Most of the commentators take umbrage that Dr. Carson is an African-American Republican, At least he is not a career politician lawyer riding her career politician's coat tails to the White House. The Republicans are accused of playing the "race" card while the Democrats have actually succeeded in using it to elect President Obama. Senator Clinton is clearly using the gender card. This is standard identity politics- but can only the Democrats use it honorably (because they are "morally" right but not the Republicans?
4
Carson like many other national republicans have to talk wild, angry and in hyperbole. if they talk specifics you quickly get it that they can't balance reality with their idealistic beliefs. they really don't have answers just complain, howl, bark and point fingers. governing is about compromise and whether you are hard right or hard left absent compromise you fail. see republicans in control of congress and not difference I. the action of the body as a whole. National republicans can't compromise with the other party or themselves. mr. carson's approach is the problem compelling story or not!
4
Anti-intellectualism AND anti-rationalism have essentially become an epidemic. Republicans opened the floodgates with the likes of Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann. Deal with it.
5
Some of Carson's background is exemplary and he is to be commended for it. However,Carson is another iteration of Herman Cain... and will get just about as far. He has the same propensity for gaffes and will ultimately be seen for what he is - a fringe candidate who is going nowhere. And some of his views! Physican, heal thyself.
Physican, heal thyself.
Physican, heal thyself.
5
Carson is an interesting dalliance in politics. He is clearly not ready to be POTUS. If time would allow, he should rather run for Congress and hone political skills. If he can be productive of creative legislation instead of pushing unrealistic notions, he might indeed emerge as a viable candidate...if JEB loses to HC.
I congratulate Dr Carson for trying to be the Barack Obama of the Republican party, as though Republicans have a guilt social feeling and are trying to build one for 2016.
To believe that America is willing to dispose of its racist Muslim and Kenyan stereotypes to win the national elections with a new proxy is nonsense.
He offers no alternative to Bush III or the rest; he only dreams he does. One day he will wake up and ask: what happened? I prefer not to be there in that awakening. It will be rough.
To believe that America is willing to dispose of its racist Muslim and Kenyan stereotypes to win the national elections with a new proxy is nonsense.
He offers no alternative to Bush III or the rest; he only dreams he does. One day he will wake up and ask: what happened? I prefer not to be there in that awakening. It will be rough.
1
pre-fontal lobotomy - deportation - muzzle come to mind.
1
As a Republican who is conservative enough, I wish Ben Carson, Rick Santorem, and Ted Cruz would just disappear!
1
Outside of his specially in neurosurgery, Ben Carson is just a damn fool.
7
Ben Carson, like Clarence Thomas, Colin Powell and Condi Rice, is more of a problem for Democrats. They are the people who seem to get flustered by black Republicans.
4
Dr. Carson seems a nice enough man. In all likelihood he has been promoted throughout his (academic) life via race based government sponsored affirmative action programs that promote the unqualified at the expense of the qualified. In America, it's nice to be a member of a 'protected class'. Don't get me wrong, as I have nothing against these people. However, they do seem to have something against themselves by agreeing to participate in government sponsored largess programs which casts a permanent pall over their qualifications, discredits them to a life of pretense and repressed anger..
3
The man has made history as the first politician to have had removed his own brain before speaking.
7
This man is frightening. Public policy based on having realized that people who get help have sometimes made mistakes? Really? If there is a reward for shallow thinking, I nominate Ben Carson.
4
Shouldn't all of us be wary of any man or woman, who, having had a notable career in a unique professional calling over a 40 year career, decides around the time he prepares to retire, "well, I've been successful in my unique career, I guess I'll just be successful being President of the United States."
I respect Carson's professional achievements, but what political achievement can he show, even one insignificant office he's been elected to and held with success.
Unfortunately, I think this fine doctor, at the end of his carerr, is smitten far too much with himself and possessed of what the Greeks called hubris.
I respect Carson's professional achievements, but what political achievement can he show, even one insignificant office he's been elected to and held with success.
Unfortunately, I think this fine doctor, at the end of his carerr, is smitten far too much with himself and possessed of what the Greeks called hubris.
7
Hard-liners will never get their favorite candidates elected as president because that decision is dominated by unpredictable centrist swing voters who will vote for a conservative or a progressive but never for a radical.
These voters don't join campaign efforts, though they watch the the TV ads. They don't write letters to editors, though they often read them. They're not wonky but they're smart enough to know nonsense when they hear it. They're a sure bet to show up on election day but no one knows what levers they'll pull, sometimes not even themselves, but it will never be for the guys who said something really stupid.
Candidates like Sen Cruz, Dr Carson and Sen Santorum have legitimate viewpoints and a right to be heard, but they will never be elected president and it is counterproductive for the GOP to equate their "candidacies" with those who have the potential to achieve that goal.
These voters don't join campaign efforts, though they watch the the TV ads. They don't write letters to editors, though they often read them. They're not wonky but they're smart enough to know nonsense when they hear it. They're a sure bet to show up on election day but no one knows what levers they'll pull, sometimes not even themselves, but it will never be for the guys who said something really stupid.
Candidates like Sen Cruz, Dr Carson and Sen Santorum have legitimate viewpoints and a right to be heard, but they will never be elected president and it is counterproductive for the GOP to equate their "candidacies" with those who have the potential to achieve that goal.
Jeb president & Ben vice-president... sweet...............
1
I think Ben Carson has become a sociopath. I think his brain wore out and he's had some sort of psychological break. Apparently he's been told by his lord that when people pay taxes, they should get nothing back, individually. That way the rich can be happy.....
4
Ben Carson is not my candidate, but I certainly respect him and if he runs a great campaign I would consider changing my mind. Most of the time it comes down to the lesser of two evils. I hope that 2016 will allow for at least one positive candidate. I do think that Ben Carson would make a great surgeon general.
1
Brilliant surgeon though he may be, he has issues of self hatred translated to self righteousness. Reminds me of Clarence Thomas, though probably less evil.
4
I'm reading the comments here today and I'm wondering: has everyone forgotten last November? Are you serious? If you don't see a moderately illuminating story about Ben Carson and his potential to do anything at all in American politics as being absolutely relevant, then don't whine and snivel in 2016. Sure it's fun to sit back and dismiss someone as a crackpot; whoo hoo, go for it, have a good time seeing your cant and wisdom in print for 15 minutes. But maybe take a minute, step outside the cloud of liberal smugness and ponder why the issues he prattles about actually resonate with tens of millions of Americans and what that could mean for the future direction of America.
1
He IS a problem! Not sure that is what the headline meant, but its truth.
2
Count me out on this one!
Sad to see such an accomplished man hold such unconsidered opinions. There seems to be a general problem with Physicians who enter politics, particularly on the Right and it can be summed up in an an old joke:
Q: What's the difference between a surgeon and God?
A: God never thinks that He's a surgeon.
Q: What's the difference between a surgeon and God?
A: God never thinks that He's a surgeon.
4
Even with his rags-to-riches story, there's not much substance to this guy... There's no there there.. Just a mixed up human who can't seem to come to terms with the world around him... -Kinda dull-
2
Carson epitomizes the old joke of the fellow getting a tour of heaven from St. Peter wondering who the idiot running around in the white coat is: "Oh, that's God, he thinks he's a doctor."
3
So, Ben Carson turned hard right when he encountered a an unwed teen who ran away for her well-to-do parents and was living on welfare and food stamps?
I wonder how much he investigated this single case. Did this girl leave her family because of abuse? (The "well-to-do" have the similar child abuse rates to those farther down the economic ladder.)
And as a scientist, I wonder if he had any qualms about judging an entire system based upon a single data point?
A person willing to base conclusions that could impact many lives upon such anecdotal and incomplete evidence makes both a bad scientist and a bad political leader.
I wonder how much he investigated this single case. Did this girl leave her family because of abuse? (The "well-to-do" have the similar child abuse rates to those farther down the economic ladder.)
And as a scientist, I wonder if he had any qualms about judging an entire system based upon a single data point?
A person willing to base conclusions that could impact many lives upon such anecdotal and incomplete evidence makes both a bad scientist and a bad political leader.
4
shouldn't we be able to attract competent, reasonable, dedicated and patriotic candidates to office? perhaps if we stopped the whack-a-mole treatment of public servants we wouldn't end up with fatheads, crazies and narcissists. and perhaps, if we paid more, independently wealthy weirdos would not be the only candidates. What normal person would accept the job of managing a mid-sized city for $125,000?
1
I like Dr. Carson and everything he has to say. But he has NO experience in government and talk is cheap.
Obama was another come from nowhere person and we see what happened with him. I am not inferring that Dr. Carson would be another Obama but I do not think that he would be effective since he would have to learn government service from scratch.
Obama was another come from nowhere person and we see what happened with him. I am not inferring that Dr. Carson would be another Obama but I do not think that he would be effective since he would have to learn government service from scratch.
Dr. Carson has a Obama proem with the GOP base: he's Black. A few years ago the GOP elected a Black man s their Party Chairman. He lasted less then a year I think before the white supremacists had him removed. He has been and from since
All the left has is the most corrupt politician to ever walk the earth:)
1
Dr. Carson is a paradox. He has many impressive accomplishments in life yet seems strangely radical and inarticulate in his political beliefs
1
Black, white, Asian, grew up poor, grew up rich - doesn't matter. All of them except perhaps Eisenhower are avowed enemies of Social Security, Medicare and public pensions, so as a senior (who happens to be white), it's pretty clear how I should vote.
5
The extreme dysfunction of our current political discourse is demonstrated quite clearly by the way Dr. Carson is treated by the media at large, including in this NYT article. In fact, even the highly educated readers and commenters of this article seem to take the same dismissive approach to him that only perpetuates our current hyper partisan and ultimately highly destructive political process.
I don't agree with all of Dr. Carson's opinions, but to simplify his attempts at generating a constructive debate, and then to lampoon him based on nothing more than "sound bites" of what he ACTUALLY was trying to communicate is grossly unfair.
We have seen many aspects of the management of our society devolve of the past decades because of the efforts of a political class that is made up largely of political professionals - two unpaid for wars, mounting debt and a general feeling that our society is in decline. Yet, perhaps through learned helplessness, we insist that a newcomer like Carson, who everyone admits is brilliant no less, has nothing to contribute.
I hope Dr. Carson participates fully in the campaign, and especially in the debates. After a thorough vetting, we as a citizenry may decide he is not ready or not qualified. But I suspect he will be a much needed medicine for the process.
I don't agree with all of Dr. Carson's opinions, but to simplify his attempts at generating a constructive debate, and then to lampoon him based on nothing more than "sound bites" of what he ACTUALLY was trying to communicate is grossly unfair.
We have seen many aspects of the management of our society devolve of the past decades because of the efforts of a political class that is made up largely of political professionals - two unpaid for wars, mounting debt and a general feeling that our society is in decline. Yet, perhaps through learned helplessness, we insist that a newcomer like Carson, who everyone admits is brilliant no less, has nothing to contribute.
I hope Dr. Carson participates fully in the campaign, and especially in the debates. After a thorough vetting, we as a citizenry may decide he is not ready or not qualified. But I suspect he will be a much needed medicine for the process.
He is obviously intelligent, yet holds these wacky beliefs. It's as though his eyes see different things than mine. It is paradoxical, and it troubles me because I fear it is a common shortcoming in our human character.
I have an otherwise normal neighbor with graduate degrees from Ivy League schools who's convinced that Obama is a Kenyan, that FEMA has set up detention camps in all fifty states, that Obamacare and Common Core are proof of communism, and that it is reasonable to stockpile food, water, weapons, etc. to resist the tightening grip of "tyranny". But I don't think my neighbor really threatens anyone. Ben Carson does. Even though his views aren't quite so edgy, he gets far more accepting media attention than he deserves and his stands push other candidates farther to the right.
I have an otherwise normal neighbor with graduate degrees from Ivy League schools who's convinced that Obama is a Kenyan, that FEMA has set up detention camps in all fifty states, that Obamacare and Common Core are proof of communism, and that it is reasonable to stockpile food, water, weapons, etc. to resist the tightening grip of "tyranny". But I don't think my neighbor really threatens anyone. Ben Carson does. Even though his views aren't quite so edgy, he gets far more accepting media attention than he deserves and his stands push other candidates farther to the right.
2
Did Dr. Carson have himself as a patient? His infamous and cruel statements leads one to conclude that the old adage, the doctor who treats himself, has a fool for a patient. Alas, though, it could be some contagion that infects the party of Lincoln that creates such virulent lies, deceit, malfeasance . Woe is this country though with them in control in the Red states and the Congress, it will suffer greatly from their ill- chosen beliefs.
3
It just dawned on me, Ben Carson isn't trying to become President of the United States.
He's angling for Huckabee's time slot on Fox-Kids.
All of his silly remarks are meant for Roger Ailes and Ruppert Murdoch.
There's good money in pandering to rubes and the good doctor knows it.
He's angling for Huckabee's time slot on Fox-Kids.
All of his silly remarks are meant for Roger Ailes and Ruppert Murdoch.
There's good money in pandering to rubes and the good doctor knows it.
3
Judging from the several television appearances I have seen of Dr. Carson, he has superficial issues that stop him from being taken seriously. He can't seem to get to the point quickly enough, which is essential in these short interviews. He takes too much time formulating his answers to questions and his answers are often not well formulated. His voice is often too soft. I know this is style over substance, but he never seems be able to transmit a coherent message in the process. His nonverbal language, squinting of the eyes, super relaxed posture, low tone of voice, just does not convey leadership. Can he overcome such superficial issues? Maybe, but then what about the substance? He has been a highly specialized surgeon for the last 30 years, what does he have to offer as a politician and leader?
1
Why is is any more absurd to claim that a successful career as a neurosurgeon prepares one to be a successful politician than to claim that being a community organizer is a good proving ground to be senator for half a term and then president? The double standard here is overwhelming. Obama's extremely short political resume was considered a boon because he was promising hope and change (which have yet to be delivered, and the latest FOIA report makes it seem that our community organizer behaves more like a KGB agent than an open and affirming leader...) but Carson's lack of political experience is a millstone around his neck that condemns every word from his mouth.
how anyone can seriously call any black man "in many ways, the ideal Republican presidential candidate" is ludicrous. The GOP is a racist party with a base of white, black-hating southerners who moved over from the democratic segregationists during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and their familial and ideological descendants. they will abide a black candidate for a little while as they did herman caine last time out. but when push comes to shove, they abhor black people in any but servile roles, ben carson or anyone else.
3
I don't see Ben Carson helping or hurting the Republican party in the 2016 election.
Traditionally, when outliers like Ben Carson really catch on and get enough support to make a difference in national elections, we find that the party which attracts these outliers suffers the most.
Ross Perot's popularity helped elect Clinton. Ralph Nader hurt Al Gore.
But Ben Carson does not appear to be gaining enough support to draw many supporters and to make a difference in the 2016 Presidential election.
Traditionally, when outliers like Ben Carson really catch on and get enough support to make a difference in national elections, we find that the party which attracts these outliers suffers the most.
Ross Perot's popularity helped elect Clinton. Ralph Nader hurt Al Gore.
But Ben Carson does not appear to be gaining enough support to draw many supporters and to make a difference in the 2016 Presidential election.
The Democrats have anointed Hillary as the successor to King Obama, and the Republicans march out their gang of jesters.
None of it matters, though. In the end, party voters will do exact;y as they are commanded by their dictators, as always.
Most Americans, if they even bother to vote, have no idea what is going on in Washington. Why else would we have a White House and Congress full of incompetent incumbents in both political parties.
If Ben Carson runs, he gets my vote. Period. The rest of these people who think they can win the White House are proven political losers, including both Hillary and Jeb. Both political parties are as corrupt as they have ever been. Their elected hacks have sold their souls to the highest bidder, and would still sell out their own mothers.
I refuse to waste my vote on proven losers. Incumbents NOT Authorized. No matter which party, or who it may be, I will vote for a non-politician newcomer. Black, White, Green or anything else, Color does not matter. What does matter are intelligence, integrity, and honesty, all of which are missing in today's Washington.
Who in their right mind really wants what we have now?
None of it matters, though. In the end, party voters will do exact;y as they are commanded by their dictators, as always.
Most Americans, if they even bother to vote, have no idea what is going on in Washington. Why else would we have a White House and Congress full of incompetent incumbents in both political parties.
If Ben Carson runs, he gets my vote. Period. The rest of these people who think they can win the White House are proven political losers, including both Hillary and Jeb. Both political parties are as corrupt as they have ever been. Their elected hacks have sold their souls to the highest bidder, and would still sell out their own mothers.
I refuse to waste my vote on proven losers. Incumbents NOT Authorized. No matter which party, or who it may be, I will vote for a non-politician newcomer. Black, White, Green or anything else, Color does not matter. What does matter are intelligence, integrity, and honesty, all of which are missing in today's Washington.
