3 months ago
17
Former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy hosted a town hall in
Springfield
, Ohio, addressing concerns about the migrant crisis. During the event he also hinted at the possibility of running for
Ohio governor
.
Springfield, which has seen an influx of
Haitian migrants
, has become a focal point in the 2024 race.
Ramaswamy opened the event by criticising media narratives.
"We've been told, mostly by the media, to shut up, sit down, do as you're told, to sweep it under the rug, or else you're guilty of some sin,"
Ramaswamy began the town hall Thursday evening. "And I just think that the truth in this country is we don't have to agree on everything. We really don't. We never have in America. But the beauty of this country is we should be able to talk about it in the open, and that's what we're going to do tonight."
He acknowledged the migrants' desire to come to the US but criticised ‘federal policies’ under the
Biden-Harris administration
. He argued that these policies were at fault for the struggles cities like Springfield now face.
The town hall was attended by around 200 residents, with an additional 100 in an overflow room.
Ramaswamy is a Donald Trump supporter and Ohio native who grew up in nearby Columbus. He met with city officials and Haitian community leaders before the event.
Several Springfield residents expressed frustration over the city’s response to the migrant situation.
Chrissy, a resident of 66 years, criticized local officials for not organizing a public forum to address concerns.
Ramaswamy revealed that city officials had been invited to attend the town hall but didn’t show up, attributing their absence to a ‘culture of fear’ in facing the public.
Brock, a longtime Springfield resident, raised concerns about a rise in racial slurs and tensions in the town since it became a focal point of national attention.
Ramaswamy stated that he doesn't believe the US is a "racist country," but he acknowledged a recent rise in racial tensions that he feels didn't exist when he was growing up. He connected this increase in bigotry to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) ideology, which he argues fuels more racial division.
Another attendee recounted how her daughter was chased out of a Walmart by immigrants, one allegedly carrying a machete. She expressed frustration that the police failed to investigate the incident.
Other residents voiced concerns that resources were being allocated to migrants at the expense of local homeless and veterans.
The event ended on a light note when Ramaswamy was asked if he would consider running for governor of Ohio, to which he humorously replied, “I’m a little more inclined than I was ten seconds ago,” drawing cheers from the crowd.
