Fox 19: Political science expert talks Vivek Ramaswamy’s rise
Despite other efforts, the polls still have Trump carrying the GOP nomination, says UC’s David Niven
During the GOP debate on Aug. 23, Vivek Ramaswamy introduced himself to the nation as an unknown – “a skinny guy with a funny last name.”
Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native, born in Evendale, is a grad of St. Xavier High School. He went on to acheive prestigious degrees and great success in the corporte sector; a success that has funded most of his cross-country campaign to secure the GOP nomination for president, wtih his visabilty gaining traction.
David Niven, PhD, associate professor of political science in UC's School of Public and International Affairs. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
“He has catapulted himself into relevance into this race, but it’s yet to be seen if he can take that next step which is to make himself an actual contender for this,” UC’s David Niven told Fox 19 prior to the debate.
Niven, an associate professor of political science, told Fox 19 that Ramaswamy has a “revolutionary” approach to traditional voting rights and that it will be interesting to see how voters respond.
Niven said: “Vivek Ramaswamy has honed his speaking skills both in the corporate world and in numerous media appearances in recent years, so he knows how to sell a message and the opportunity for voters tonight is to weigh whether they like that message. Whether they like that vision.”
Listen to Niven’s pre-debate analysis.
Photo: iStock/adamkaz
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Meet the young talent reshaping Cincinnati’s startup scene
October 28, 2025
Five University of Cincinnati students were honored for their impactful entrepreneurship on the Cincy Inno Under 25 list. We’ll explain what makes each student – and their startup – stand out.
Is menstrual fluid ‘the most overlooked opportunity’ in women’s health?
October 27, 2025
The Guardian recently reported that period blood has long been thought of as ‘stinky and useless’, but startups are exploring using the fluid to test for a wide range of health conditions — including endometriosis.