Who in their right mind really wants what we have now?
send him a confederate flag from the GOP... that should get rid of him
1
Carson a problem? Carson, along with all these republicans about to run for the presidency, is the greatest gift to us democrats. Keep up the good work GOP. We democrats couldn't win the White House again without you.
And today Ted Cruz, another right wing screwball stands on top of the rock he crawled out from under to announce his run for the presidency and helps us even more. Popcorn anyone?
And today Ted Cruz, another right wing screwball stands on top of the rock he crawled out from under to announce his run for the presidency and helps us even more. Popcorn anyone?
2
Ben Carson is not a problem. He very well may be a solution on several levels. Carson/Paul?? Not a bad ticket. I'd vote for them.
1
Rather than have a conservative candidate win, the republican establishment would rather have a progressive candidate like Hillary. They let democrats win several senate races in 2012 because they didn't like the republican tea party candidates. The progressive republicans thought it would be easier to persuade liberal democrats than tea party republicans. Boy were they wrong. One was even a member of the communist party. The republican party just doesn't help the candidate they don't want get out the vote. In other words, they are treated like a democrat. Funny too Obama wasn't asked very many tough question during his entire Presidency.
The Republicans probably have 15 - 20 potential presidential candidates lining up. Some of them will turn out to be a bit "nutty" and fade from the scene pretty quickly. Still, I think they are in much better shape than the Democrats, whose strategy seems to be: "Let's put all of our eggs in the Hillary basket - and hope that the non-existent Plan B is never required."
One again the GOP Presidential Candidate circus starts with their old theme song, "Bring On The Clowns".
This four year event is the best contributor for the support that any Democratic candidate could wish for.
Keep it up GOP and once again deplete the coffers of the Koch brothers and pro-life J Streeters.
I just enjoy the confusion within the Republican Party. The media comics should pay them fees for the jokes provided them by the jokers of candidates.
They are just from another world and reality deniers.
This four year event is the best contributor for the support that any Democratic candidate could wish for.
Keep it up GOP and once again deplete the coffers of the Koch brothers and pro-life J Streeters.
I just enjoy the confusion within the Republican Party. The media comics should pay them fees for the jokes provided them by the jokers of candidates.
They are just from another world and reality deniers.
2
I see absolutely no reason why Dr. Carson should not run for president. Everyone who can raise the money and pay the fees and get enough publicity can run --- that is what makes this country great.
But anyone with a grain of common sense knows that Dr. Carson has the standard snowball in hades chance to win the primary, and why anyone gets upset over articles such as this is a waste of time.
If it were not for people such as Dr. Carson and other narrow visioned, narrow minded people running, the Republican voter would not know how to pick between gold and fool's gold.
But anyone with a grain of common sense knows that Dr. Carson has the standard snowball in hades chance to win the primary, and why anyone gets upset over articles such as this is a waste of time.
If it were not for people such as Dr. Carson and other narrow visioned, narrow minded people running, the Republican voter would not know how to pick between gold and fool's gold.
1
The problem with Ben Carson is that since he's Black it's hard to use some very effective "devil words" against him, such as racist or bigot. In this sense he's shielded from criticism in much the same way Obama is. If he were a White guy we would be seeing more nasty derision in the media. This isn't cool with a Black guy. Progressives and liberals made these rules and now they have to live with them.
The next problem is that there are millions of Americans who share his views, and not a few of them are also Black. We all assume that Blacks are inherently knee-jerk progressives and this just isn't so. The highest rate of religiosity, for example, is among Blacks. The most homophobic sector of society is probably Black women. Blacks are among the most concerned about the family and they see up close what the breakdown of traditional families has done to their children.
Finally -- although many of them seem blissfully unaware of it -- they are the most impacted by illegal immigration. Immigration drives wages down, sucks up jobs that Blacks should be getting and helps to exacerbate issues of gangs, drugs and conflict in bordering communities.
The most under-reported issue of this decade is the displacement, often by violence, of Black people from neighborhoods coveted by Hispanic immigrants. More Blacks die in inter-racial gang warfare them from White/Black hate crimes.
Ben Carson has a strong natural base and its solid. Republicans need him.
The next problem is that there are millions of Americans who share his views, and not a few of them are also Black. We all assume that Blacks are inherently knee-jerk progressives and this just isn't so. The highest rate of religiosity, for example, is among Blacks. The most homophobic sector of society is probably Black women. Blacks are among the most concerned about the family and they see up close what the breakdown of traditional families has done to their children.
Finally -- although many of them seem blissfully unaware of it -- they are the most impacted by illegal immigration. Immigration drives wages down, sucks up jobs that Blacks should be getting and helps to exacerbate issues of gangs, drugs and conflict in bordering communities.
The most under-reported issue of this decade is the displacement, often by violence, of Black people from neighborhoods coveted by Hispanic immigrants. More Blacks die in inter-racial gang warfare them from White/Black hate crimes.
Ben Carson has a strong natural base and its solid. Republicans need him.
1
It's so odd that a man like Carson who has saved childrens lives and presumably would be very pro life can make the statement he has about the Palestinians.
His solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is to take nearly two million of those beleaguered people - half of whom are children - and take them to the desert and leave them there.
His solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is to take nearly two million of those beleaguered people - half of whom are children - and take them to the desert and leave them there.
2
the dripping disdain for others opinions , attacking the person and not specific ideas further defines the debate as being emotional and not logical. Debating emotions is best left to the indecisive.
White southern Republicans do not vote for black politicians and will not vote for Ben Carson. He might do well in someplace like Iowa but Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, Mike Huckabee, Steve Forbes and Pat Buchanan all did well in Iowa--that Republicans continue to allow Iowa its place at the start of the primaries is bizarre and clearly a bad idea since Iowa isn't representative of the rest of the country and candidates are forced to shift right in ways that can damage them later. As a black Republican even if he wasn't a human gaffe machine Ben Carson would still have no chance of securing the Republican nomination which is decided almost entirely by white voters--these same southern states that are passing laws to discourage black people from voting are going to cast their ballots for Ben Carson? Maybe in an alternate universe where the Republican party isn't comprised mostly of angry white men who are openly racist and xenophobic, but with this Republican party Ben Carson is deluding himself if he thinks a majority of white Republicans would even consider voting for him--even if he says all the right things he is trying to appeal to voters who think the 1950's were the epoch of modern American civilization--a black presidential candidate from either party simply doesn't fit with the nostalgic postcard image of pre-Civil Rights Act America that large swaths of Republican voters (and Fox News viewers and Rush Limbaugh listeners) think we should be aspiring to.
2
It's interesting that we have one of the top neurosurgeons in the world with vast amount of experience in healthcare who is saying ObamaCare is a disaster. HELLO???!!! A community organizer with no health care experience just made up your health insurance plan America. I'm sorry, what was that you were saying about Dr. Carson not being qualified for the job?
Ben Carson is not the Problem.
Fringe candidates in both the Democratic and Republican parties contribute to our democracy. Because they have absolutely no chance of winning and have very limited financial resources, they are not afraid to speak out against the big money special interests who finance campaigns. They are not looking for cabinet jobs if they don't win the nomination and will be more aggressive in highlighting their opponents faults and stating what is on the minds of some voters. And, sometimes they come up with good ideas that more mainstream candidates will later embrace. Democracy depends on the participation of people who have differing views. A good exchange of ideas is healthy for our country even if some of the ideas are bad.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, Town Supervisor
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, Town Supervisor
We don't want any more Bushes, Clintons, Kennedys, Cuomos, Landrieus, Daleys, Udalls, Gores, etc. This is supposed to be America, where we believe inherited political power tends to be corrupting and creates a ruling class of families with inbred ideas and relationships. Those families need to get real jobs in the private sector and actually make something - a good or a service that sells - not just build their families into political patronage empires like Chicago's Daley family and Massachusetts' Kennedy clan.
We fought the Revolutionary War to do away with these hereditary political officeholders. This is America, not some nickle-and-dime tinpot country with ruling families that trade off every couple of terms. We are not Haiti with Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier. Or the Assad family of Syria or the Husseins of Jordan.
Have they informed Chelsea which Senate seat she will be handed?
We fought the Revolutionary War to do away with these hereditary political officeholders. This is America, not some nickle-and-dime tinpot country with ruling families that trade off every couple of terms. We are not Haiti with Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier. Or the Assad family of Syria or the Husseins of Jordan.
Have they informed Chelsea which Senate seat she will be handed?
(Dr Carson's mother)..."worked several jobs at a time and made up the shortfall with food stamps. (Carson has called for paring back the social safety net but not doing away with it.)"
So let's understand this. Kind of like "I'm on the boat, so now we can lock the doors." Where would the rest of us be if we all had Dr. Carson's sense of "caring and concern" for his fellow man?
So let's understand this. Kind of like "I'm on the boat, so now we can lock the doors." Where would the rest of us be if we all had Dr. Carson's sense of "caring and concern" for his fellow man?
3
Does he believe government assistance should be withheld from unwed fathers?
1
The United States' problems are fundamentally moral problems. People are wasting their lives and talents in a government provided hammock. Children have a harder time finding their fathers than they have finding drugs and guns. The definition of marriage has disintegrated into anyone who wants to have sex with someone more than once. Babies are used for spare parts or just cut to pieces for convenience. Lies are just as good as truth if the liar is a liberal. We spend our grand children's money as if we earned it to provide money to politians to buy votes. Dr. Ben Carson is a moral man. He is courageous, thoughtful, compassionate and wise. Of course the establishment hates him. They are morally bankrupt; the left and the right. Carson is the perfect medicine for a sick nation.
The takeaway message from this is clear. The Republican Establishment views politics as a business. They are happy to use guys like Ben Carson to gin up the base, but when the real politicking get done, they have to figure a way to get him back in the box, which lately, has become a problem.
1
There are any number of bright people who wander out of their field of expertise and into the weeds. They are so used to being correct that they cannot see their own limitations.
Linus Pauling and Vitamin C. Tesla in his latter years. And now Carson making a fool of himself.
Linus Pauling and Vitamin C. Tesla in his latter years. And now Carson making a fool of himself.
This reminds me of the old Pogo comic strip comment. I can see someone in the GOP establishment giving a speech and declaring, " We have seen the enemy and he is us!"
2
"Sonya (Carson's mother) worked several jobs at a time and made up the shortfall with food stamps."
This is another example of the point of Timothy Eagan's column "Traitors to Their Class"
Conservatives are proud of their own poor upbringing, but seem now to think that everyone on food stamps is a mooch.
This is another example of the point of Timothy Eagan's column "Traitors to Their Class"
Conservatives are proud of their own poor upbringing, but seem now to think that everyone on food stamps is a mooch.
2
Weird hypocrite.
An example of the American dream, and also an example of how things like student aid, medicaid - even welfare can help give a family a hand so that they can better take care of themselves - achieve success and aid others.
Unless... they are spiteful and turn into arch conservatives who pull up the ladder of success once *they* reach the stop.
Weird, and sad.
An example of the American dream, and also an example of how things like student aid, medicaid - even welfare can help give a family a hand so that they can better take care of themselves - achieve success and aid others.
Unless... they are spiteful and turn into arch conservatives who pull up the ladder of success once *they* reach the stop.
Weird, and sad.
2
After reading 1/3 of this article, it is apparent his rhetoric is more of the same. I was hoping for a refreshing new perspective on how to progress as a nation from a man who understands the brain/mind. But I don't trust what he has said and plan to say given his comfort with making statements like "Obamacare is the worst thing since slavery". A man willing to say anything to win is not a man of integrity. One more buffoon in the barrel of clowns anxious to distract this nation with nonsense and set us back even further.
1
I think Ben Carson would make an excellent president. He's likeable, smart, not a stuffy intellectual like Obama and Carter were. And it's way too early to fault him on foreign policy. The many governors who've run for President didn't know anything about foreign policy 2 years before the election, either. And Obama seems to manage to fumble along even now without knowing a damned thing about foreign policy.
Dr Carson is as qualified as any candidate to run for the Presidency as any of the past Presidents we have elected in fact far more brighter than most and certainly has the smarts that our current President has and very much more more private sector experience. But like anything else we all seem focused on is that Carson is black and that is sad. The writer alludes to a previous Republican Presidential candidate who was a black CEO but dismisses him because of sexual misdeeds. As Carson himself suggest that voting for someone because they are black is a form or racism, he is right or for any color for that matter. Candidates that come out of the blue is how candidates become office holders and the Republicans are no different. Cqrson obviously believes he has something appealing to offer and I think he does in many more way than most of the field exploring the Republican presidential candidacy!
Just pumping the book royalties and speaking fees. Nothing to get excited about.
1
Just say Nein Nein Nein to this vanity presidential candidate; he's never held elective office and "believes" he's presidential timber. He's not even a bush.
3
I'm always amused to read about the next great thing, regardless of the political party.
The story should by why any black man has little chance of winning the next presidential election.
Obama.
Obama.
It is amazing that Ben Carson calls the ACA a form of slavery. He thinks people should save for their over-priced health insurance. How many people of his race, if I may be not pc for a moment, could afford his very expensive services as a neurosurgeon, one of the highest priced medical specialties. He may be a genius in the operating room but he is mindless when it comes to the practicalities of paying for medical services.
If the Republicans don't get this guy, the tea party and other extremists out of their party they have no future in America. They are already showing how they can disable congress with their obstructionist tactics. Now they allow these bozos to expound on their weird theories while calling themselves Republicans.
I don't hear other Republicans repudiating them or insisting they are not following the party line so I assume they agree to some extent. If the Republicans want to have a chance to win votes they need to set a platform and follow it. Of course they can always depend on the mass of under-educated, impoverished and stupid people of the southern states who generation after generation follow the family business of taking hand-outs. It's funny the Republicans complain about this but never cut off the bread and butter of their voting pool. The states which take the largest federal handouts are all red states. While they put theses people down they don't cut them off lest they vote blue. May Dr. Carson campaign long and hard for the Republicans.
If the Republicans don't get this guy, the tea party and other extremists out of their party they have no future in America. They are already showing how they can disable congress with their obstructionist tactics. Now they allow these bozos to expound on their weird theories while calling themselves Republicans.
I don't hear other Republicans repudiating them or insisting they are not following the party line so I assume they agree to some extent. If the Republicans want to have a chance to win votes they need to set a platform and follow it. Of course they can always depend on the mass of under-educated, impoverished and stupid people of the southern states who generation after generation follow the family business of taking hand-outs. It's funny the Republicans complain about this but never cut off the bread and butter of their voting pool. The states which take the largest federal handouts are all red states. While they put theses people down they don't cut them off lest they vote blue. May Dr. Carson campaign long and hard for the Republicans.
3
Reading the many hostile comments here toward Dr. Carson reminds me of that peculiar privilege of the Left: the license to call a black man an idiot, a fanatic, a dupe, and, in general, to dismiss his political opinions as mindless drivel — and yet have no fear of being accused of secretly harboring racist sentiments.
Now that's an elite club with benefits.
Now that's an elite club with benefits.
Perhaps one option in "solving the problem" is to nominate Ben Carson for president. Another might be to give credence to his many accomplishments, intellect and resolve. A third might be to learn from his common sense reform proposals and long-term goal of regaining our lost sense of American exceptionalism. Ah, but those are positive attributes, so by default, they must be swept away with the passing of the MSM's crooked left arm.
I will be the first to admit that Dr. Ben Carson is not the perfect potential presidential candidate. He obviously lacks congressional or gubernatorial credentials (and nasty political baggage) owned by his potential rivals. His adeptness of land mine hopping is questionable, surely a consequence of being a plebeian swimming amongst professional politicians. To be sure, the sharks are everywhere, and they are very hungry. It simply makes him swim faster.
I submit that Dr. Carson deserves due consideration. Premature dismissal and unfounded hatred toward the good doctor is, well, ridiculous. A great deal of the animus aimed at Ben Carson is the result of immature vitriol, common amongst low information liberals and some jealous conservatives.
With a wide field of potential presidential candidates, there are many competitors, each attempting to marginalize Dr. Carson. That is a good thing, actually, keeping him focused and attentive to deliberate traps and tricks lurking everywhere. I say, simply give him a fair opportunity to be heard.
I will be the first to admit that Dr. Ben Carson is not the perfect potential presidential candidate. He obviously lacks congressional or gubernatorial credentials (and nasty political baggage) owned by his potential rivals. His adeptness of land mine hopping is questionable, surely a consequence of being a plebeian swimming amongst professional politicians. To be sure, the sharks are everywhere, and they are very hungry. It simply makes him swim faster.
I submit that Dr. Carson deserves due consideration. Premature dismissal and unfounded hatred toward the good doctor is, well, ridiculous. A great deal of the animus aimed at Ben Carson is the result of immature vitriol, common amongst low information liberals and some jealous conservatives.
With a wide field of potential presidential candidates, there are many competitors, each attempting to marginalize Dr. Carson. That is a good thing, actually, keeping him focused and attentive to deliberate traps and tricks lurking everywhere. I say, simply give him a fair opportunity to be heard.
How do you solve a problem like Ben Carson? The Nuns in "The "Sound of Music "ask about Maria.
How about Elizabeth Bennet's comment re Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice? "Laugh at him".
How about Elizabeth Bennet's comment re Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice? "Laugh at him".
1
How do you solve a problem like Ben Carson? You ignore him like you ignore the crazy person on the street who's muttering nonsense to himself and occasionally shouting out about some apocalyptic occurrence. And you hope he goes away peacefully. Or is rounded up by men in white coats and trundled off to a safe place.
2
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Ben Carson? You actually don't. He does it for you, and them, and all the rest of us.
Once you hear what this alleged doctor has to say, after you either stop laughing, or crying, you realize : oh, he's just another republican presidential candidate . Part of their freak show, featuring assorted weirdos who make the rounds spouting inanities, nonsense and gibberish.
He fits in well because his main attraction is that, ironically, he is supposed to be a neurosurgeon. He believes his medical experience has prepared him to be president. Once you hear his ideas, which are too painful to mention, you realize his ideas qualify him more to see a psychiatrist.
With Rick Perry gone, looks like Ben will be providing the comic relief.
Once you hear what this alleged doctor has to say, after you either stop laughing, or crying, you realize : oh, he's just another republican presidential candidate . Part of their freak show, featuring assorted weirdos who make the rounds spouting inanities, nonsense and gibberish.
He fits in well because his main attraction is that, ironically, he is supposed to be a neurosurgeon. He believes his medical experience has prepared him to be president. Once you hear his ideas, which are too painful to mention, you realize his ideas qualify him more to see a psychiatrist.
With Rick Perry gone, looks like Ben will be providing the comic relief.
2
"The Seventh-day Adventist Church formed out of the movement known today as the Millerites. In 1831, a Baptist convert, William Miller, was asked by a Baptist to preach in their church and began to preach that the Second Advent of Jesus would occur somewhere between March 1843 and March 1844, based on his interpretation of Daniel 8:14. A following gathered around Miller that included many from the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Christian Connection churches. In the summer of 1844, some of Miller's followers promoted the date of October 22. They linked the cleansing of the sanctuary of Daniel 8:14 with the Jewish Day of Atonement, believed to be October 22 that year. By 1844, over 100,000 people were anticipating what Miller had called the "Blessed Hope". On October 22 many of the believers were up late into the night watching, waiting for Christ to return and found themselves bitterly disappointed when both sunset and midnight passed with their expectations unfulfilled. This event later became known as the Great Disappointment."
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Seventh-day_Adventist_Church
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Seventh-day_Adventist_Church
2
The lede to the article asks, "Can mainstream Republicans stop him?"
The real question we should ask is, "Are there 'mainstream' Republicans and, if so, what are they?" It seems the Republicans have become a party of NO, their core consistency essentially limited to opposition to whatever the President advocates. It is only on the fringes that they have specific policies that do not simply reduce to anti-this-or-that. Though I find most of those policies objectionable either from a practical or values point of view, nonetheless we should recognize that is where the no-business-as-usual action on the Right lies.
It wasn't always like that. The Republicans once stood for sound and legitimately debatable principles and policies. In the 40's my father ran for Congress as a conservative Republican (in Brooklyn, thus knowing he would not win.) I have notes of his scrawled on a leaflet he carried to a debate he was involved in. The notes were to remind him to bring up that he was for civil rights, women's rights, and the U.N., and against the Smith Act (registering commies), as well as questioning some farm subsidies. This, of course, was back when you couldn't even get Democratic support for for civil or women's rights or clear opposition to the anti-communist witch hunts.
As a result of 40's - 60's history and contemporary reality (wherein Republican leaders vie for the title role in a remake of Dr. No, I can't help but question even the existence of a Republican mainstream.
The real question we should ask is, "Are there 'mainstream' Republicans and, if so, what are they?" It seems the Republicans have become a party of NO, their core consistency essentially limited to opposition to whatever the President advocates. It is only on the fringes that they have specific policies that do not simply reduce to anti-this-or-that. Though I find most of those policies objectionable either from a practical or values point of view, nonetheless we should recognize that is where the no-business-as-usual action on the Right lies.
It wasn't always like that. The Republicans once stood for sound and legitimately debatable principles and policies. In the 40's my father ran for Congress as a conservative Republican (in Brooklyn, thus knowing he would not win.) I have notes of his scrawled on a leaflet he carried to a debate he was involved in. The notes were to remind him to bring up that he was for civil rights, women's rights, and the U.N., and against the Smith Act (registering commies), as well as questioning some farm subsidies. This, of course, was back when you couldn't even get Democratic support for for civil or women's rights or clear opposition to the anti-communist witch hunts.
As a result of 40's - 60's history and contemporary reality (wherein Republican leaders vie for the title role in a remake of Dr. No, I can't help but question even the existence of a Republican mainstream.
12
He was a good doctor and he has an inspiring story. However if he thinks he has even a remote chance of winning the nomination he is deluded.
7
As a black man voted in every general election since turning 18 in the 1980s with my father walking me to the voting booth and instructing me to vote democratic. There is no doubt that Carson is brilliant as a surgeon but on a social level he is a screwed up self hating black man. Not all black men contrary to popular belief walk in the same shoes. I know smart very religious black men who think the way Carson thinks.-- The sad truth is they fit the same mold. As was the case with Mr. becki becki stan - I guess someone ‘was holding” the the chain to deep six Carson “when the time was right”. Carson he has no purpose for the republican party now. There is no President Obama to tear down by attempting to link Obama to some self hating man willing to get up “on the table” and turning off the nation-- lets just vote for a white guy! (please note Obama never addresses them). Like Judge Thomas he worked his way out of poverty to success and turned around and because of his pain and perceived rejections he thumb his nose at the people and services that helped him. The proof that Carson has issues is that as smart as he is he cannot understand and appreciated the historical significance of President Obama’s success.The key to Carson is the so called epiphany that came as a result of his concern for a rich little white girl…. I think the movie the A Soldiers Story best explains ben carson (little b little c) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088146/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_48.
6
When the paid shill of a group of billionaires such as this accomplished gentleman go out on stage to read their carefully scripted message off the teleprompter, are they also handed index cards containing ''controversal'' remarks that will get the speech publicity? Are people actually dumb enough to bAe carrying bible
3
Surgeons are simply the most egotistical doctors on earth. They have the god complex to cut into a living human being with the idea that:
*"I am the only person who can save this person't life."
*"Skin is the only thing between me and a cure."
*"Cold hard steel is the only way to heal."
*"A chance to cut is a chance to cure."
*(quotes from the "House of God")
Surgeons are the true prima donnas of the medical system. As a family practitioner/critical care specialist I saw this same concrete thinking in nearly every surgeon. And neurosurgeons, much less pediatric neurosurgeons do feel they are God's ambassadors here on earth.
He separated conjoined twins! Wonderful..I'm glad we have such good mechanics in the medical world. But then their take on EVERYTHING is I am so good I can achieve greatness in ANY field.
Ben Carson won't go far in this campaign. His sense of self-importance will just keep getting in the way.
I anticipate even more absurd comments from him. In the operating room NO ONE disagrees with the surgeon. It's "Yes Doctor" no matter what idiocy comes from his mouth...no filter...just says it and expects everyone to agree with him.
Sorry Doc. Your medical colleagues think you are whacko to be going for President of the United States!
*"I am the only person who can save this person't life."
*"Skin is the only thing between me and a cure."
*"Cold hard steel is the only way to heal."
*"A chance to cut is a chance to cure."
*(quotes from the "House of God")
Surgeons are the true prima donnas of the medical system. As a family practitioner/critical care specialist I saw this same concrete thinking in nearly every surgeon. And neurosurgeons, much less pediatric neurosurgeons do feel they are God's ambassadors here on earth.
He separated conjoined twins! Wonderful..I'm glad we have such good mechanics in the medical world. But then their take on EVERYTHING is I am so good I can achieve greatness in ANY field.
Ben Carson won't go far in this campaign. His sense of self-importance will just keep getting in the way.
I anticipate even more absurd comments from him. In the operating room NO ONE disagrees with the surgeon. It's "Yes Doctor" no matter what idiocy comes from his mouth...no filter...just says it and expects everyone to agree with him.
Sorry Doc. Your medical colleagues think you are whacko to be going for President of the United States!
16
This colleague doesn't find him to be a 'whacko'. I applaud his attacks on the PC world in which we live and this paper flourishes. The days of the God complex in medicine are long gone. The real power exists in the hospitals, insurance companies, and of course, the government. I've scrubbed with the real prima donnas. This guy is actually humble.
What a truly offensive comment. I wonder if you paint other populations with such broad strokes. So you have not come across a single surgeon that is not a concrete thinker, or an egotistical megalomaniac? I think that is more a comment on YOU than it is on surgeons.
My personal opinion is the more voices that are heard in debate and discussion the better. It is disappointing to see the otherwise educated and well informed readers of the NYT succumbing to the same type of lockstep caricaturization of candidates and their positions that they usually accuse FOX news of employing.
I am somewhat ashamed that it is a self proclaimed medical colleague who is engaging in such simplistic black/white commentary.
My personal opinion is the more voices that are heard in debate and discussion the better. It is disappointing to see the otherwise educated and well informed readers of the NYT succumbing to the same type of lockstep caricaturization of candidates and their positions that they usually accuse FOX news of employing.
I am somewhat ashamed that it is a self proclaimed medical colleague who is engaging in such simplistic black/white commentary.
Looks like someone had a bad surgery rotation in medical school!
1
"His life in brain surgery
has prepared him for the
presidency, he maintains,
better than lives in
politics have for his rivals. "
Ha ha! Anyone who has spent a lifetime with neurosurgeons in the hospital knows them to be arrogant, narcissistic, haughty and unrealistic. Sometimes charming, though. The guy needs to go back to taking care of kids; guess he got bored...
has prepared him for the
presidency, he maintains,
better than lives in
politics have for his rivals. "
Ha ha! Anyone who has spent a lifetime with neurosurgeons in the hospital knows them to be arrogant, narcissistic, haughty and unrealistic. Sometimes charming, though. The guy needs to go back to taking care of kids; guess he got bored...
14
Nah, he was looking for something easier to do in retirement.
1
Agreed. Community organizer looks much better on the resume.
This article seems to presuppose that moneyed interests won't ensure that Carson is pushed aside, so that their Chosen One can take the stage.
Remember Newt Gingrich, when he was beating Romney in the primaries?
What happened?
Someone - presumably someone who works for the Koch brothers, or whoever - placed a phone call, and told Newt to tone it down.
In the next debate, it was as if Newt had been gagged. He said zilch.
Romney would go on to seal the primaries, and get the nomination.
The rich people who run everything in this country will do the same again this time, if need be.
If Carson proves too feisty, Charles Koch or whoever will make the necessary calls, and voila: Jeb Bush will be your nominee.
This would all be laughable, if it wasn't so clearly a probability...
Remember Newt Gingrich, when he was beating Romney in the primaries?
What happened?
Someone - presumably someone who works for the Koch brothers, or whoever - placed a phone call, and told Newt to tone it down.
In the next debate, it was as if Newt had been gagged. He said zilch.
Romney would go on to seal the primaries, and get the nomination.
The rich people who run everything in this country will do the same again this time, if need be.
If Carson proves too feisty, Charles Koch or whoever will make the necessary calls, and voila: Jeb Bush will be your nominee.
This would all be laughable, if it wasn't so clearly a probability...
9
I have to agree with the commenters who asked what makes this story Times-worthy. There are so many important, interesting, and remarkable people to write about; a piece largely based on telling how Ben Carson met with a PR person, with a few nods to his nutty sayings, is no better than scandalous gossip.
29
Ben Carson makes more sense than ANY of these yahoos we have in office now....
Every election cycle another right-wing nutcase crawls out of the woodwork, and Republicans manage to take them seriously. People like Carson and Donald Trump (neither of whom would ever run for Congress or city council) might just as well have been planted by the DNC to drive semi-plausible candidates like Jeb Bush and Rand Paul so far to the right during the primary season that moderates who might otherwise vote for them in the General will reject them after recollecting the kind of nonsense to which they felt compelled to give lip service earlier in the year.
41
"Right Wing Nutcase"?? A Black Head of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Hopkins is a nutcase? What exactly have you accomplished in your storied career?
Plus, all those "racists "in the Republican party would vote for hims hands down. What drivel will you Leftists come up with next? Guess what? If Scott Walker taps Ben Carson as his VP you Democrats will be howling like banshees come November 2016 as we tear apart your agenda. Should be fun!
Plus, all those "racists "in the Republican party would vote for hims hands down. What drivel will you Leftists come up with next? Guess what? If Scott Walker taps Ben Carson as his VP you Democrats will be howling like banshees come November 2016 as we tear apart your agenda. Should be fun!
So Ben Carson is a nut case? That's a pretty racist statement.
Consdiering all of the "noteworthy" people who grace our front pages/web pages and screens today, I'd consider Dr. Carson a person who deserves some respect. Your vitriol is disappointing but predictable.
If you ever needed proof that being great in one field doesn't necessarily qualify you for another, just look at the example of Dr Ben Carson. He was, by any standards of medical practice, an excellent neurosurgeon who worked well with his colleagues and treated patients and their families with the utmost in respect. But skilled hands and a brain that does a fine job of storing and handling medical knowledge does not a capable politician make, any more than becoming fluent in Russian gives you the ability to speak and write Mandarin Chinese.
I'm not sure who's having a more enjoyable time reading these stories of possible candidates whose ideas of how people should behave makes them virtually impossible to elect - Hillary Clinton, or Rand Paul?
I'm not sure who's having a more enjoyable time reading these stories of possible candidates whose ideas of how people should behave makes them virtually impossible to elect - Hillary Clinton, or Rand Paul?
35
Obama was never great in ANY field except campaigning and he was elected. Care to try again?
That is true. As President Obama has shown us it is better to have done nothing at all, have mediocre grades, and no expectations about how people should behave, other than have no dissenting view from his administration, lest you be labeled as opposing him due to the color of his skin.
Check the number of physicians on our founding fathers list. He's certainly more qualified than a "community organizer".
Based on the description of his conservative awakening, Carson seems to have drunk deeply from the Reagan Kool-Aid trough. Of course, his epiphany resulted from an encounter with an unwed mother on public assistance - and not, say, a realization of the billions in corporate welfare dispensed to companies that have made decisions just as poor as the young woman's, and ones that have negatively impacted the lives of millions of others. For those he has no scorn. Beneath his neurosurgeon's scrubs, he's just another evangelical scold who'd rather see 1000 people go hungry than to have one take advantage of the system.
93
What's the point of this puff piece about a Republican outlier? Ben Carson might be the "ideal Republican candidate"? You've got to be kidding. He's just another cast member in the Republican clown show--the list gets longer every day. Delusional egomaniacs, the lot of them. If the Republican party ever came up with a coherent, inclusive platform, showed us they could actually govern (i.e., legislate), and weren't interested only in hurting old people, poor people, women, minorities, immigrants and gays to appease their obscenely wealthy donors, us moderates might vote for them. Like that's gonna happen.
52
Typical generalization and labeling by a hyper-partisan liberal...or moderate socialist....
Clown show? Egomaniac? Sounds like your describing obammy to a tee. Bet your opinion would change if you had a child that needed some sort of neuro surgery done. Oh no wait, I'm sure you think obama could pull that one off too.....lol
One of life's more interesting anomalies is the intelligent-idiot. Carson is a man of brilliance in the field of neurosurgery, but his religious beliefs and outrageous utterances reveal a man of extremely narrow intellect capable of embracing complete nonsense. Here again we have a man who benefited from government programs and now would severely limit, if not eliminate, those types of programs for others, who are apparently not following the correct path in life as laid out by Ben Carson.
Like so many modern Republican candidates, Carson is given to ridiculous statements, often concerning things about which he knows little and understands even less. This man is totally unqualified to hold political office, which increasingly seems to be the new litmus test for radical right wing candidates. Say stupid things, hold mindless positions, become a right wing star.
Note: idiot is used to mean a foolish and/or senseless person.
Like so many modern Republican candidates, Carson is given to ridiculous statements, often concerning things about which he knows little and understands even less. This man is totally unqualified to hold political office, which increasingly seems to be the new litmus test for radical right wing candidates. Say stupid things, hold mindless positions, become a right wing star.
Note: idiot is used to mean a foolish and/or senseless person.
66
Not a lot of foolish/senseless neurosurgeons out there, unless they don't agree with you.
