Republican presidential candidate and former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy gestures at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Aug. 23, 2023.
Political novice Vivek Ramaswamy's contrarian aggression won him outsize attention in the first Republican presidential debate Wednesday night.
Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old entrepreneur, defended Trump as he delivered, and received, more attacks than any other candidate on the Milwaukee stage.
Ramaswamy lashed out 16 times, including one moment where he accused all seven of his debate rivals of being "bought and paid for" by special interests.
Despite being considered a long shot for the GOP nomination, Ramaswamy stole much of the spotlight from higher-profile contenders, including Florida Gov.
Persons:
Vivek Ramaswamy, Vivek Ramaswamy's, Donald Trump, Ramaswamy, Trump, Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Sen, Tim Scott, DeSantis
Organizations:
Republican, Milwaukee, NBC, GOP, Florida Gov
Locations:
Milwaukee, South Carolina