Vivek Ramaswamy has been accused of plagiarizing the former President Barack Obama and stealing his “skinny kid with a funny name” line.

He was immediately slammed by Chris Christie.

By providing a bleak picture that contrasts with the attempts at positivity made by several of the other GOP candidates, Vivek Ramaswamy is challenging the notion that America is great.

Ramaswamy responded to former vice president Mike Pence’s remarks about what makes the nation special by saying, “It is not morning in America.”

“This is a dark time for us. We are engaged in a civil war of cold culture.”

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Prior to a few months ago, Ramaswamy was almost unknown. Now, he is gaining ground in the polls, getting plenty of airtime during the Republican debate in Milwaukee, and taking his fair share of shots from other candidates.

“The problem in our country right now is that people are so hungry for purpose and meaning at a time when the meaning of faith, family and hard work are missing,” Ramaswamy said.

“We need someone to lead with purpose.”

Former Vice President Mike Pence had little patience for newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy at Wednesday night’s Republican debate.

“Now is not the time for on the job training,” Pence said, nearly shouting, as he threw a quick glance over at Ramaswamy. “We don’t need to bring in a rookie, we don’t need to bring in people without experience.”

Pence seemed unaware of the irony that his former boss, front-runner and former President Donald J. Trump, had made the same populist outsider appeal Ramaswamy had with such vigour, and had never previously held any elected office.

The contender with perhaps the most relevant presidential experience thought he was best positioned to go after the candidate with the least relevant experience on Wednesday night, and Pence had a clear game plan to attack Ramaswamy.

In any case, other candidates participated in the discussion. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recited a prepared statement regarding COVID-19 shutdowns.

Ramaswamy attempted to lighten the atmosphere once more after DeSantis let off some steam.

“Listen, now that everybody has gotten their pre-prepared speeches and slogans out of the way, we can actually have a real discussion now,” Ramaswamy said, maintaining a gaping smile and ample open hand gestures throughout.

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Pence tried to cut in, asking if Ramaswamy had just delivered a memorized soundbite himself. But the political rookie dismissed the former vice president.

“Not really, Mike. We’re just gonna have some fun tonight,” he said.