So your opinion is right and Ben Carsons opinions are wrong WHY?
"First Do No Harm!"
Folks like Dr. Carson, Trump, Cruz and the rest of the GOP 'Clown Car' would do well to remember that little Hypocratic tidbit.
They're killing the once respectable GOP.
Folks like Dr. Carson, Trump, Cruz and the rest of the GOP 'Clown Car' would do well to remember that little Hypocratic tidbit.
They're killing the once respectable GOP.
40
"Hippocratic". Did you unconsciously blend it with "hypocritic"?
Just how many decades ago was the GOP respectable? Not later than 1980, I would say.
Just how many decades ago was the GOP respectable? Not later than 1980, I would say.
18
There was nothing unconscious about it.
I'd put it somewhere back before Nixon.
Eisenhower perhaps.
I'd put it somewhere back before Nixon.
Eisenhower perhaps.
2
Neurosurgeons have a highly effective way to deal with self-absorbed, self-promoting (neuro)-politicians like Dr. Carson: we do not vote for them.
55
This phony has said so many derogatory remarks regarding gays, yet at Johns Hopkins he worked with and was supported by many dedicated gay employees. That's hurtful and as low as you can get as a person... Dr. Carson, have you no shame?
59
He's a conservative ideologue, so the answer to your question is no, he has no shame.
The headline tells me not to bother reading. He is not a problem, Republicans have the same rights as others and we at least are not crowning anybody as our candidate. I expect that our platform will have elements from many sources rather than just one who would have as first "lady" a person called Bill.
5
"The headline tells me not to bother reading."
Well, at least you openly admit your mind is made up and closed to any other opinions. Who needs any information when ideolagy is the god you serve.
Well, at least you openly admit your mind is made up and closed to any other opinions. Who needs any information when ideolagy is the god you serve.
5
Who wears the crown in the clown car? It will be amusing to watch the fight for the driver's seat.
I hope Ben Carson continues mouthing off through the general election. Dems and progressives LOVE it!
32
I have certain friends who labled any utterance of criticism about President Obama as racially motivated. Those same friends scoff at the idea of Dr. Carson becoming President. When I quickly point out that they did not permit such comments to be made about the president without accusations of bigotry, they say they oppose Dr. Carson's positions, as if that somehow would make everything different. Yet, they have denied that motivation to those who disagree with the President.
I sincerely wonder how those who readily threw out charges of racism before will react to criticism of Dr. Carson.
I sincerely wonder how those who readily threw out charges of racism before will react to criticism of Dr. Carson.
11
All one has to do is check the social media to observe and confirm the bigotry that is the core behind the opposition to the President. Among the wealthiest 1% it's both; bigotry and fear of eroding their political (money) power.
Your argument collapses in on itself.
There are a fair number of critics of Obama who ARE racially motivated. Obama has the same position as former President Bush and other Republicans (on the use of drones, and deportation) and yet people who supported those policies are against Obama. On the other hand, liberals that had no problem voting for Obama can't stand Ben Carson, because of his statements and his policies.
The former is consistent with racism. The latter is consistent with truly judging someone by the content of their character, or the lack thereof.
There are a fair number of critics of Obama who ARE racially motivated. Obama has the same position as former President Bush and other Republicans (on the use of drones, and deportation) and yet people who supported those policies are against Obama. On the other hand, liberals that had no problem voting for Obama can't stand Ben Carson, because of his statements and his policies.
The former is consistent with racism. The latter is consistent with truly judging someone by the content of their character, or the lack thereof.
1
Gene - you don't understand racism.
If you disagree with the President of the United States - you are probably disagreeing with him because he is black - and that makes you a racist.
If you agree with a conservative black man like Dr. Carson, that is also racist, because you are using his "blackness" to hide your own racism.
Basically if you are a Republican or a conservative - you are probably a racist.
If you disagree with the President of the United States - you are probably disagreeing with him because he is black - and that makes you a racist.
If you agree with a conservative black man like Dr. Carson, that is also racist, because you are using his "blackness" to hide your own racism.
Basically if you are a Republican or a conservative - you are probably a racist.
The right wing will ignore Carson and Cain once they lose their value as purported proof that "I don't hate black people, just Obama." Similarly, Carly Fiorina, failed CEO, is nothing more than "I don't hate women, just Hillary."
29
How do you solve a problem like Ben Carson? You don't give him prominent headlines, huge photos, and long write ups that feed his vanity. He's simply another Republican crank the news media validates because they can't think of anything meaningful to write about.
You also might point out that the only person benefiting from his wasting everybody's time is him. Then their is the collateral damage where Republicans get to pretend their party views blacks as equals while they cater to white supremacist out of the other side of their mouths.
You also might point out that the only person benefiting from his wasting everybody's time is him. Then their is the collateral damage where Republicans get to pretend their party views blacks as equals while they cater to white supremacist out of the other side of their mouths.
31
and yet u took time out of your busy schedule to let him ' waste ' your time. Ironic huh?
So many of the negative comments about Ben Carson or other black conseratives refer to them as a "tokens" or "Uncle Toms" for a "racist" GOP. To believe that "real" black Americans can only be left-of-center Democrats is racist. To believe that kind, intelligent, peace-loving Americans can only be left-of-center Democrats is close-minded, insulting and antithetical to true liberalism. To be truly liberal is to embrace diversity, not only of color or ethnicity or gender or sexual preference or religion, but also of political ideology. Reasonable, thinking people of all colors can disagree on the best way to widen opportunities for all Americans and on the best ways to keep our nation and the world safe. When we demonize those with which we disagree (as members of both major parties have done), we lose sight of the values upon which our democracy rests.
12
And if anybody even even vaguely progressive had said anything even vaguely like this, you would have a point.
My point isn't that "true Americans," can't be this or that: it's the Right that has been desperately scrambling to find out who's naughty or nice, who's true-blue American, which version of Christianity is tough enough, who's sexuality of OK, who's born in Kenya.
My point is that somehow, even moderate black voices get absolutely noplace in this iteration of the GOP.
looks like they'll only tolerate black skin accompanied by the full list, and the full list only, of far-right political correctness. And the right version of Christianity, too.
White skin? Some degree of disagreement is OK. Gay? fahgeddiboutit. Woman? same rules as black skin. Muslim, vocal Catholic? fahgeddibouttit. Agnostic, atheist? Somebody get a rope.
My point isn't that "true Americans," can't be this or that: it's the Right that has been desperately scrambling to find out who's naughty or nice, who's true-blue American, which version of Christianity is tough enough, who's sexuality of OK, who's born in Kenya.
My point is that somehow, even moderate black voices get absolutely noplace in this iteration of the GOP.
looks like they'll only tolerate black skin accompanied by the full list, and the full list only, of far-right political correctness. And the right version of Christianity, too.
White skin? Some degree of disagreement is OK. Gay? fahgeddiboutit. Woman? same rules as black skin. Muslim, vocal Catholic? fahgeddibouttit. Agnostic, atheist? Somebody get a rope.
14
Yes, indeed. "Reasonable, thinking people". That excludes people who can't even hold their prejudices inside, like Carson, Cain, and (let's move on to white candidates) Romney.
7
@ Robert - "And if anybody even even vaguely progressive had said anything even vaguely like this, you would have a point."
I guess he has a point! Did you read the article and the comments here or do you think all the comments denigrating Carson were written by conservatives?
I guess he has a point! Did you read the article and the comments here or do you think all the comments denigrating Carson were written by conservatives?
Conservatives don't have "tokens."
Liberals have "helped" blacks into high unemployment, drug abuse, dependency, and low graduation rates.
With friends like you . . .
Liberals have "helped" blacks into high unemployment, drug abuse, dependency, and low graduation rates.
With friends like you . . .
9
Conservatives don't have tokens. Really.
Please feel free to list Clarence Thomas' major accomplishments as a jurist and administrator, and then by all means move on to discussing that pizza guy's major qualifications for high office.
Please feel free to list Clarence Thomas' major accomplishments as a jurist and administrator, and then by all means move on to discussing that pizza guy's major qualifications for high office.
40
Then why are the states with the highest rates of teen pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases, food stamps, tobacco-related deaths, and illiteracy all in red, Republican-controlled states with mostly white populations?
Do you people ever look at empirical data?
Do you people ever look at empirical data?
52
Karl Rove did in Ohio during the 2012 election. Unfortunately, he was trying to interpret "Republican empirical data".
Dr. Ben Carson is, after all is said and done, a religious fanatic. It doesn't matter how intelligent or accomplished one is if it all becomes subservient to religious fanaticism. He does not believe in innate same sex orientation, he does not believe in evolution, he does not believe in global climate change, he does not believe in a woman's right to control her own body.
These are all things that a man of science and empirical evidence would understand and accept as a matter of basic common sense, but when you add religious fanaticism to the equation you wind up with this apparent paradox.
These are all things that a man of science and empirical evidence would understand and accept as a matter of basic common sense, but when you add religious fanaticism to the equation you wind up with this apparent paradox.
53
In the past 150 years, since the publication of 'On the Origin of Species' nothing observed in the field or the lab has ever disagreed with with the Theory of Evolution.
Not once!
Not ever!
Not even a little bit!
Of all of doctor Carson's crazy beliefs, and hairbrained comments, his steadfast refusal to see the beauty of 'Decent with Modification' is the most troubling of all.
Not once!
Not ever!
Not even a little bit!
Of all of doctor Carson's crazy beliefs, and hairbrained comments, his steadfast refusal to see the beauty of 'Decent with Modification' is the most troubling of all.
23
Hi Bob
I like "Decent with Modification" quite a bit.
Carson's case suggests some thinking about how a person can be a brilliant technician - really astounding - and yet not have any sense of what science is all about. In popular culture the two areas are often conflated.
I'm sure there is a lot more to tell about how he stepped so far into craziness - that one teenager couldn't have been the whole story.
Unfortunately, he is not quite interesting enough to spend any more time thinking about, at least for me...
I like "Decent with Modification" quite a bit.
Carson's case suggests some thinking about how a person can be a brilliant technician - really astounding - and yet not have any sense of what science is all about. In popular culture the two areas are often conflated.
I'm sure there is a lot more to tell about how he stepped so far into craziness - that one teenager couldn't have been the whole story.
Unfortunately, he is not quite interesting enough to spend any more time thinking about, at least for me...
2
Kind of reminds me of fundamentalist Christian fanatic (only somehow also a Catholic) Bobby Jindal, former Rhodes scholar at Oxford. Only I have never figured out how, despite having no apparent qualifications of any kind and only in his twenties, Jindal started out with one top position after another in Louisiana.
You know how to tell that Republicans and the Right aren't serious about valuing black people as candidates?
Simple. Seen Colin Powell anywhere near these guys, or Michael Steele? Condoleeza Rice? Anybody like that?
Dr. Carson, I am sorry to say, is going to find out that for all his hard work, for all his brilliance, for all his service to humanity, he's just another token to these guys.
He's black. He's easy to check off on every single far-right, evangelical box. That's the appeal, period.
Simple. Seen Colin Powell anywhere near these guys, or Michael Steele? Condoleeza Rice? Anybody like that?
Dr. Carson, I am sorry to say, is going to find out that for all his hard work, for all his brilliance, for all his service to humanity, he's just another token to these guys.
He's black. He's easy to check off on every single far-right, evangelical box. That's the appeal, period.
38
Colin Powell supports our current president and he does not want to be president. Ms. Rice would be very welcome but I suspect she does not want the pressure, she might serve in a Republican administration.
10
This is what constitutes long form journalism at the Times these days? Profiling a GOP primary vanity candidate, next up Donald Trump. This guy is simply wasting everybody's time and energy while he exercises his over sized ego.
Why not take a leap and write generally about blacks who embrace all that is ignorant,false and retrograde in American politics? Blacks who are comfortable throwing their lot in with those who perpetrate policies whether targeted or not disadvantage minorities, the poor and now the middle class?
The section on the teenage unwed mother is all one needs to see that he is an idealogical nitwit too involved with his petty prejudice and enthusiasms to gather and process real information and come to clearly thought out conclusions. Instead we get the same old Republican hogwash generated by socially generated personality disorders. Where is unwanted teen pregnancy the highest in the US? In the bible belt.
Why not take a leap and write generally about blacks who embrace all that is ignorant,false and retrograde in American politics? Blacks who are comfortable throwing their lot in with those who perpetrate policies whether targeted or not disadvantage minorities, the poor and now the middle class?
The section on the teenage unwed mother is all one needs to see that he is an idealogical nitwit too involved with his petty prejudice and enthusiasms to gather and process real information and come to clearly thought out conclusions. Instead we get the same old Republican hogwash generated by socially generated personality disorders. Where is unwanted teen pregnancy the highest in the US? In the bible belt.
55
I'm always amazed by candidates who seem to believe that political experience is unnecessary for the most challenging and important political job in the world. I've no idea if the list of potential wannabees was always so populated, but in the history of the Presidency, nobody has been elected into the office without some political or military experience. I think Jeb is right to pay little attention to these fantasy candidates, their inexperience usually ends up speaking for itself.
7
Would-be candidates like Carson, Cruz and Paul are just what the Bush camp are hoping for. We'll get an earful of their crackpot wisdom, and then: low-and-behold, here comes level-headed Jeb riding in on his white horse to "save" the party. It's "Compassionate Conservatism II", this time in a Florida wrapper instead of one from Texas. Same package inside, though: more war, more tax cuts for the rich, more environmental degradation, more cuts to education, privatization of Social Security and Medicare, gutting of Medicaid and what's left of the social safety net.
Not buying it!
Not buying it!
40
Yup. But if he plays nice, might get to run HUD while they shut it down, or be the first Surgeon General to announce that condoms cause pregnancy, lrayer is better than vaccines, stuff like that.
8
The GOP's unsolvable Ben Carson problem is that Carson is the uncensored id of the party.
25
guess he's a smart guy. so how does the fact that every state that enacted voter ID has a republican governor and legislature not register? he's in a party that wouldn't let him vote. he ate on food stamps...LBJ and the dems own him. brain surgeon and hypocrite.
14
John, do you think Dr. Carson doesn't have a state issued photo ID? Democrats own him? Well, they'd like to.
7
Did his moths when she allied for both Federal and State aid?
One thing that I think many people don't appreciate about Carson is the very definite eschatological predictions that his SDA church makes about America. The SDA church teaches that the US government will eventually team up with the Vatican and impose draconian religious laws before Jesus can return to earth. Now I don't know whether Carson personally subscribes to this teaching, but it is reasonable to assume he does since he is an SDA. It's at least worth questioning him about it. Having grown up SDA it is very unusual to see a presidential candidate from that denomination as most are not concerned about getting involved in politics and are more worried about looking out for signs of the second coming. I think the American public would be very disturbed about the "end time" teachings of the SDA church - particularly since the church teaches that the end times are upon us now. Personally I think Carson is a crank and a charlatan.
36
" Eschatologica " I wouldnt even know how to use this word in a sentence, had to look up the definition 2 times. Why try to sound so eloquent only to show your true colors with ' .. I think Carson is a crank and a charlatan." Rest assured he doesnt care what u think either.
So you have no idea what Dr. Carson thinks about the topic, yet you make up what you want to assume he thinks, then criticize him for it?
Your last sentence says it all.
If such a paragraph were used against Obama there would be ten liberals on this site calling you a racist.
Your last sentence says it all.
If such a paragraph were used against Obama there would be ten liberals on this site calling you a racist.
Dr. Carson is a brilliant surgeon and, in many ways, a role model. However, as long as he speaks in harsh extremes that diminish the experiences
of African Americans and other minorities, he will continue to be a liability to the Republicans' effort to diversify their increasingly lily-white, male-dominated party.
of African Americans and other minorities, he will continue to be a liability to the Republicans' effort to diversify their increasingly lily-white, male-dominated party.
20
How do we know he's a "brilliant" surgeon? My guess is, he isn't. I don't recall any quotes from fellow docs or even more convincing-nurses. When it comes to docs turned pols, every nut with M.D. after his name is "brilliant". Doubt it.
2
The small minded Progressives blasting Republicans in this comment section will never get it through their bigoted pea brains that the very existence of Ben Carson in the Republican primary refutes their bleating allegations of racism.
5
Carson is simply being exploited by the GOP as cover for what they say and do when they think no one is looking or listening.
"See, we CAN'T be racist!" is what the GOP is selling vis-a-vis Carson. Except the GOP wouldn't give Carson the time of day if he wasn't exploitable.
And you know it.
"See, we CAN'T be racist!" is what the GOP is selling vis-a-vis Carson. Except the GOP wouldn't give Carson the time of day if he wasn't exploitable.
And you know it.
13
No it doesn't, any more than Obama's being President refutes the "allegations" of racism in our law enforcement and mass incarceration systems. But it allows people like this commenter to bleat that "see, we're not racist."
