Vivek Ramaswamy at Orange City Pizza Ranch
I might have dismissed Vivek Ramaswamy too quickly.
He didn't leave me with a favorable impression during the first Republican debate. His quick disparage of the other candidates who have held an elected office when he has not didn't settle well with me. So as I drove the 45 minutes to Pizza Ranch in Orange City, Iowa, I had low expectations.
Until I saw the parking lot packed with cars. I and a few others had to park a few feet beyond the blacktop onto a grassy area.
Then, my next surprise was the line that went out the door. Note to self, don't arrive at a political rally 10 minutes before it starts. Give yourself about a half hour buffer. Because once I did get inside, almost every seat was taken. Fortunately, I saw two older ladies sitting at a table made for four and asked if I could join them. Graciously, they said yes.
I wasn't expecting his campaign to offer the full lunch buffet. At best, I thought that I might get two slices of pizza from a pre-ordered set of boxes. Everyone in attendance had access to unlimited pizza, chicken, salad, mashed potatoes, drinks, dessert and more. Many had already eaten by the time I arrived. And when Vivek entered, no one left. The crowd wasn't just there for the pizza; they wanted to hear from him.
He didn't disparage the other candidates like he did in the debate. As a matter of fact, he didn't mention his rivals at all. He focused on explaining his beliefs starting with what he has packaged as the ten commandments.
As he spoke with an engaging passion, I surveyed the young audience: most of them looked like they were in their 30s and 40s. When he spoke about how many in America have found themselves in a void without purpose or meaning, you could have heard a pin drop. I sensed that the people there found his description relevant.
Overall, I didn't see the candidate that I saw in the debate. When he spoke I saw a person that I would like to know more about and that's why I've decided to give him a second look.
He didn't leave me with a favorable impression during the first Republican debate. His quick disparage of the other candidates who have held an elected office when he has not didn't settle well with me. So as I drove the 45 minutes to Pizza Ranch in Orange City, Iowa, I had low expectations.
Until I saw the parking lot packed with cars. I and a few others had to park a few feet beyond the blacktop onto a grassy area.
Then, my next surprise was the line that went out the door. Note to self, don't arrive at a political rally 10 minutes before it starts. Give yourself about a half hour buffer. Because once I did get inside, almost every seat was taken. Fortunately, I saw two older ladies sitting at a table made for four and asked if I could join them. Graciously, they said yes.
I wasn't expecting his campaign to offer the full lunch buffet. At best, I thought that I might get two slices of pizza from a pre-ordered set of boxes. Everyone in attendance had access to unlimited pizza, chicken, salad, mashed potatoes, drinks, dessert and more. Many had already eaten by the time I arrived. And when Vivek entered, no one left. The crowd wasn't just there for the pizza; they wanted to hear from him.
He didn't disparage the other candidates like he did in the debate. As a matter of fact, he didn't mention his rivals at all. He focused on explaining his beliefs starting with what he has packaged as the ten commandments.
As he spoke with an engaging passion, I surveyed the young audience: most of them looked like they were in their 30s and 40s. When he spoke about how many in America have found themselves in a void without purpose or meaning, you could have heard a pin drop. I sensed that the people there found his description relevant.
Overall, I didn't see the candidate that I saw in the debate. When he spoke I saw a person that I would like to know more about and that's why I've decided to give him a second look.