Ramaswamy Claims Federal Involvement in Capitol Riot During CNN Town Hall

Despite attempts to present a more reasoned stance, the Republican presidential contender's conspiracy theory talk is seen as playing to the party's base, but struggles to match Trump's appeal.

Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy, during a CNN town hall, reiterated his claim that the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot was an 'inside job' and suggested federal involvement.
Ramaswamy cited the FBI's refusal to disclose the number of undercover informants present during the riot as evidence, a claim CNN moderator Abby Phillip rejected.
Ramaswamy also highlighted the thousands of hours of Capitol security footage kept under lock by House Democrats that Republicans are finally releasing, which he claims show demonstrators being peacefully escorted throughout the building.
Ramaswamy's performance during the town hall was critiqued as an attempt to present himself as more temperate and reasoned, but his conspiracy theory talk was seen as playing to Republican voters.
Despite his efforts, Ramaswamy is seen as struggling to match the appeal of Donald Trump among Republican voters, with his poll numbers slipping.