Vivek Ramaswamy ducks CNN debate after network pundit says he's 'one step away from Nazi'

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on Tuesday said he would not attend the next GOP primary debate because it was being hosted by CNN, which he accused of "shenanigans."

In a post on the X social media platform, Ramaswamy cited repeated criticism from CNN personalities who have fact-checked his conspiracy theories about Jan. 6 and the 2020 election.

"On Dec 13, CNN disgracefully cut short its own Iowa town hall with me after I correctly pointed out uncomfortable truths about Jan 6, which CNN instantly dismissed as 'conspiracy theories,'" the candidate complained.

"CNN Commentator Van Jones said he was 'literally shaking' when he heard me speak. And my rhetoric is 'one step away from Nazi propaganda,'" he continued.

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Ramaswamy said CNN contributors and hosts had disparaged him at least nine times.

"Forget @CNN's fake Iowa "debate" on Jan 10 which will be the most boring in modern history. We're doing a live-audience show that night in Des Moines with @Timcast instead. Won't hold back," the candidate wrote.

Former President Donald Trump will also skip the debate on Jan. 10 and instead attend a town hall hosted by Fox News.