Combative Vivek Ramaswamy emerges as surprise focal point of GOP debate

Biotech entrepreneur takes on Trump mantle in former president's absence, drawing heavy fire from other candidates

Vivek Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur running third in Republican polling, emerged in the absence of Donald Trump as a surprise focus of the first debate of the Republican primary, showing scant respect for other candidates and drawing heavy fire in return.

We live in a dark moment," Ramaswamy declaimed, in the distinctly Trumpian and conspiratorial fashion that has become a hallmark of his campaign.