Vivek Ramaswamy Ejects Disruptive Comedians During Appearance with Ron DeSantis

Presidential hopefuls in Iowa faced unexpected interruptions over the weekend, as political comedy group “The Good Liars” injected humor into the campaign trail. The group, consisting of Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler, targeted GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in Ankeny, a day after their comedic stunt involving Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Details of what the duo conveyed to Ramaswamy during the interruption are not clear from available reports. Video footage captures Stiefler expressing affection, stating, “I love you. I love all of you, that’s the thing about me.” In response, Ramaswamy requested the comedians to wait for their turn and sit down, emphasizing that they were welcome if they respected the event’s norms. However, he made it clear that if they did not adhere to these norms, they should “get the hell out.”

Ramaswamy, addressing the audience, encouraged them to express their opinions about such interruptions, linking the incident to the need to eliminate super PACs from American politics. He argued that ending super PACs would help eradicate corruption, expressing frustration with the influence of such entities. As the crowd voiced their disapproval of the comedians, security escorted them out of the event.

The Good Liars had previously attempted a similar stunt at a campaign event in Atlantic, Iowa, targeting Governor DeSantis. They presented him with a “participation trophy,” humorously suggesting he would not win the election but commending him for trying. DeSantis declined to accept the trophy, leading to Stiefler’s removal from the event by security.

The duo’s interruptions align with their history of trolling political events. “The Good Liars,” active since 2011, are known for injecting humor and satire into the political discourse, often targeting candidates during campaign events. In a notable instance in October 2020, Stiefler, wearing a “Settle for Biden” T-shirt, addressed then-candidate Joe Biden in Iowa, injecting humor into the political atmosphere.

Ramaswamy has experienced multiple disruptions from protesters during his campaign events in Iowa. In a recent incident, members of the climate revolution group Sunrise Movement were removed after interrupting one of Ramaswamy’s events at the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda. On another occasion in West Des Moines, Sunrise Movement protesters disrupted Ramaswamy’s speech multiple times before being escorted out.

These unexpected interruptions highlight the lively and unpredictable nature of the campaign trail, where candidates must navigate not only policy discussions but also unexpected moments of humor, protest, and commentary from groups like “The Good Liars.”

As the 2024 Iowa Caucuses unfold, candidates continue to face various challenges, including engaging with diverse voices and managing disruptions that add an element of unpredictability to the campaign landscape. The dynamics of such events underscore the importance of adaptability and quick thinking for candidates vying for voter support in the early primary contests.