Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Republican debate: Vivek Ramaswamy 'steals show' in Trump's absence

Nikki Haley emerging as a pleasant “surprise”

Republican debate: Vivek Ramaswamy 'steals show' in Trump's absence

IF Wednesday's (23) US Republican debate was judged on applause alone, Vivek Ramaswamy won hands down, with Nikki Haley emerging as a pleasant "surprise" -- at least at one Atlanta bar, where a group of young voters was trying to pick a candidate to back.

Gathered at a bar in the city's trendy Buckhead district, more than a hundred people, including young Republicans, watched eight of the contenders for the Republican presidential nomination with interest.


Former president Donald Trump was notable for his absence at the debate but was due in Atlanta on Thursday (24) to present himself to authorities following his indictment for his attempts to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election.

At the viewing party, applause, cheers and incredulous cries rang out in between sips of beer.

For Riquet Caballero, 36, Ramaswamy -- a climate change skeptic and entrepreneur who made his fortune in biotechnology -- was the star of the show.

"It was the Vivek Show," he told AFP. "People call him the Trump 2.0. and I think that's the best thing we need right now."

Caballero said he found ex-president Trump's rants "tired".

The rest of the bar seemed to agree: many of Ramaswamy's interjections earned him loud shouts of approval or fists raised in support, as when he called for the continued burning of coal.

Andy Chopra, 46, already had a keen interest in Ramaswamy and said the candidate's performance on Wednesday lived up to his expectations.

He said he was also "surprised" by Nikki Haley, who he found "very strong".

Haley, a former US ambassador to the UN, repeatedly drew rounds of applause, notably for her support for Ukraine, her position on abortion and when she quoted Margaret Thatcher.

Allen English, president of the Atlanta Young Republicans and co-organizer of the evening, said before the debate that he backed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

But he said he came with an "open mind", as his "biggest priority is making sure that we nominate the person who's going to win."

English was disappointed that Trump did not take part, although he said he understood the former president's reasoning, being far ahead of his rivals in opinion polls.

Regardless, he said he would not vote for the 77-year-old tycoon because he wanted "somebody who can serve (as president) for eight years" -- two full terms -- to "fix all the issues".

"I think that everybody can agree we're sick of old people running this country," he said, adding with a smile: "I mean, I love my old people, don't get me wrong, but we got two guys (Trump and President Joe Biden) who you know, could be on canes or walkers.

"Let's get down to somebody who maybe is not quite to the walker stage!"

He was also impressed with Haley, who he said "came out swinging".

English appreciated Ramaswamy's "energy" but was not convinced he was right for the role.

"I guess I don't quite believe or I don't quite have faith in his ability to lead the country at this time," he said.

Trump commented on his rivals' performance in a plethora of posts on his social media platform Truth Social late on Wednesday.

He lashed out in particular against Ron DeSantis and "horrible" former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who is one of his most bitter critics.

But he had a kind word for Ramaswamy, who called Trump "the best president of the 21st century" during the debate.

"Thank you Vivek!" Trump wrote.

(AFP)

More For You

starmer-immigration

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

UK returns 24,000 illegal migrants since July, highest in eight years

THE UK government has returned over 24,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the country since July, marking the highest rate of removals in eight years, prime minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

Commonwealth secretary general Baroness Patricia Scotlan speaks at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London (Photo: The Ismaili National Council for the United Kingdom)

'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

COMMONWEALTH chief has paid tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, describing him as a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication to service, peace, and pluralism has left a lasting impact on the world.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London last Wednesday (26), Commonwealth secretary general Baroness Patricia Scotland reflected on her personal connection with the Aga Khan, recalling their meetings during Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Myanmar-quake-rescue-Reuters

Rescuers carry the body of a victim during search and rescue operations, following a strong earthquake, in Bangkok, Thailand, March 30. (Photo: Reuters)

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 1,700, UK pledges £10m in aid

RESCUE efforts continued in Myanmar as residents searched for survivors in collapsed buildings in Mandalay, two days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country. The disaster has killed at least 1,700 people in Myanmar and 17 in neighbouring Thailand.

The quake hit near Mandalay on Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors caused widespread destruction, damaging buildings, bridges, and roads in the city of more than 1.7 million people.

Keep ReadingShow less
Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less