6
Which party has the only black US Senator? Republican. Was Allen West as Representative a "token" when massive amounts of Democrat money went into Florida to defeat hm? Was there chicanery at the voting booth, which was not fairly examined, racist, as he lost in a controversial fashion? Was the prominent and capable Condi Rice a token? And what say you of newer Republican people whose skin happens to be black, such as Mia Love?
You don't know the motives of Republicans, yet you make them up, then accuse them of something which they are not.
You don't know the motives of Republicans, yet you make them up, then accuse them of something which they are not.
"...His life in brain surgery has prepared him for the presidency, he maintains, better than lives in politics have for his rivals. At the very least, he says, it conditioned him against getting too worked up about any problem that isn’t life threatening. 'I mean, it’s grueling, but interestingly enough, I don’t feel the pressure,' he said..."
___
Dr. Carson is a newcomer to the political arena and is certain to choose his words poorly from time to time when answering a question; its to be expected. Hell, even some of our countries career politicians do so frequently; Mr. Veep comes to mind.
Much more importantly, as quoted above, given Dr. Carson's ability to assess situations from multiple vantage points without getting "rattled" could be just what this divided Congress needs to restore some needed bipartisanship. His calm logical approach cannot be denied.
___
Dr. Carson is a newcomer to the political arena and is certain to choose his words poorly from time to time when answering a question; its to be expected. Hell, even some of our countries career politicians do so frequently; Mr. Veep comes to mind.
Much more importantly, as quoted above, given Dr. Carson's ability to assess situations from multiple vantage points without getting "rattled" could be just what this divided Congress needs to restore some needed bipartisanship. His calm logical approach cannot be denied.
4
Logical? He thinks prison makes people gay.
22
unless, of course, one pays the least attention to the dumb, ignorant stuff he actually says about people and politics and America.
16
" Dr. Carson's ability to assess situations from multiple vantage points"..........
He has only one vantage point. And this is his "disadvantage" point.
He has only one vantage point. And this is his "disadvantage" point.
In Detroit metro, we have always had a proud black middle and upper class; judges, doctors, lawyers, business owners, etc. that are reliably Democrat. But we have always had a subgroup who really gain traction as a minority in Republican circles; better contracts, nominations, plum jobs. It's also well understood that this group of conservative token boot strappers, will be harsh on less advantaged black folks and just more strident in general.
17
Deanna Bass has her work cut out for her but I don't think Ben Carson can be muzzled. His zingers fly out of his mouth faster than he can apologize for them. For better or worse, this is who he is and people flock in droves to hear him speak because of it.
Every career politician should ask themselves why so many people find Ben Carson and others of his ilk so refreshing. If Ben Carson did not have this weird social agenda and came to the table fresh with ideas that spoke to the common man and the common man's problems he would take the presidency by storm.
People are sick of career politicians. The mess they have made of governance is beyond the pale. Someone needs to come in and speak for the people. It won't be Ben Carson for obvious reasons, but the time is ripe for someone like him to take over. Try honest. Try real. Try representing people instead of corporations. Try governing instead of posturing. Try truth. I think we've all had enough of the lies, always the lies! As if none of us ever remember the promises made and the promises broken by countless politicians who don't even think of them as lies as much as the means toward an end and the end always and only about power.
Every career politician should ask themselves why so many people find Ben Carson and others of his ilk so refreshing. If Ben Carson did not have this weird social agenda and came to the table fresh with ideas that spoke to the common man and the common man's problems he would take the presidency by storm.
People are sick of career politicians. The mess they have made of governance is beyond the pale. Someone needs to come in and speak for the people. It won't be Ben Carson for obvious reasons, but the time is ripe for someone like him to take over. Try honest. Try real. Try representing people instead of corporations. Try governing instead of posturing. Try truth. I think we've all had enough of the lies, always the lies! As if none of us ever remember the promises made and the promises broken by countless politicians who don't even think of them as lies as much as the means toward an end and the end always and only about power.
7
Try Superman!
Another black president in America after Obama, a black president. It is a day dream for Ben Carson. Who knows him? What is his political experience? What is his contribution to Republican Party from which he will be seeking nomination? He will be another Sarah Palin or Herman Cain or the clown Donald Trump.Only good thing can happen to him that he will be in national stage for few months and will be in lime light. Some African-American will call him 'Orio Cookie' or Uncle Tom. But the right wing radio talk shows and FoxTv will cover him extensively. Jeb Bush is not much happy about him and he is the ultimate candidate. Bush vs Clinton all over again.
4
Obama. Who knows him? Where was he born? Did he register as a foreign student at Occidental? Columbia records? His political experience in the Illinois legislature was to vote "present" and to support a bill saying it is fine to kill newborn babies if the mother did not want them...then two years in the US Senate, promoting nothing, then running.
Ben Carson has accomplished much in life, and knows what excellence is. He will carry this into whatever position he will hold in politics.
Ben Carson has accomplished much in life, and knows what excellence is. He will carry this into whatever position he will hold in politics.
I am always struck by the tremendous disconnect between Dr. Carson's incredible professional bio and well documented medical accomplishments and his manner of speech. Soft spoken to a fault, he really comes off as less than the the man of medical miracles. Anyone who would simply shoot from the hip to say such outrageous things belies the concept of even the brashest and most arrogant surgeon.
Unless he gets a tutorial in public speaking and learns that politics isnt the place cor thinking out loud, I can't see him going that far.
But what sort of enraged me more about this article on Carson's speech, was the description of Jeb Bush's incredible arrogance and assumption he could just sreamroll his way to nomination. While I'm not a Republican, it bothers me that this entitled and smug son of dynasty has such a ruthless game plan in place. Because of all the GOP hopefuls, I vew Jeb as absolutely the worst. But also the one to fear most. Because of his contacts and birthright, he assumes he can do anything with impunity.
And that is a scary thought should he be the Republican nominee.
Unless he gets a tutorial in public speaking and learns that politics isnt the place cor thinking out loud, I can't see him going that far.
But what sort of enraged me more about this article on Carson's speech, was the description of Jeb Bush's incredible arrogance and assumption he could just sreamroll his way to nomination. While I'm not a Republican, it bothers me that this entitled and smug son of dynasty has such a ruthless game plan in place. Because of all the GOP hopefuls, I vew Jeb as absolutely the worst. But also the one to fear most. Because of his contacts and birthright, he assumes he can do anything with impunity.
And that is a scary thought should he be the Republican nominee.
25
Pardon me, but Jeb is not entitled to become President. He *thinks* he is, which is what you meant, but it isn't what "entitled" means. Check the dictionary.
I'd prefer Scott (the weasel) Walker whose first task upon entering the White House would be to put in a secure direct line to the Koch bothers.
1
do you think it matters who the next president is or if the congress is R or
D? do u think that d or r or i's that are in congress care what u think?
Voting is truly a waste of taxpayers time.
D? do u think that d or r or i's that are in congress care what u think?
Voting is truly a waste of taxpayers time.
Is it just coincidence that the left of center New York Times wants to tarnish a potential right of center presidential candidate? It isn't. Knocked out Chris Christie with much ado about nothing "bridge gate". Wen't after Scott Walker but failed. Now time to focus on Ben Carson. Hillary Clinton's E-mail fiasco got a day of coverage with the NYTimes covering for Clinton and is a much bigger deal than Bridge Gate could ever be.
5
So the NYT shouldn't ever report on any politician who is running for office?
14
I hadn't known that "tarnish," meant, "report accurately." Of couse, given good old Newt's accusation last year that The Media had lied by quoting him accurately, I should have.
20
If you had read the whole story and were aware of the big picture; how many Republican cabinet members used their personal email accounts and that the government accounts are mostly purged every thirty days I imagine you would not have posted this.
9
Ben Carson just scares the heck out of the Democrats. They spend lots of time, effort, and money trying to convince black folk that republicans are just plain mean racists. Then comes along Ben Carson or other black conservatives that blows the republican racist narrative out of the water and democrat knees start to shake. The "progressives" will do anything to tear Ben Carson down because if black folk started to realize their best interests lay with republicans then democrats take a big hit.
7
if Ben Carson were gay, and saying the rest of what he says, you wouldn't have a kind word to say. If he were a Muslim, ditto. If he wasn't a fundamentalist in his religious beliefs, ditto. If he announced that he wanted to work with the President and it had come time for Republicans to stop being "the party of stupid," ditto.
what's really going on here is that you've managed to find about the one black man in America of whom you can wholly approve. to do this, you've been willing to completely ignore the obvious fact that except for his religion and his medical knowledge and skill--heck, his darn near medical genius--the man doesn't know a thing. he's never held public office. never done anything that giveshim the smallest qualifications to be President.
in brief, THAT is what's racist, not us lefties teating the man like everybody else Nd hooting at the incredibly dumb, ill-informed things he says.
For example: he wants to solve medical insurance with HSA plans? Nifty. that's why they're in all the Obamacare exchanges, and currently the fastest-growing PPO plans. And if he means HRAs, where's the money to put in the accounts--which'll need to be around $16, 800 a year, since that's what family plans cost on average--spozed to come from? Bunnies?
Dr. Carson is from all accounts a brilliant surgeon. A shoemaker should stick to his last, not run around the country yelling right-wing talking points so the Right can pretend it isn't what it is.
what's really going on here is that you've managed to find about the one black man in America of whom you can wholly approve. to do this, you've been willing to completely ignore the obvious fact that except for his religion and his medical knowledge and skill--heck, his darn near medical genius--the man doesn't know a thing. he's never held public office. never done anything that giveshim the smallest qualifications to be President.
in brief, THAT is what's racist, not us lefties teating the man like everybody else Nd hooting at the incredibly dumb, ill-informed things he says.
For example: he wants to solve medical insurance with HSA plans? Nifty. that's why they're in all the Obamacare exchanges, and currently the fastest-growing PPO plans. And if he means HRAs, where's the money to put in the accounts--which'll need to be around $16, 800 a year, since that's what family plans cost on average--spozed to come from? Bunnies?
Dr. Carson is from all accounts a brilliant surgeon. A shoemaker should stick to his last, not run around the country yelling right-wing talking points so the Right can pretend it isn't what it is.
67
One self hating black is "Justice" Thomas. So Carson is not alone.
16
Really? Very interesting conclusion when the percentage of blacks registered and counted as strong Republican is .02 percent. Guess the remaining 99% fail to see where their best interest are.
13
If Carson believes that moral decay was involved in the decline of the Roman Empire, then he must have a problem with Christianity - inasmuch as Christianity had become the empire's official religion about 100 years earlier.
Does Ben Carson have a problem with Christianity - or is he merely a fool spouting nonsense when it comes to subject matter beyond his extremely limited area of expertise?
Does Ben Carson have a problem with Christianity - or is he merely a fool spouting nonsense when it comes to subject matter beyond his extremely limited area of expertise?
21
What has Christianity got to with this article?
One has to respect Ben Carson as to where he came from and where he is now and what he achieved with his personal/professional life. Whether one agrees with his politics or not, his achievements and drive are amazing. He is probably in the upper 1% of any person who has experienced the same circumstances. And he had an encouraging mother who was there for him.
4
... and government programs that he wants to snatch from the fingers of those who need them now.
It's easy to be encouraging when you have a full belly, and to succeed by way of a strong social safety net when there'd be nothing else if not for that net.
Aren't you the least bit curious as to why Carson is so detached from his own experiences?
It's easy to be encouraging when you have a full belly, and to succeed by way of a strong social safety net when there'd be nothing else if not for that net.
Aren't you the least bit curious as to why Carson is so detached from his own experiences?
16
Perhaps it's because it reminds him that he can never become part of white power elite that actually rules the Republican Party and sets its own self serving principles as a guide for its plebeian base.
Dr. Carson is a fine doctor; one of the best. That skill does not, however, make him a fine politician. Dr. Carson has never even held a political office. Dr. Carson is the guy Republicans use as a message to America: see, we're not bigots; that's not why we hate Obama.
26
Perhaps then, he should intern with some of our accomplished politicians who serve us so well now. Then, he could become a "fine politician". I think that's what we don't need.
Since Mitch McConnell "we'll do everything we can to make this a one term presidency" & his ilk in the GOP can't come up with a credible reason why they have obstructed everything President Obama does, even things that are essentially GOP ideas, the only conclusion possible is they are racists. As for Carson, his grandiose vision of himself as president is flawed by his arrogant blindness.
By all means let Dr. Carson run for and win the nomination. It will make it very easy for me to determine who to vote for.
And it won't be him.
And it won't be him.
24
Democrats, if true to form, would immediately label you a racist.
Being president has nothing to do with performing surgery, or with practicing law for that matter. The president's job is to manage the government - to get it to do things, in other words. We have seen what happens when someone who knows nothing about management, Obama, gets elected. His legislative initiatives mean nothing if we don't have government agencies that can implement them successfully. All of the scandals during his presidency have been about government agencies, like the VA and the NHTSB and Healthcare.gov, that failed to perform the mission they were given because they were incompetently managed.
Carson, also, knows nothing about management. So what does he bring to the presidency other than a set of ideological positions that are exactly the same as all other conservative Republicans?
Carson, also, knows nothing about management. So what does he bring to the presidency other than a set of ideological positions that are exactly the same as all other conservative Republicans?
10
I hope he's our next president.
There is a palpable racial undertone in the article and in these comments that I find disturbing.
There is a palpable racial undertone in the article and in these comments that I find disturbing.
7
Really? Provide quotes.
5
Solomon - Please tell us you're kidding about Carson as president.
13
Nope. We all love President Obama.
6
White Republicans love their token Black folk like Ben Carson: an up from poverty accomplished minority with extremist right wing ideals. Republicans can embrace Clarence Thomas, Herman Cain, Ben Carson and others like them as long as those Black folk focus their anger at Democrats and progressive ideals. If they don't meet that bar then they are Socialist, Muslim and anti-American.
35
Right, because no Republican talks about white Progressives that way.. don't you see how ridiculous you are? Don't you see that you've just self-refuted your allegations of Republican racism?
3
It is that type of rhetoric from Liberals which continues to stoke the underlying embers of racism between the parties.
Do you honestly think those "black folk" who don't embrace the progressive ideals of the Democratic party would willingly subject themselves to relentless "Uncle Tom" pejoratives from the media if each did not have the courage to stand up and assert their ability to share what they believe they have to offer?
Do you honestly think those "black folk" who don't embrace the progressive ideals of the Democratic party would willingly subject themselves to relentless "Uncle Tom" pejoratives from the media if each did not have the courage to stand up and assert their ability to share what they believe they have to offer?
1
What a surprise! Republicans like people who agree with their party line. Of course, Democrats embrace all those who focus their anger at Democrats and progressive ideals, because they love everybody.
1
There's a significant probability the next president will be a Republican. There's no requirement as such he be all that competent or even unlikely to cause havoc.
How do you solve a problem like Ben Carson?
You don't have to do a darned thing. The racism of the GOP's base will take care of the "problem" without anyone having to lift a finger or give it a single thought. He's not a serious candidate. He's just a black face the GOP can trot out when it suits them in a lame attempt to show how "diverse" they are.
I've met many people who were good at mastering one or more technical skills but who lacked good judgement and wisdom. Technical mastery does not equal wisdom. I'm surprised that anyone would equate the two. They're independent variables.
You don't have to do a darned thing. The racism of the GOP's base will take care of the "problem" without anyone having to lift a finger or give it a single thought. He's not a serious candidate. He's just a black face the GOP can trot out when it suits them in a lame attempt to show how "diverse" they are.
I've met many people who were good at mastering one or more technical skills but who lacked good judgement and wisdom. Technical mastery does not equal wisdom. I'm surprised that anyone would equate the two. They're independent variables.
29
Dr. Carson is the Palinesque gift to the Democratic party for 2016.
26
I only wish. Even the GOP isn't going to be quite that stupid.
2
First off, let's put things in focus. The Republican Party will not let Ben Carson be their presidential nominee because to do so would put in dire jeopardy its lock on the block of states that run Virginia south to Florida, and from Georgia west to Arizona. The man is black, after all, and the South, despite all the denials that will issue forth from the elected officials and business leaders of those states, is no less racist than when sheets and pointy hats were the dress of the day for torch lit Saturday night social gatherings.
It's a rare elected black person whose constituency is not majority black, usually by a significant margin of the voting residents. And good luck even trying to slip a black Republican through such a district. While Ben Carson might reel in a few more votes in a black majority district than a white candidate with an identical back story, those gains will be pitifully small when stacked up against the lost white votes elsewhere in those states, votes that will either not be cast at all or, if cast, go to a third party candidate of lighter complexion.
Finally, Ben Carson is to the Republican Party as Sheldon Leonard is to the Big Bang Theory: brilliant in a narrow, exclusive field while being clueless to the world in which the "average" citizen exists.
