#445 #445 – Vivek Ramaswamy: Trump, Conservatism, Nationalism, Immigration, and War
The Future of Conservatism in America
The Future of Conservatism in America
Dr. Lex Fridman Host
Curious computer scientist and insightful podcast host exploring diverse ideas.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Summary
In this episode, Vivek Ramaswamy discusses his vision for conservatism in America, focusing on the need to dismantle the 'nanny state' in its various forms, including the entitlement state, regulatory state, and foreign policy nanny state. He emphasizes the importance of meritocracy, free speech, self-governance, and the rule of law as foundational principles of conservatism. Ramaswamy critiques the modern Republican Party for focusing too much on what it opposes rather than articulating a positive vision for the future. He also addresses issues such as immigration, the role of government, and foreign policy, advocating for a more restrained and efficient federal bureaucracy. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on the future of the conservative movement and the importance of reviving national pride and identity.
Highlights
- Merit and equity are actually incompatible. Merit and group quotas are incompatible. You can have one or the other, you can’t have both.
- The beauty of America is we’re a country where we should be able to have institutions that are stronger from different points of view being expressed.
- We are a nation founded on the rule of law. That means your first act of entering this country cannot break the law.
- The best way we also avoid [conflict with China] is by reducing the consequences to the United States in the event of that type of conflict.
- I believe in shutting down the nanny state in all of its forms—the entitlement state, the regulatory state, and the foreign policy nanny state.
Takeaways
- Focus on articulating a positive vision for conservatism rather than just opposing liberal policies.
- Advocate for meritocracy and the rule of law as foundational principles of governance.
- Reduce the size and scope of the federal bureaucracy to restore self-governance.
- Ensure that immigration policies are merit-based and aligned with national interests.
- Weaken the Russia-China alliance through strategic foreign policy decisions.
Official description
Vivek Ramaswamy is a conservative politician, entrepreneur, and author of many books on politics, including his latest titled Truths: The Future of America First.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep445-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/vivek-ramaswamy-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Truths (new book): https://amzn.to/3XPgZJF
Vivek's X: https://x.com/VivekGRamaswamy
Vivek's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@VivekGRamaswamy
Vivek's Instagram: https://instagram.com/vivekgramaswamy
Vivek's Facebook: https://facebook.com/VivekGRamaswamy
Vivek's Rumble: https://rumble.com/VivekRamaswamy
Vivek's LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4e5g0uv
Vivek's other books:
Woke, Inc.: https://amzn.to/4eqiDqs
Nation of Victims: https://amzn.to/3Tu4259
Capitalist Punishment: https://amzn.to/3XOwi5c
SPONSORS:
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OUTLINE:
(00:00) - Introduction
(12:50) - Conservatism
(16:06) - Progressivism
(21:41) - DEI
(26:33) - Bureaucracy
(33:25) - Government efficiency
(48:34) - Education
(1:02:59) - Military Industrial Complex
(1:25:18) - Illegal immigration
(1:46:53) - Donald Trump
(2:08:18) - War in Ukraine
(2:19:31) - China
(2:30:42) - Will Vivek run in 2028?
(2:42:21) - Approach to debates
PODCAST LINKS:
- Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
- RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
- Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
- Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep445-sc
See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.
Transcript:
https://lexfridman.com/vivek-ramaswamy-transcript
CONTACT LEX:
Feedback - give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey
AMA - submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama
Hiring - join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring
Other - other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact
EPISODE LINKS:
Truths (new book): https://amzn.to/3XPgZJF
Vivek's X: https://x.com/VivekGRamaswamy
Vivek's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@VivekGRamaswamy
Vivek's Instagram: https://instagram.com/vivekgramaswamy
Vivek's Facebook: https://facebook.com/VivekGRamaswamy
Vivek's Rumble: https://rumble.com/VivekRamaswamy
Vivek's LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4e5g0uv
Vivek's other books:
Woke, Inc.: https://amzn.to/4eqiDqs
Nation of Victims: https://amzn.to/3Tu4259
Capitalist Punishment: https://amzn.to/3XOwi5c
SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
Saily: An eSIM for international travel.
Go to https://saily.com/lex
BetterHelp: Online therapy and counseling.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/lex
NetSuite: Business management software.
Go to http://netsuite.com/lex
Ground News: Unbiased news source.
Go to https://groundnews.com/lex
Eight Sleep: Temp-controlled smart mattress.
Go to https://eightsleep.com/lex
OUTLINE:
(00:00) - Introduction
(12:50) - Conservatism
(16:06) - Progressivism
(21:41) - DEI
(26:33) - Bureaucracy
(33:25) - Government efficiency
(48:34) - Education
(1:02:59) - Military Industrial Complex
(1:25:18) - Illegal immigration
(1:46:53) - Donald Trump
(2:08:18) - War in Ukraine
(2:19:31) - China
(2:30:42) - Will Vivek run in 2028?
(2:42:21) - Approach to debates
PODCAST LINKS:
- Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
- RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
- Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4
- Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips