Vivek Ramaswamy endured an awkward moment at a midterm campaign rally when he nearly lost his grip on a child he had invited onstage.
The Republican was speaking in Vandalia, Ohio, on Saturday before Donald Trump was due to address the crowd when he noticed a young boy nearby.
Ten-year-old Hunter was holding a sign reading “proud military kid for Trump,” which immediately caught Ramaswamy’s attention.
Ramaswamy called Hunter onto the stage and announced, “I’m gonna pick you up!” before reaching down to lift him.
But the attempt quickly became unsteady. As he tried to raise the boy toward the podium, Ramaswamy appeared to struggle and Hunter tipped backward.
Although the Republican managed to steady the child, the mishap left him visibly embarrassed. After pulling Hunter safely back into his arms, he joked, “Big guy!”
Ramaswamy then brought Hunter’s sister onto the stage but opted against lifting her. Instead, she led the crowd in an “OH” chant at the microphone before he resumed his speech.
Video of the uneasy exchange soon spread across social media, prompting a wave of jokes and criticism from viewers.
Vivek Ramaswamy encountered an awkward moment while campaigning ahead of Donald Trump’s Ohio rally after nearly dropping a child he had picked up onstage
The Republican invited 10-year-old Hunter up after seeing the boy’s sign about his military father, but the touching exchange quickly turned uncomfortable when he struggled to hold him
Ramaswamy was among the featured speakers at the Vandalia event, where Trump appeared to rally voters ahead of the midterm elections
“Another awkward as hell Vivek moment,” one social media user wrote.
Another person quipped that he “needs to do some squats.”
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“Should have spent less time studying, more time in the weight room,” a third commenter joked.
Ramaswamy is campaigning for governor against Democrat Dr Amy Acton, the former health director who became known nationally for her role during Ohio’s Covid-era response.
Despite holding a major fundraising advantage and spending more than $12 million on campaign advertising, Ramaswamy has found himself in a tight contest with Acton just weeks before Election Day.
The wealthy biotech entrepreneur and former 2024 presidential candidate initially appeared to have strong momentum. His popularity among conservatives helped secure swift support from Ohio Republicans, fueling expectations of a comfortable win in the Republican-leaning state.
Before Trump arrived, Ramaswamy told the crowd he was thankful to Ohio and the United States for giving him opportunities that his Indian immigrant family would not have found elsewhere, emphasizing his belief in the American dream.
Trump later gave Ramaswamy a strong endorsement, even while acknowledging that the candidate had been “nasty” during their clashes in the Republican primary.
US President Donald Trump campaigned in the key battleground state as he sought to support important candidates
Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, left, and Senator Jon Husted, R-Ohio, applaud as President Donald Trump speaks
Trump arrived in battleground state Ohio after a few days of campaigning in safe conservative territory.
The President has embarked on what he says will be a 32-day blitz ahead of the November 3 elections, hitting the deep red states of Texas, Oklahoma and Alabama this week.
Saturday’s rally was just outside Dayton, Ohio, where he stumped for key candidates including incumbent Senator John Husted in competitive races for the House, Senate and the governor’s mansion in Columbus.
He hit the stage with a renewed energy moments after announcing on Truth Social that Bayer Pharmaceuticals would be bringing a $2.2 billion dollar manufacturing plant to the state providing a jobs boost to the area.