It's a rare elected black person whose constituency is not majority black, usually by a significant margin of the voting residents. And good luck even trying to slip a black Republican through such a district. While Ben Carson might reel in a few more votes in a black majority district than a white candidate with an identical back story, those gains will be pitifully small when stacked up against the lost white votes elsewhere in those states, votes that will either not be cast at all or, if cast, go to a third party candidate of lighter complexion.
Finally, Ben Carson is to the Republican Party as Sheldon Leonard is to the Big Bang Theory: brilliant in a narrow, exclusive field while being clueless to the world in which the "average" citizen exists.
18
Please familiarize yourself with TBBT characters before comparing them to far right fantasists. The scientist with whom you wish to compare Ben Carson is Sheldon Cooper. His roommate & fellow physicist is Leonard Hofsteder. Both are far more reasonable than Dr. Carson.
4
Mea Culpa.
You are absolutely correct. I plead poor editing skills on my part before pulling the trigger on the posting of this comment. As for Sheldon's "reasonable" rating, I will grant that it has evolved and improved over the years. Would that Dr. Carson's evolution had only tracked in the same direction.
You are absolutely correct. I plead poor editing skills on my part before pulling the trigger on the posting of this comment. As for Sheldon's "reasonable" rating, I will grant that it has evolved and improved over the years. Would that Dr. Carson's evolution had only tracked in the same direction.
I'm not sure Dr. Carson is the right guy for president but he has a lot of drive and has actually accomplished important things in his life, unlike the present occupant of the WH.
6
Let's see, professor, community organizer, lawyer, senator, President. That sounds like a pretty good list of accomplishments to me.
23
President Obama graduated from Harvard Law School and has accomplished a lot as President of the United States, much to the dismay of his opponents. With the ACA alone, Pres Obama has helped millions of Americans obtain health insurance that was previously denied to them. He has led the EPA in forging new emissions rules, helping to lead the way to a cleaner environment. And he was responsible for the killing of Osama Bin Laden, something his predecessor was unable to do. I would consider these just a few of the many important things Pres Obama has accomplished so far in his life. Stay tuned...there will be many more accomplishments!
16
"professor, lawyer, senator"? In name only. Obama had no accomplishments whatsoever in those "roles"
2
I grew up reading about Ben Carson. His life was truly an inspiration and it spoke to working hard and being focused. I am speechless by his politics. I just can't figure it out.
21
Carson is a far-right kook with ideas so far out of the mainstream as to be ridiculous; another Michelle Bachman. Best option: simply ignore him and people like him. To argue with him is futile, to embrace him would be dangerous.
32
Absolutely right. His skin color has nothing to do with it. "Stupid" is color-blind.
Yes, conservative African Americans, like Dr. Carson, are a problem for far left liberals. They just don't know what to do with them. If he held to radical left wing policies, the liberals who be falling all over themselves. Their criticism of him smacks of racism. If Dr. Carson runs for president, I wish him luck, and hope he can bring an honest perspective to the campaign.
11
So what you're saying is that liberals actually pay attention to what a person says and does and not to the color of their skin. Geez, there's a shocker.
We know just what to do with him, just like we know what to do with Cruz, Santorum et al, we vote for their opponent.
We know just what to do with him, just like we know what to do with Cruz, Santorum et al, we vote for their opponent.
16
More like clinically insane people with retrograde ideas that will take us back to the Middle Ages are a problem for liberals.
This man doesn't believe in evolution, for crying out loud. It has nothing to do with the color of his skin.
This man doesn't believe in evolution, for crying out loud. It has nothing to do with the color of his skin.
34
"Their criticism of him smacks of racism. "
You know you are contradicting yourself. As you said only a sentence earlier, if Dr. Carson held to "radical left wing policies," the liberals would be falling all over themselves. So these liberals you talk about clearly have no problem with Dr. Carson's race (and indeed voted a person of his race into the White House.)
What liberals do have are with Dr. Carson's IDEAS, which include some dubious ones such as "homosexuality is a choice because people go into prison straight and come out gay" and "Obamacare is the worst thing since slavery." Yeah, liberals kinda disagree with things like that.
What, pray tell, is exactly so racist about not wanting to vote for a guy whose ideas are so far extreme opposite of what you believe in, that his own party don't want him to run?
Maybe conservatives ought to check themselves for racism, given Dr. Carson believes everything they believe in, and even take it to the next level. Why aren't they rallying behind Carson?
You know you are contradicting yourself. As you said only a sentence earlier, if Dr. Carson held to "radical left wing policies," the liberals would be falling all over themselves. So these liberals you talk about clearly have no problem with Dr. Carson's race (and indeed voted a person of his race into the White House.)
What liberals do have are with Dr. Carson's IDEAS, which include some dubious ones such as "homosexuality is a choice because people go into prison straight and come out gay" and "Obamacare is the worst thing since slavery." Yeah, liberals kinda disagree with things like that.
What, pray tell, is exactly so racist about not wanting to vote for a guy whose ideas are so far extreme opposite of what you believe in, that his own party don't want him to run?
Maybe conservatives ought to check themselves for racism, given Dr. Carson believes everything they believe in, and even take it to the next level. Why aren't they rallying behind Carson?
10
Brain surgery ain't exactly rocket science. Or political leadership.
13
From what I've heard he seems normal for the GOP. It's only chickens coming home to roost.
22
The Republicans have yet to learn that treating African-Americans as if they are ignorant/mis-led/gullible/immoral is not the way to get their votes or support. It makes sense that their lock-step tokens like Carson and Clarence Thomas have yet to learn this too.
16
As a Democrat I don't consider Ben Carson a problem. I love him. The more the GOP nutjobs destroy each other, the better I like it. There's nothing so 'solve' here from my perspective.
31
Carson's campaign slogan: "I got mine. Now I'll make sure you don't get yours".
31
Ben Carson reminds me a bit of Dr. Mehmet Oz. He was once a brilliant, successful heart surgeon who found his true calling as a TV personality, selling questionable supplements and peddling unproven solutions to life's health problems.
Apparently being one of the most successful doctors in the world isn't good enough for either man. Of course, they aren't the first doctors to try their hands (note the unintentional pun) at something else. I believe Rand Paul is/was an ophthalmologist before he became a politician, as was Bill Frist.
In any case, Carson is the latest example of a big ego who thinks he's actually qualified to be President without ever having been elected to any office. But he's the perfect man to play a role in the Republican party (see, we like African-Americans), just as Carly Fiorina is playing her role for the party (see, we like women).
Both are just props on the white Republican stage.
Apparently being one of the most successful doctors in the world isn't good enough for either man. Of course, they aren't the first doctors to try their hands (note the unintentional pun) at something else. I believe Rand Paul is/was an ophthalmologist before he became a politician, as was Bill Frist.
In any case, Carson is the latest example of a big ego who thinks he's actually qualified to be President without ever having been elected to any office. But he's the perfect man to play a role in the Republican party (see, we like African-Americans), just as Carly Fiorina is playing her role for the party (see, we like women).
Both are just props on the white Republican stage.
22
Eric - remember Ron Paul, also a physician.
1
Why is he a "problem"? And for whom? The GOP establishment? They (the GOP establishment) are starting to sound more like a benevolent dictator losing its grip on power and intent on playing "whack-a-mole" on whatever new idea or personality arises. What's bad for them is bad for business and their business is pillaging the country.
10
Will someone ask this pediatric neurosurgeon why he is no longer practicing? There are children here and in places around the world whose lives could be made so much better with his gifts. If he chooses to not practice as a neurosurgeon then certainly he could as as a pediatric neurologist or researcher or public health policy leader. Unless I hear a reasonable explanation, I am forced to conclude that he prefers rhetoric to life saving...and that is exactly the wrong priority.
and another thing-- why is he not speaking up about immunizations?
There is something here that does not seem genuine in a person who had dedicated his life to the health of children. I don't think the reporter went after the real story.
and another thing-- why is he not speaking up about immunizations?
There is something here that does not seem genuine in a person who had dedicated his life to the health of children. I don't think the reporter went after the real story.
26
He's 63 years old - that's not an unreasonable age to retire from an extremely demanding surgical subspecialty. There's a vast difference between a pediatric neurosurgeon and a pediatric neurologist, and he can't just decide to switch between the two without going back to residency for pediatric neurology. Many of us clinicians don't have the desire or aptitude for research. He may be an unreasonable, stridently ultraconservative kook, but there's nothing inherently wrong with his retiring from medicine altogether.
2
I've known surgeons who switch to the medical side of practice--
I still don't understand how he does not want to save lives, in some way, anymore. He has helped children escape desperate circumstances. Why does he not bring his expertise to the real issues he knows first hand-- seat belts; prevention of shaken babies and other forms of child abuse; head injuries, head protection and concussion in sports; rehabilitation and ongoing support for children and families with serious life-long disabilities; or working for more inclusion of minorities and women in medicine.
What is your thought on my second question-- why does he have nothing to say about immunizations and the public health? He has the public's attention. He could do some real good with clearly stated directives for parents to get their kids immunized.
I still don't understand how he does not want to save lives, in some way, anymore. He has helped children escape desperate circumstances. Why does he not bring his expertise to the real issues he knows first hand-- seat belts; prevention of shaken babies and other forms of child abuse; head injuries, head protection and concussion in sports; rehabilitation and ongoing support for children and families with serious life-long disabilities; or working for more inclusion of minorities and women in medicine.
What is your thought on my second question-- why does he have nothing to say about immunizations and the public health? He has the public's attention. He could do some real good with clearly stated directives for parents to get their kids immunized.
4
Do I understand the left wants to know how the right will solve a problem of the left?
2
I can assure you that the left has absolutely no problem whatsoever with Ben Carson speaking on the world stage for all to see.
Absolutely none.
In fact, that's worth a donation. Believe me when I say I'm off to gleefully make out a check just so said world has the opportunity to see Ben Carson on full display.
Yes, yes, let's get him out there, early and often.
We leftists wouldn't have it any other way.
Absolutely none.
In fact, that's worth a donation. Believe me when I say I'm off to gleefully make out a check just so said world has the opportunity to see Ben Carson on full display.
Yes, yes, let's get him out there, early and often.
We leftists wouldn't have it any other way.
18
I guess it would be interesting to see how all those racist Obama haters dealt with this man.
15
Given that this man does not have a firm grip on reality perhaps he is ready to be the President, but not of the United States of America.
17
I don't think Ben Carson is ready to be president. I do like hearing what he has to say though. It's refreshing to hear ideas from people who are outside the beltway and who feel passionately about improving the lives of Americans.
Why should only a few ordained politicians get to have their say? Why should people like Ben Carson be silenced? People who don't like what he has to say should stop reading and listening. The rest of us are happy to listen.
I am particularly interested in hearing what Ben Carson has to say about helping black families. He's a lot more intelligent, thoughtful and has greater credibility than people like Al Sharpton, who gets plenty of air time and is even President Obama's guest at the White House and a good friend of NYC Mayor de Blasio.
If Sharpton gets that kind of treatment, certainly someone as thoughtful as Carson can get a hearing.
Why should only a few ordained politicians get to have their say? Why should people like Ben Carson be silenced? People who don't like what he has to say should stop reading and listening. The rest of us are happy to listen.
I am particularly interested in hearing what Ben Carson has to say about helping black families. He's a lot more intelligent, thoughtful and has greater credibility than people like Al Sharpton, who gets plenty of air time and is even President Obama's guest at the White House and a good friend of NYC Mayor de Blasio.
If Sharpton gets that kind of treatment, certainly someone as thoughtful as Carson can get a hearing.
7
Ah yes, your new found concern for people of color. It's funny how that concern evaporates whenever the conversation turns to affordable health care, living wages, job training etc.
11
"I am particularly interested in hearing what Ben Carson has to say about helping black families."
----------------------------------------------
And I find that sentence particularly disturbing, given that it doesn't have a single qualifier.
Ultimately, Republicans always give themselves away.
Always.
----------------------------------------------
And I find that sentence particularly disturbing, given that it doesn't have a single qualifier.
Ultimately, Republicans always give themselves away.
Always.
10
DR New England:
It's hard for you to understand because your concern does not extend beyond a large government bureaucratic program, and you cannot brook concepts like family values, two parents, marriage, faith and personal responsibility. These values you eschew and mock because they come from those you consider your enemies on the right.
It's hard for you to understand because your concern does not extend beyond a large government bureaucratic program, and you cannot brook concepts like family values, two parents, marriage, faith and personal responsibility. These values you eschew and mock because they come from those you consider your enemies on the right.
5
Other than that he is of age, what specific, empirical, verifiable qualifications does Carson have for presiding over the variables that comprise the current nature and structure of the US?
19
about as much as a community organizer...except Dr. Carson has a brain in his head
5
Victoria - Carson is a brilliant surgeon, he also thinks prison makes people gay. There seems to be a limit on what his brain can handle.
11
Victoria: President Obama has accomplished more in his tenure than many presidents in the nation's history. Get over it.
5
Ben Carson is another Frankenstein, like Sarah Palin and Donald Trump, fed by the GOP with a short-sighted vision of finding individuals to throw bolts at democrats, including President Obama. Then the party finds itself defined by such loose cannons that it can't hold a platform with national appeal. GOP leaders can correct this by being willing to work out a mainstream platform and moving away from the outrageous and ridiculous.
16
Lets be honest. Most of the people running for the GOP nod are as goofy as Carson. And at least he could be productive as a doctor.
19
The lede to the article asks, "Can mainstream Republicans stop him?"
The real question we should ask is, "Are there 'mainstream' Republicans and, if so, what are they?" It seems the Republicans have become a party of NO, their core consistency essentially limited to opposition to whatever the President advocates. It is only on the fringes that they have specific policies that do not simply reduce to anti-this-or-that. Though I find most of those policies objectionable either from a practical or values point of view, nonetheless we should recognize that is where the no-business-as-usual action on the Right lies.
It wasn't always like that. The Republicans once stood for sound and legitimately debatable principles and policies. In the 40's my father ran for Congress as a conservative Republican (in Brooklyn, thus knowing he would not win.) I have notes of his scrawled on a leaflet he carried to a debate he was involved in. The notes were to remind him to bring up that he was for civil rights, women's rights, and the U.N., and against the Smith Act (registering commies), as well as questioning some farm subsidies. This, of course, was back when you couldn't even get Democratic support for for civil or women's rights or clear opposition to the anti-communist witch hunts.
As a result of 40's - 60's history and contemporary reality in which Republican leaders vie for the title role in any remake of Dr. No, I can't help but question even the existence of a Republican mainstream.
The real question we should ask is, "Are there 'mainstream' Republicans and, if so, what are they?" It seems the Republicans have become a party of NO, their core consistency essentially limited to opposition to whatever the President advocates. It is only on the fringes that they have specific policies that do not simply reduce to anti-this-or-that. Though I find most of those policies objectionable either from a practical or values point of view, nonetheless we should recognize that is where the no-business-as-usual action on the Right lies.
It wasn't always like that. The Republicans once stood for sound and legitimately debatable principles and policies. In the 40's my father ran for Congress as a conservative Republican (in Brooklyn, thus knowing he would not win.) I have notes of his scrawled on a leaflet he carried to a debate he was involved in. The notes were to remind him to bring up that he was for civil rights, women's rights, and the U.N., and against the Smith Act (registering commies), as well as questioning some farm subsidies. This, of course, was back when you couldn't even get Democratic support for for civil or women's rights or clear opposition to the anti-communist witch hunts.
As a result of 40's - 60's history and contemporary reality in which Republican leaders vie for the title role in any remake of Dr. No, I can't help but question even the existence of a Republican mainstream.
10
When did he decide to go straight?
7
Dr. Carson serves a useful purpose of exposing the hypocrisy of many of the moderate Republican presidential candidates. They claim and profess extreme right wing views and beliefs to pander to their base and win in the Republican primaries and then adopt an etch-a-sketch new face for the general elections.
4
Dr. Carson's criticism of a young, unwed mother does not gel with his party's anti-abortion rhetoric. Those against elective abortions should also hold their tongues about whether it is "wise" to have children at an early age or out-of-wedlock, considering that such circumstances make up the majority of unplanned pregnancies. Public figures who want all pregnancies to be wanted should ask themselves how they can make it so.
14
His chances of being the President of the US is not minuscule!? Wrong word! It is nil, nonexistent, nada, big fat zero. Does anyone remember the Nine nine nine man! just like the wacko former Arkansas governor Huckabee he is polishing up his resume to have a career in diverting others' savings accounts to his bank. Ask Newt Gingrich, once he sold many $5,000 certificates for simply being a candidate. And he misses those big paydays.
22
why would Republicans run such an unelectable fringe candidate against Hillary when they have Condoleezza Rice - another female former Secretary of State who also happens to play classical piano and golf, two complex recreational endeavors extremely difficult to master ?... wouldn't it be refreshing - not to mention dramatic - for their deadlocked convention to suddenly place a call to someone who isn't lusting after the Presidency ?
