during the Republican National Convention and called upon people to abandon all kinds of fear and be free to express their views.
He said this ‘American Dream’ led America to victory in the American Revolution, two World Wars and the Cold War, and if it can be revived again, no nation, no virus or China can defeat America.
He was addressing the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday night.
“Fear is contagious in this country. But courage can be contagious, too. That’s what it means to be an American … If you’re at home and you disagree with something I’ve said, our message to you is this: We will defend to the death your right to say it, because that’s who we are as Americans,” said the Republican leader, who withdrew from the presidential race earlier this year.
“We are a country where we can completely disagree and still get together at the dinner table at the end of the day. That’s the America I know. That’s the America I miss,” he said.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also reacted to Mr Ramaswami’s remarks.
“Well said!!” Mr Musk wrote on his X handle.
Well said!!pic.twitter.com/CgKPa1rnnt
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 17, 2024
Adding that “we do not need to become a nation in decline,” Mr. Ramaswami stressed that America can still be a growing nation, and its best days are yet to come.
Elaborating on this, he said that in America, people can move ahead beyond their identity and surname through their commitment, dedication and hard work.
“A country where no matter who you are, where your parents came from, what colour your skin is, or how long your last name is, you will get ahead in this country through your hard work, your commitment, your passion and you know what? You are free to express yourself at every step of the way,” Mr. Ramaswami said.
The Indian-origin leader further said that this “American exceptionalism” will be revived when Donald Trump returns to the White House.
“This is the American Dream. It is what gave us the American Revolution. It is what brought us together after a civilizational war. It is what brought us to victory in two world wars and the Cold War. It is what gives hope to the free world even today,” Mr. Ramaswami said.
He added, “And if we can revive that dream above group identity, victimhood, and grievance, then no one in the world, not any nation, not any corporation, not any virus, not China, is going to defeat us. That is American exceptionalism. And that is what we will revive this November when we send Donald J. Trump back to the White House.”
Earlier in the day, the 38-year-old had said that illegal immigrants would be ‘sent back’ to their country of origin.
He added, “Our message to illegal immigrants is also this; we will send you back to your country of origin. Not because you are all bad people, but because you broke the law, and the United States was founded on the rule of law.”
Mr Ramaswami said that if he came to power, he would seal the southern border on the very first day.
Addressing black Americans, he said, “The media has tried for decades to convince you that Republicans don’t care about your communities. We want for you what we want for every American: safe neighborhoods, clean streets, good jobs, a better life for your children and a justice system that treats everyone equally – no matter the color of your skin or your political beliefs.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)