Why is Tim Ryan''s 2020 campaign selling ''Namaste, America'' shirts?

Washington, August 30

Tim Ryan, Ohio Democrat and a 2020 presidential hopeful, has endorsed a grey t-shirt with "Namaste America" written on it, as part of his campaign merchandise amid growing calls for more diversity in US politics, a media report said.

The t-shirt had "Namaste America" written in red and white, colours of the US flag, along with a logo of Ryan's presidential campaign neatly placed underneath it, The American Bazaar said in its report on Thursday.

It is available on the timryanforamerica.com, and is priced at $25.

Although, Ryan and his campaign team might have released the tees as a part of a well-thought plan. But the merchandise has appeared a bit misplaced and even confusing to many of his followers on Twitter.

One user tweeted: "Can you tell me and the Indian-American community what's the purpose of this t-shirt? And why is the Hindi word for hello categorised under 'mindfulness'? Is your campaign about mindfulness? I don't get it, and would love an explanation."

Another user wrote: "Tim, do you know what this shirt means." Another user tweeted: "You know you are running for president not yogini. Right?"

"Honestly everyone would assume, this is Tulsi Gabbard merch," one more use tweeted.

Honestly everyone would assume that this is @TulsiGabbard merch

— товарищ 安東英泰🥐🌹🌐『Silly Blue A-holes mad at BdB』 (@HidehiroAnto) August 24, 2019

Ryan, 45, is one of the younger candidates in the crowded field. He ran an unsuccessful campaign against Nancy Pelosi for House speaker in 2016.

Ryan represents a congressional district in northeast Ohio where the manufacturing industry has experienced setbacks, most recently with General Motors's decision to wind down operations at a plant in Lordstown.

He was first elected to the House in 2002. Before becoming a member of Congress, he served in the state Senate and was a Congressional aide.

IANS