Maybe Rice isn't willing to spew enough hate speech.
12
Sure. The GOP should pick Condoleeza Rice because she is...black...and female...and has never run for, let alone been elected to, public office?!
But, she plays piano and golf.
I think this argument makes Ben Carson look great.
But, she plays piano and golf.
I think this argument makes Ben Carson look great.
8
Because she comes with major-league baggage even the GOP Big Lie playbook can't erase. If the Repubs. can't make Cheney or any other Bush Administration palatable, they certainly can't do the same for her. Thank God.
8
People seem to be unaware that lumping Carson and Cain together because of their race smacks of the kind of identity blindness that is typical of racists.
4
Except that Republicans aren't in the position to point fingers about racism.
7
Tip Jar:
Apparently neither are those fixated on identity.
Apparently neither are those fixated on identity.
4
They are similar in the sense that they are both charismatic personalities and career outsiders with no government experience, who are successful briefly at creating considerable excitement in the nomination contest.
6
Ben Carson is not a problem in search of a solution. He is a great man, who has done great things for humanity, and his engagement in the political system is welcome. This constant effort to demonize and denigrate any conservative who has the temerity to challenge the progressive intellectual complex serves only to cement the impression of media bias. We should be encouraging the participation of people who have had success in the private sector to in politics. They can be no worse than the hacks who make a career out of it.
10
"challenge the progressive intellectual complex"? Get real- He's a loony tune playing to the loony fringe.
11
"temerity to challenge the progressive intellectual complex " You mean, present loony ideas instead of educated and "elitist" facts? A man who would deny food assistance for poor children (after their 5th birthday) after he himself was provided for in that fashion?
Apology notwithstanding, this nut case said people come out of prison gay, after going in straight. This is NOT an intellect fit for the Presidenc;y.
Apology notwithstanding, this nut case said people come out of prison gay, after going in straight. This is NOT an intellect fit for the Presidenc;y.
12
Conservative is a misnomer. Today's conservative is a radical right winger far far far from the center.
9
Extremely simple....ignore him (and the rest of his ilk).
8
Ignore him at your peril.
He's a show piece that’s all; he's just there to show gullible Americans that republicans didn't treat Obama bad because of his race but because of his policies. As soon as the republican convention draws near, he will be assured a keynote speech and ushered directly to the back door only be dusted off again whenever needed by Fox to disparage poor black people.
22
Carson is the Herman Cain version of the upcoming election, an African-American self-made millionaire whose status has elevated himself to a position in which he stands in wonder at why minorities cannot connect with Republicans.
Is it ignorance or hubris, or both? The Republican agenda is color-blind, so long as persons of color are persons of means.
Is it ignorance or hubris, or both? The Republican agenda is color-blind, so long as persons of color are persons of means.
16
Or mean of person..
"In 1992 Carson wrote that aging and technological advancement will eventually lead to many people surviving their 100th birthdays. He questioned the merits of prolonging life, citing the fact that 'up to half of the medical expenses incurred in the average American's life are incurred during the last six months of life'. He discussed the 'dignity of dying in comfort, at home, with an attendant if necessary' and stated, 'Decisions on who should be treated and who should not be treated would clearly require some national guidelines'."
Ah, so Dr. Carson supports death panels. Interesting.
Ah, so Dr. Carson supports death panels. Interesting.
36
It is worth attending to lunatic fringe GOP candidates if only because they say outright the loony fantasies a great many Republican candidates and voters actually believe; for example, the deeply held conviction that making the consequences of misfortune and poor decisions more dire and catastrophic will teach prudence and better behavior. This is the logic of English law's onetime punishment of pick-pockets by chopping off hands: here in Carson's bet that cutting off government assistance, with advance notice, would result in a dramatic decrease in unwed motherhood. The corollary of this absurd ideological faith that humans are rational, fully informed actors, despite mountains of experiential, sociological and psychological evidence to the contrary, is that failure to avoid misfortune and failure to make successful decisions must be entirely knowing and willful, thus morally culpable and thoroughly deserving of any suffering meted out by circumstance or society. It is a fantasy that ultimately sees vindication and righteousness in the suffering of others. It is an ugly fantasy and not just of the GOP fringe.
119
Hear, hear! This vindictive self-righteousness, not limited to the right wing but certainly prevalent there, is the least human of sentiments- and marks as hypocrites those who profess faith at the same time. The only thing that acts as antidote to such inhuman cruelty is, unsurprisingly, hard factual data about the lives and motivations of real people.
9
It is human nature to make mistakes as well as human nature to believe that people have it in their power not to make mistakes. A good democrat (and a good Christian for that matter) understands that mistakes will be made, but that there are smart ways to mitigate the damage to individuals, whose fortunes ultimately combine to create the quality of a society.
3
Pick any puerile utterance, any sophomoric statement, any "joke" suggested, and the man displays his right wing colors. Strictly for the rubes, which means the GOP could very well nominate him in 2016.
He is, to be accurate, mostly the same as other GOP candidates, willing to say anything to draw attention and money.
He is, to be accurate, mostly the same as other GOP candidates, willing to say anything to draw attention and money.
15
Carson is a problem for the liberals, not GOP. He is yet another voice, a well respected voice in the political arena, who tells the public how Obama has been deceiving them and how toxic the liberal agenda is for the country.
As NYT points out, his chances of getting the nomination are miniscule, but he will have more than a miniscule effect on national politics. How about the poll that he is more likable than Hillary? Not a big matter, but surely doesn't help the left.
As NYT points out, his chances of getting the nomination are miniscule, but he will have more than a miniscule effect on national politics. How about the poll that he is more likable than Hillary? Not a big matter, but surely doesn't help the left.
9
This is really funny. Right, all he has to do is spout bigoted nonsense and I suddenly forget that the value of my 401k has recovered and grown since President Obama took office.
Seriously, I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.
Seriously, I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.
17
If the liberal agenda, as you call it, is so toxic, why do Republicans take advantage of it every single moment of every single day?
Name one who has given up Medicare. Just one.
Name one who has given up Medicare. Just one.
14
Respected by who- the GOP drooling groupies? That don't win elections.
11
The Republicans have a choice: keep the right wing extremists in the party and drift farther and farther to the right; or, make the right wing extremists leave and start a tjird party.
If the do the former, they go over the right edge of the flat earth, never to be seen again.
If they do the latter, they will lose to the Democrats in the short term, but they have a chance of becoming a respectable party again some day.
We on the keft of center are curious to see which form of poison they choose. Pass the popcorn.
If the do the former, they go over the right edge of the flat earth, never to be seen again.
If they do the latter, they will lose to the Democrats in the short term, but they have a chance of becoming a respectable party again some day.
We on the keft of center are curious to see which form of poison they choose. Pass the popcorn.
20
Republican's need not worry, Carson has already done himself in with the "being gay is a choice" comment. I am conservative on most topics and I know that his statement is ridiculous, if he ever had a chance he just blew it.
19
" Cruz, an audience favorite, warning his fellow Republicans against falling for a “squishy moderate,” declared, “Take all 125,000 I.R.S. agents and put ’em on our Southern border!” "
I can't see anyone in the GOP complaining about an end to IRS auditing of shady tax returns.
I can't see anyone in the GOP complaining about an end to IRS auditing of shady tax returns.
1
This story shines a light on a disturbing trend in American politics.
The trend where former doctors enter politics with ZERO education in politics.
Do you know why former politicians NEVER become doctors?
Because being a doctor requires formal schooling.
So should being a US President.
Being down to Earth and plain spoken shouldn't qualify you to run America.
You should be given some kind of competency test beforehand.
If you can't name the Founding Fathers (as Palin couldn't do) sorry, go back to school and get back to us when you're done.
If, like Carson, you think homosexuality is a choice, sorry kitten you can't play.
The trend where former doctors enter politics with ZERO education in politics.
Do you know why former politicians NEVER become doctors?
Because being a doctor requires formal schooling.
So should being a US President.
Being down to Earth and plain spoken shouldn't qualify you to run America.
You should be given some kind of competency test beforehand.
If you can't name the Founding Fathers (as Palin couldn't do) sorry, go back to school and get back to us when you're done.
If, like Carson, you think homosexuality is a choice, sorry kitten you can't play.
19
Exactly what would you consider formal how-to-be-a-politician schooling? Law? Economics? Political science? History? Philosophy? How would the biological origins of homosexuality even get covered in those fields?
Avarren,
Heh, heh, heh...yes, law, political science, economics and history should all be prerequisites for holding higher office.
As for your last point I'm pretty sure human sexuality and Evolution was covered somewhere in Carson's MEDICAL SCHOOL.
No?
Dr. Carson's crazy stance on homosexuality and petulant refusal to accept evolution kinda' makes me question his intelligence, emotional maturity and sanity.
Heh, heh, heh...yes, law, political science, economics and history should all be prerequisites for holding higher office.
As for your last point I'm pretty sure human sexuality and Evolution was covered somewhere in Carson's MEDICAL SCHOOL.
No?
Dr. Carson's crazy stance on homosexuality and petulant refusal to accept evolution kinda' makes me question his intelligence, emotional maturity and sanity.
Avarren - The biology of homosexuality isn't important for a politician to know. This is the U.S. we are all created equal and should be treated equally.
isn't this the MD who shills for worthless supplements ?
can you *imagine* if H Clinton or E Warren did infomercials for worthless supplements ?
when will the nyt recognize that these guys are looking at Palin paychecks, and thinking, I'm just a few primary votes away from the gravy train...
can you *imagine* if H Clinton or E Warren did infomercials for worthless supplements ?
when will the nyt recognize that these guys are looking at Palin paychecks, and thinking, I'm just a few primary votes away from the gravy train...
16
No, that would be Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Personally, as a Gay, politically left leaning Independent, I don't see Ben Cason as much a problem as I do an embarrassment for the GOP.
Every time he opens his mouth, he confirms one of the basic tenants of our incredible Democracy. "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"
Of course, the fact that he spouts hate, intolerance and bigotry in the name of "the lord" and makes the GOP leadership cringe every time he speaks in public is just icing on the cake for me.
Every time he opens his mouth, he confirms one of the basic tenants of our incredible Democracy. "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"
Of course, the fact that he spouts hate, intolerance and bigotry in the name of "the lord" and makes the GOP leadership cringe every time he speaks in public is just icing on the cake for me.
31
Americans, as a general rule, must stop wasting their time and giving credence to the ridiculous. We must learn to discern what is truly important from silly rhetoric. We need to have patience and diligence to comprehend what policies are being proposed and enacted (i.e., the new House Republicans' Budget), and not just read the fanciful, Pollyanna propaganda in a headline or blurb (i.e., "House Republicans will balance budget in 10 years").
Ben Carson and his ilk are just part of much larger problem.
Ben Carson and his ilk are just part of much larger problem.
24
Oh please, let Ben, Rafael and the rest of the GOP weirdsmobiles have front and center stage. The more the USA learns about their wacko extremist policies, the better.
28
He'll have to shave his beard. It's been an unspoken rule that major presidential candidates do not sport facial hair. To date, William Howard Taft remains to last president to do so.
3
Yes, that will make all the difference..
this article just left me more baffled than ever as to why a man who is obviously brilliant and has a beautiful, compassionate side to his nature wants to lead with stupid and ugly remarks, and why deeply religious people are so hungry for hate. carson clearly has a lot to give - why isn't he?
13
Perhaps you look at the world with a twisted perspective? Have you considered that? Can you even imagine any man holding these values legitimately? Well, literally millions of us do. We are not bigots and racists.
I think the problem is how many of us are closed minded and can only envision the events as we see them. Our lack to get inside someones skin is hurting our ability to ALL GET ALONG.
I think the problem is how many of us are closed minded and can only envision the events as we see them. Our lack to get inside someones skin is hurting our ability to ALL GET ALONG.
Because, as Pam Grier in the movie "Bones" so aptly noted, some holes can't be filled--and some hungers can't be satisfied. This is a trap many successful people fall into--they think succeeding in life automatically qualifies them to control everyone else's.
10
The GOP is vibrant and dynamic. The Democrats are stagnant and dull. Except for Elizabeth Warren the Democrats have sold out to Wall Street and corporate interests which they try to mask with various social programs. Every word out of their mouths is a calculated lie. With the Republicans you at least know what you're getting.
3
Yes, we do know what we're getting with the Republicans - and we don't want any of it.
10
I don't agree with Dr. Carson's politics and certainly would not be voting for him.
However, I do admire and respect the man and what he has accomplished in his professional life. I, myself, am a person of color in medicine and also worked my way up from humble beginnings to considerable success. I have, in fact, met him once and found him engaging and sociable. He had an influence on my own career.
I wish he'd get back to his important work influencing African-Americans (or any American, for that matter, his story is that strong) that overcoming humble beginnings is still possible (no matter how difficult the Republicans make it).....rather than mulling about in national level politics and reducing his popularity with the 1/2 of the U.S. population that is not politically conservative.
However, I do admire and respect the man and what he has accomplished in his professional life. I, myself, am a person of color in medicine and also worked my way up from humble beginnings to considerable success. I have, in fact, met him once and found him engaging and sociable. He had an influence on my own career.
I wish he'd get back to his important work influencing African-Americans (or any American, for that matter, his story is that strong) that overcoming humble beginnings is still possible (no matter how difficult the Republicans make it).....rather than mulling about in national level politics and reducing his popularity with the 1/2 of the U.S. population that is not politically conservative.
6
He's not exactly a poster boy..."the United States is like Nazi Germany...equating same-sex marriage to bestiality...the ACA to slavery. The kindest thing you can say about his politics is that it is reactionary. Please select another role model. There are plenty of accomplished black individuals out there who have overcome humble beginnings. This man is insane.
19
Kudos to you for working hard and being successful. I wish you a long and happy life.
If Carson wants to tout his success then he also needs to offer thanks for the people and programs who helped him achieve that success.
I worked my way out of poverty with the help of a state funded job training program and child care provided by my parents. When people marvel at how successful I've become, I make sure that I always give credit where credit is due.
If Carson wants to tout his success then he also needs to offer thanks for the people and programs who helped him achieve that success.
I worked my way out of poverty with the help of a state funded job training program and child care provided by my parents. When people marvel at how successful I've become, I make sure that I always give credit where credit is due.
13
Ben Carson is not a problem for the GOP; he's an opportunity for them to showcase the fact that there are still a few African Americans gullible enough to be taken in by their feigned religious values. The fact that he is capable of equating Obamacare with slavery highlights his shameless ability to pander to the farthest right-wing of the GOP. And much like Herman Cain, his attractiveness to White voters will plummet the moment he is seen as a threat to the Establishment candidate; whomever inherits that mantle. Whether it turns out to be a shady sexual history, trouble with his finances, or some other impropriety, if anything off-color exists in his record, it will be trotted out to destroy him. Anyone remember Alan Keyes? I think we're done here, folks.
14
Actually this "trend" - towards these knucklehead Rightists - is IMO more coming to a head now, and I actually think it bodes well for their eventual defeat and relegation as an aberration of American political history, along with those fanners of the flame, like Limbaugh, his ilk, and Fox News.
If it wasn't for Hillary - who, IMO is a WEAK candidate, much like Jeb Bush is weak - in that they both are also relics of a bygone era, and lack relevance, as well as people being offended (which they should rightly be) at the idea of the same two families ruling America - I would love to see this face-off between these far right extremist faction masquerading as a legitimate political party, and the democrats.
It would be like Goldwater in '64. In a national election, the electorate will not vote for the manifest nonsense of this faction.
If it wasn't for Hillary - who, IMO is a WEAK candidate, much like Jeb Bush is weak - in that they both are also relics of a bygone era, and lack relevance, as well as people being offended (which they should rightly be) at the idea of the same two families ruling America - I would love to see this face-off between these far right extremist faction masquerading as a legitimate political party, and the democrats.
It would be like Goldwater in '64. In a national election, the electorate will not vote for the manifest nonsense of this faction.
5
How do "you" solve a "problem" like a Dr. Carson (or a Clarence Thomas)?
Depends on who is "you".
If "you" is a Republican contender for the presidential nomination you starve "the problem" of every resource, hoping it shrivels up and wafts away.
If "you" is a Democrat of any stripe, you feed "the problem" so it expands like a balloon, fills all the mental space available to the electorate until it blots out the sun. Expanding while emitting a smell so foul, so offensive that it drives the electorate away; forces everyone to flee in all directions.
That bad smell's the thing. Dr. Carson reeks to high-Heaven.
Depends on who is "you".
If "you" is a Republican contender for the presidential nomination you starve "the problem" of every resource, hoping it shrivels up and wafts away.
