Vivek Ramaswamy, a billionaire businessman turned Republican candidate for governor, recently led a discussion about crime and safety, spurred by a violent incident in Cincinnati that caught national attention. The viral video showcased a public brawl at the Fourth and Elm Streets intersection in late July, sparking heated debates on the city’s safety and leading into another hot topic – the upcoming mayoral elections.
The incident has inevitably become a prominent issue in the election campaign, eliciting comments from a variety of public figures. Among them are Cory Bowman, Cincinnati’s Republican candidate for mayor, tech tycoon Elon Musk, popular social media platforms such as Libs of TikTok, and not least, Ramaswamy himself. The billionaire gubernatorial candidate used the occasion to stress the importance of free speech and transparency in solving societal issues.
Ramaswamy emphasized that it isn’t a matter of political camps when it comes to fighting crime, but a matter of ‘right vs. wrong’, of ‘common sense’, and of ‘securing the American dream for the younger generations.’ Throughout his discourse, he reiterated his Cincinnati upbringing and the values he learned during his time at St. Xavier High School.
The gubernatorial candidate positioned Cincinnati as a potential role model for other cities in managing urban crime. Ramaswamy voiced his belief in a ‘cultural awakening’ which he sees as crucial in tandem with policing reforms. His idea of how classrooms should operate includes students putting away their cell phones, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence incorporated into their routine.
Ramaswamy proposed several measures aimed at crime reduction. He underscored that effective solutions could be as simple as reforming the current bail system to extend the imprisonment duration for those awaiting trial, reopening mental health facilities to provide needed assistance to individuals with psychiatric needs, imposing greater penalties for criminal activities, and ensuring the rule of law is respected and celebrated. He believes the problem lies not in a lack of knowledge but in a lack of courage to uphold these measures.
Former Cincinnati City Council member, Christopher Smitherman, also had a say in the discussion, recalling a remark from an African-American attendee who voiced concerns about the racial dynamics of violence. Smitherman, echoing Ramaswamy’s sentiments, made it clear that violence can never be the solution, expressing regret over the entire incident.
Smitherman drew attention to the fact that the Cincinnati Police Department is operating under strength and attributed the situation to the increasing calls for police defunding. He further emphasized the need for more extensive training for police officers, especially in deescalation techniques. Smitherman stressed the necessity of remembering that police officers, like everyone else, aim to return safely to their families after work.
Addressing the town hall was Sarah Heringer, a local entrepreneur whose husband tragically lost his life in a burglary at their Over-the-Rhine residence. Handing her a stage to share her personal tragedy, Ramaswamy made sure to spotlight the human aspect of crime rates and statistics. Heringer used the opportunity to commemorate her husband’s life and his legacy as a veteran and a community-oriented business owner.
Heringer’s poignant speech included criticisms of the city’s current civic leaders, whom she blamed for failing to protect her husband during his hour of need. She openly challenged these leaders, expressing her lack of faith in their commitment to public safety. According to Heringer, a calculated approach is needed to enhance public safety, including being transparent in sharing the costs and results of any proposed safety measures.
At the town hall meeting, mayoral hopeful Cory Bowman presented himself as a pastor, father, and entrepreneur. He voiced his concerns over a struggling city that he re-entered post the Presidential inauguration in January. For Bowman, combating violence needs to be seen less as an issue and more as a focused dialogue on viable solutions.
Bowman interpreted his conversations with law enforcers and other involved personnel on the ground as an indication of an ongoing struggle to effectively combat crime. He echoed the sentiment ‘enough is enough’. In his vision for Cincinnati, he called for streets that are not only clean but safe and prosperous, noting that this is not a partisan issue but a city affair.
Casting his mayoral opponent in a negative light, Bowman insinuated that while his opponent is eager to move up to Washington, D.C., he is all about bringing the resources of D.C. to the city of Cincinnati. The town hall also featured speeches from other influential figures, including Bengals veteran Anthony Munoz, who encouraged unity and mutual respect among the attendees.
Notable attendees at Ramaswamy’s town hall included Cory Bowman, Republican candidate for Cincinnati mayor and half-brother of JD Vance, and Sarah Heringer, a Cincinnati entrepreneur who lost her husband in a home burglary. Supreme Court Justice Pat Fischer, Ohio GOP Chair Alex Triantafilou, and Hamilton County GOP Chair Russ Mock were also among the attendees.
The town hall event, held at Jim & Jack’s On the River, had room for about 300 people with provisions for broadcasting to an overflow area outside, according to Ramaswamy spokesperson Connie Luck. While the event was generally well-received, it did draw some criticism from members of the opposite political camp, including Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Alex Linser.
Linser’s statement highlighted the battle lines drawn in the political arena. He criticized Ramaswamy’s handling of the event, terming it ‘a cynical and destructive stunt’ and ‘political theater.’ Linser accused Ramaswamy of capitalizing on a traumatic incident to further his political aspirations and promote his billionaire-first policies, while unnecessarily stirring racial conflict and tarnishing the city’s reputation.
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