he didn’t have to take that on. unforced error.
If he doesn't go wobbly and walk it back, he will have earned the utmost respect.
I imagine it was planned and considered. Trump did/does the same thing. Initiating controversial topics will bring attention to oneself. It gives one the floor, and a chance to speak and be noticed, as the cameras rush towards you. Ramaswamy is now in a GOP election, so it may bring him coverage that benefits him. He wants to show he's not a Mike Pence character.
> unforced error <
Yep. It’s nowhere near a level playing field. That’s just reality. Democrats can say the most outrageous things, and it’s minimized. Or maybe not reported at all. But should a Republican stray even a bit, all hell breaks loose.
And that translates into lost votes and lost elections.