In the Republican presidential race, the battle for second place has been jolted by the sudden rise of a political newcomer whose popularity has already eclipsed that of far more seasoned candidates — Vivek Ramaswamy.

Jonathan Weisman, who is a political correspondent for The Times, explains the rising candidate’s back story, message and strategy.

Guest: Jonathan Weisman, a political correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• Surging poll numbers underscore that Vivek Ramaswamy is having a well-timed political moment.
• Mr. Ramaswamy, a millennial, has a lot to say about his generation.

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