The progressive Congressman will most likely present his populist economic vision for the United States, while the Republican presidential candidate will present his radical vision for America.
Progressive Congressman Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will square off in New Hampshire on November 1 at Saint Anselm College’s New Hampshire Institute of Politics. The two Indian Americans will debate the ideological and political divides that exist in America today between conservatives and liberals.
It remains to be seen whether the debate will energize the Republican campaign, which appears to have stalled since his breakout performance in the first GOP primary debate. Contrary to popular belief, Nikki Haley, the other Indian American candidate, appears to have benefited from her debate performances.
Rep. Khanna’s stakes in participating in the debate are unclear, other than to bolster his credentials with moderate Republicans whom he has been courting, presumably for his long-term political ambitions.
Khanna “intends to pitch his populist economic vision for the United States, which he is touted in several swing and early-voting states across the country,” according to The Hill. As a right-wing upstart, Ramaswamy is expected to “present his blueprint for America, which draws from populist ideas and rhetoric from the GOP side,” according to the publication.
The Granite State is also “a familiar stomping ground for both politicians,” according to The Hill. According to The Hill, Khanna has visited the early primary state several times, “most recently during the midterms and lead-up to the 2024 election cycle, promoting Democrats up and down the ballot.”
Khanna proposed the idea of a debate with Ramaswamy in a post on X. “The University of Chicago Institute of Politics wishes to hold a civil conversation with the two of us about race, identity, and the American dream.” I agreed. As a speech advocate, I assume you are up for it.” In response, Ramaswamy stated that he is willing to debate “a smart Democrat who is willing.” He did suggest a change of venue. “I am game if you are willing to do it in New Hampshire.”
According to a press release from the venue, the “The Future of America Debate” will be moderated by James Pindell, a Boston Globe reporter and NBC/MSNBC on-air political contributor.
