By Sohaib Shams
Retired teacher Michael Pogue protested at a Vivek Ramaswamy campaign event in Cincinnati on October 24, holding a sign that read "Shame on you, Vivek! I taught you better." Pogue, who taught Ramaswamy in eighth grade at Princeton Junior High School, demanded a full retraction and sincere apology to Democratic opponent Amy Acton over a controversial attack ad.
Attack ad draws bipartisan backlash
The 30-second ad featured Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who lost custody of her children after her late husband was indicted for raping Acton when she was a child. Arthur called her daughter a "liar" in the ad. The husband was never prosecuted before the couple fled the state. The advertisement sparked bipartisan condemnation, with critics saying it weaponized Acton's childhood sexual abuse.
Former teacher speaks out
"This latest attack on Dr. Acton hits home," Pogue told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I had too many students who were raped." He was the only protester at the event; other attendees told the Enquirer they were more focused on immigration and jobs.
Mixed reactions from other educators
Not all of Ramaswamy's former teachers agree with Pogue. On the same day, Ramaswamy posted on X that he had reunited with his first-grade teacher, Mrs. Hendel, at a campaign stop. Hendel had given Ramaswamy a certificate last year calling him the "future governor of Ohio" and wrote she always knew he would become super successful.
Political fallout intensifies
Ramaswamy's refusal to withdraw the ad has led to lost endorsements and venue cancellations. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and several other Republicans have denounced the ad and called for its removal. Over the weekend, The Plain Dealer, Ohio's largest newspaper, broke its policy against endorsing candidates in major races to back Acton for governor, stating the ad "weaponizes the sexual abuse his opponent suffered as a child."
Ramaswamy defends ad as legitimate
Ramaswamy has acknowledged his campaign released the ad and continued to defend it as "legitimate," with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance rallying to his defense. He told reporters he would prefer the race to focus on substantive issues affecting Ohioans. Polls show a tight race with one week remaining until Election Day.