If "you" is a Democrat of any stripe, you feed "the problem" so it expands like a balloon, fills all the mental space available to the electorate until it blots out the sun. Expanding while emitting a smell so foul, so offensive that it drives the electorate away; forces everyone to flee in all directions.
That bad smell's the thing. Dr. Carson reeks to high-Heaven.
25
If one views the modern GOP as a Shakepearean tragedy, one must recall the use of "comic relief" used to very briefly ease the pain of the story. We may view the good doctor as providing that welcome relief.
Falco. Not amused, actually
Falco. Not amused, actually
14
If anyone read the article in the NYT today about the proposed Republican Federal Budget, the GOP obviously doesn't have a problem with hard right wingers. If voters continue to embrace them they will suffer the consequences of their own folly.
18
Ben Carson is a comedy act, right? Like Clobert? That the Republicans actually take him seriously is the punch line.
12
"(When we spoke, he suggested that the government should cut off assistance to would-be unwed mothers, but only after warning them that it would do so within a certain amount of time, say five years. “I bet you’d see a dramatic decrease in unwed motherhood.”)"
I guess if you can convince yourself that people can become gay in prison (and how does he justify saying that this proves homosexuality is a choice???) - you can convince yourself that a teenaged girl in the back of her boyfriend's parent's min-van will decide not to have sex because in 5-years and 9-months the gov't will cut-off assistance.
I guess if you can convince yourself that people can become gay in prison (and how does he justify saying that this proves homosexuality is a choice???) - you can convince yourself that a teenaged girl in the back of her boyfriend's parent's min-van will decide not to have sex because in 5-years and 9-months the gov't will cut-off assistance.
18
Michelle Bachmann was a flame thrower candidate that so many people thought had a chance to be a serious contender. She won the Iowa Straw Poll and then slowly self-immolated. Dr. Carson, with less experience campaigning than anyone else in the field, is destined for the same end. These things take discipline, staff and money. Newt, really quoting Newt?, is a great example of what happens if you lack discipline and staff. Santorum lacked money. Outsiders either have to have a Rand Paul like following or some other intangible. People forget, Sen. Obama had a tremendous staff and the resources to run for president.
One last thing - Laura Ingram is tough minded? How about, she's very good in a talk show setting. She may be smarter than Hannity but then so is my dog.
One last thing - Laura Ingram is tough minded? How about, she's very good in a talk show setting. She may be smarter than Hannity but then so is my dog.
31
It is important to note that Obama also had the backing of the Kennedys.
1
God bless his surgical talent. God bless the little lives he has saved. I am sure he is a fine man - so was my late father/a great CPA and successful contractor. Presidential material = no, and neither is Ben Carson. The End.
27
The weakness with our presidential selection process is that we don’t choose the greater operational network behind the candidate. A president is picked as a spokesperson—just as a corporation like Verizon picked an actor like Paul Marcarelli to become the public face of the company as its “Test Man”.
The casting agency that selected Mr. Marcarelli did not control Verizon’s business practices or help with its technical innovation. We, the voters, have been reduced to the level of the members of a casting agency. We get to select a pretty face that we hope will do a good job of selling the brand of our corporation, the USA.
The difference is that our pretty face puts his/her spin on the practices of our nation and has input as a strategic “designer”—so our military operations get diplomatic window dressing under a Democratic president and “true grit” window dressing under a Republican president.
But the major goals of the American political enterprise (such as full spectrum dominance of the globe and opening all nations up to private Western enterprise) are completely out of our control. The main American “product” of global expansion remains the same regardless of who we select as spokesperson.
Our big tragedy is that, unlike Verizon, our corporation USA takes direction from its pretty face during times of crisis. If Verizon did that, allowing spokespeople like Mr. Marcarelli to guide major strategic decisions, how long do you think it would stay in business?
The casting agency that selected Mr. Marcarelli did not control Verizon’s business practices or help with its technical innovation. We, the voters, have been reduced to the level of the members of a casting agency. We get to select a pretty face that we hope will do a good job of selling the brand of our corporation, the USA.
The difference is that our pretty face puts his/her spin on the practices of our nation and has input as a strategic “designer”—so our military operations get diplomatic window dressing under a Democratic president and “true grit” window dressing under a Republican president.
But the major goals of the American political enterprise (such as full spectrum dominance of the globe and opening all nations up to private Western enterprise) are completely out of our control. The main American “product” of global expansion remains the same regardless of who we select as spokesperson.
Our big tragedy is that, unlike Verizon, our corporation USA takes direction from its pretty face during times of crisis. If Verizon did that, allowing spokespeople like Mr. Marcarelli to guide major strategic decisions, how long do you think it would stay in business?
3
"A Problem" ??? Are you kidding me? He's an example of what someone from poor circumstances with drive, determination and intelligence can accomplish. He is everything the left-wing mindset can't abide.
4
People on the left voted for President Obama, a man who worked hard and paid for his own education and became successful. The difference between the two men is that President Obama doesn't believe in stepping on people on the way up and then denigrating them.
20
"A Problem" for rational thinkers, but not for you.
13
What was President Obama successful in before entering politics? Please explain.
I'm always amazed at people who benefitted from our social safety net as children, only to adopt an "I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and you should too" ethos as adults (Paul Ryan is another one that comest to mind). No doubt Carson worked hard and was extremely talented, but he also had government help along the way.
65
You shouldn't be amazed. Some of the people you are talking about are deeply ashamed of their impoverished backgrounds and will do anything to distance themselves from it. Excoriating the poor is a psychological defense.
9
WRONG actually his mother declined welfare because she knew it was a TRAP and he worked his way through college.
2
G - Carson's mother was on food stamps.
4
Like Maria in the Sound of Music, you solve the Carson problem by getting him out of the convent. Permanently.
However, a better use of him is probably for him to continue in the political & public eye by enlightening us about what ideas are totally wrong. We need that.
However, a better use of him is probably for him to continue in the political & public eye by enlightening us about what ideas are totally wrong. We need that.
8
It's interesting that he doesn't seem to care why the young, pregnant woman ran away from her well-to-do home. It's enough for him that he disapproved of her decision. It's also interesting that he would deny to others the very services his mother depended on when raising him.
Given his religious leanings, he might ask himself what Jesus would do. Or is that not the answer he wants.
Given his religious leanings, he might ask himself what Jesus would do. Or is that not the answer he wants.
28
Dr. Carson seems to be in conflict with himself; In conflict with the reality of his beginning circumstances that pushed him to where he is now and the desire to erase his life story out of shame. As if being born in poverty never happened. -As if being born poor was his own fault that he is constantly trying to erase from his life's narrative. He could embrace his true story and be a proud example to so many others of the possibilities that life can truly offer to those who seek help as his mother did for him.
53
You explain very well how excoriating the poor can be a psychological defense.
8
Are you just making this up as you go? The man has written several books about his life and upbringing. He absolutely embraces his life story. Have you read "Gifted Hands" his newly released life story? You are being dishonest because you disagree with him. Sad you are...
4
@Jeff: You DID notice that the article mentions that "portions of the book were lifted directly from several sources without proper attribution," that he *admitted* to Buzzfeed? Not "Gifted Hands," but his current entry, "America the Beautiful," co-written with his wife.
Look, he's a brilliant surgeon, but this is emblematic that expertise in one arena has no predictive value in indicating skill in another. And had he plagiarized in scientific journals, there would have been real consequences in his professional life. Plagiarism in a political tract? Maybe not so much. But it does say a lot about his integrity.
Look, he's a brilliant surgeon, but this is emblematic that expertise in one arena has no predictive value in indicating skill in another. And had he plagiarized in scientific journals, there would have been real consequences in his professional life. Plagiarism in a political tract? Maybe not so much. But it does say a lot about his integrity.
5
What "mainstream" Republicans? Every single candidate or potential candidate is hard right to extreme right, but too many beltway media pundits refuse to acknowledge this for fear of party backlash.
14
The fact that Carson wrote a book (do these people actually write anything?) which is made up of other people's material, perfectly describes him. He is repeating in more strident terms what others have said. He is a repeater, someone without own ideas. By all means, let us praise anyone who achieves success, but let us remember that being good in medicine, business or being tough with your opponents is not a guarantee of being a successful leader. And let us remember that good leadership is tied to the circumstances. Churchill spurring England during the dark days of the war was a great war leader but a bad leader in time of peace. So let Ben Carson continue to accumulate money and let him go on the circuit preaching to his choir. But when the time comes in which he has to explain what he means by paring down help to the poor, we will see whether he has anything to offer.
From this long article, I see only a political moth ready to be burned in the heat of the campaign.
From this long article, I see only a political moth ready to be burned in the heat of the campaign.
15
The primary purpose of promoting Ben Carson in the Republican Party is to convince white people that the Republican Party isn't racist. His predecessors in that role include Herman Cain and Alan Keyes.
That's not to diminish Dr Carson's accomplishments, but he really should have stuck to what he was truly great at, namely surgery.
Fantastic success in one field of endeavor does not mean that you are suddenly qualified to be in charge of something completely different. That kind of thinking leaves a master of all things related to Arabian horses in charge of emergency management.
That's not to diminish Dr Carson's accomplishments, but he really should have stuck to what he was truly great at, namely surgery.
Fantastic success in one field of endeavor does not mean that you are suddenly qualified to be in charge of something completely different. That kind of thinking leaves a master of all things related to Arabian horses in charge of emergency management.
33
While Dr Carson has absolutely no chance of ever being elected, he serves as a useful tool for the GOP in that they can say with an all most straight face that they support minorities.
17
Carson absorbs the racists' guilt.
8
Hmm, a far-right Republican surgeon from a poor background running for president. Three questions: under your social safety plan, could your single mother have raised her family? Newspaper organizations can do the math: it is pretty easy. Second, as a physician, how do you justify your profession, and it's notoriously plush salaries, being represented by the country's most successful union (the AMA)? Given how much you have benefited from this union, how do you feel about unions in general? Third, as a physician, could you please enumerate federal financial support you received through school, as well as federal and state subsidies (i.e. capitation grants) for each medical student? Such usually cost more than the student actually pays. How does that fit into your narrative of small government and up-by-your-bottstraps?
The guy gets obliterated from both the right and the center. No chance of election. None.
The guy gets obliterated from both the right and the center. No chance of election. None.
38
His function is not to win; it's to deflect guilt.
41
Yes, just say whatever comes to your mind with no facts or information to back it up. The man has been drafted by the people! There is a legitimate groundswell of support that literally forced him to change his retirement plans. Do a little research. People are clamoring for someone that has not been infected with the stench of corruption and someone that actually loves what America stands for. You clearly are not one of those people.
1
So your opinion is that republicans are racists and that Ben Carson is a vehicle for them to deflect guilt. So you feel that racists suffer from guilt for being racists? I believe that this is faulty reasoning. Perhaps reasoning powered by guilt being hidden by moral superiority.
To assume that Dr. Carson should behave differently, be more humble and thankful because he's black, misses the point. This is what assimilation looks like. Isn't that what America wants? For black people, all minorities, to assimilate. He's no different than Bobby Jindal (whether he uses skin-lightening cream, like Jindal, is still up for discussion). Carson believes in the American narrative: Work hard. Pretend you got ahead on your own. And then cast disdain at the ranks you left behind for lacking morals, values, and work ethic. Dr. Carson personifies America, including the bigotry, narrow-mindedness, selfishness, and meanness that goes along with it.
9
The "Ben Persona" reminds me [painfully] of the comedy skit of a Black man born blind who learns to hate Black people to the point of joining the KKK and becoming its leader. After rallying the troops they demand to actually see the face of their beloved; when he removes his hood things turn real ugly
9
Carson's handlers have their hands full. For an educated man, he has little control over what comes out of his mouth. He will solve the Carson problem by himself.
25
Dr. Carson comes across as an intelligent, committed ideologue. His story about his mother is inspiring, even it runs counter to the current narrative about single parent families.
But his experience in government is non-existent. And his ideas, like HSA accounts, don't show much understanding of why HSA accounts have only worked for the wealthy.
Of course he should pursue his candidacy. He, and we, may learn something.
PS. Did he save all of his emails?
But his experience in government is non-existent. And his ideas, like HSA accounts, don't show much understanding of why HSA accounts have only worked for the wealthy.
Of course he should pursue his candidacy. He, and we, may learn something.
PS. Did he save all of his emails?
1
Share your thoughts?
Here's one: Perhaps the tickets in 2016 will end up as follows:
Rubio-Carson vs Clinton-Schumer
Imagine what this matchup would do not only to the electorate but to the two parties. (Just some shared food for thought...)
Here's one: Perhaps the tickets in 2016 will end up as follows:
Rubio-Carson vs Clinton-Schumer
Imagine what this matchup would do not only to the electorate but to the two parties. (Just some shared food for thought...)
1
One of the downsides of massive and constant media is that it needs material to fill the 24/7 demand for "news", making it possible for people who have no clue how to run a government or lead a nation to get taken seriously by the New York Times.
4
If you think these unqualified folks are taken seriously at the NY Times, you haven't seen Fox News.
11
I see this man's face all the time on supposedly left-leaning, activist websites. He has the gravitas of Don Rickles. He and the other Republican candidates who have no chance of winning, and who make statements that undermine civil, productive discourse, are a diversion. "Look at that madman over there!" cries the pickpocket.
5
The GOP needs to upgrade their Clown Car to a very large bus..
20
Time tends to solve most problems in life, so the G.O.P. need not worry about the margins, i.e. a Carson (especially when placing his foot in his mouth: Homosexualism is a choice!???), a Cruz (full of spite and arrogance, killers for any likability,...except for the ultra-right wing of his party), Paul (a libertarian lost in trying to appeal to other than the Tea Party). Ideology trying to accommodate reality to its whims doesn't work, facts tend to triumph even over the most fantastic fictions out of thin air.
10
Dr. Carson and Associate Justice Clarence Thomas are both ultimate hypocrites.
They both took advantage of government assistance and Affirmative Action and somehow instead of being grateful and trying to help others succeed they are hating on people who are today what they were yesterday.
Shame on them.
They both took advantage of government assistance and Affirmative Action and somehow instead of being grateful and trying to help others succeed they are hating on people who are today what they were yesterday.
Shame on them.
34
They also belong to the "I got mine, the hell with the rest of you" club.
8
The article never answers the questions posed in the title... Why is he a headache to the GOP? Why should the GOP try to stop him? I don't believe the GOP is worried about Ben Carson because they already know that they will not nominate a black man as their frontrunner in a Presidential election. This was a great article to understand Ben Carson's motivation for running for the GOP nomination, but it missed the boat on showing how he is a threat to the mainstream GOP.
4
“This is coming from within the house. This is family.” Family? I do not believe the people who applaud him the loudest will ever consider him to be family.
5
American fascism has a smile on its face and gives you a pat on the back.
12
Dr Carson is admired for his accomplishments despite disadvantages. It is unfortunate he choose to put his politics above standing beside US' first black President as positive role model.
Seems he fails to realize that despite political differences, white men bond gloriously together to achieve loftier goal(s).
Seems he fails to realize that despite political differences, white men bond gloriously together to achieve loftier goal(s).
1
Carson can run if he chooses. Tea party members can run. Clinton and Bush can run. They can all run. While these people are in the spotlight, our household is checking out Martin O'Malley as a potential nominee. Progressive Democrat, in his fifties, innovative, environmental awareness, advocate for education, poor and middle class, interesting political credentials, stands well in political debates, sharp intellect.
10
Once upon a time the Republicans stood for sound and legitimately debatable principles and policies. In the late 40's my father ran for Congress as a conservative Republican (in Brooklyn, thus knowing he would not win.) I have notes of his scrawled on a leaflet he carried to a debate he was involved in. The notes were to remind him to bring up that he was for civil rights, women's rights, and the U.N., and against the Smith Act (registering commies), as well as questioning some farm subsidies. This, of course, was back when you couldn't even get Democratic support for for civil or women's rights or clear opposition to the anti-communist witch hunts.
Now, the lede to the article asks, "Can mainstream Republicans stop him?"
The real question we should ask is, "Are there 'mainstream' Republicans and, if so, what are they?" It seems the Republicans have become a party of NO, their core consistency essentially limited to opposition to whatever the President advocates. It is only on the fringes that they have specific policies that do not simply reduce to anti-this-or-that. Though I find most of those policies objectionable either from a practical or values point of view, nonetheless we should recognize that is where the no-business-as-usual action on the Right lies.
As a result of 40's - 60's history and contemporary reality in which Republican leaders vie for the title role in any remake of Dr. No, I can't help but question even the existence of a Republican mainstream.
Now, the lede to the article asks, "Can mainstream Republicans stop him?"
The real question we should ask is, "Are there 'mainstream' Republicans and, if so, what are they?" It seems the Republicans have become a party of NO, their core consistency essentially limited to opposition to whatever the President advocates. It is only on the fringes that they have specific policies that do not simply reduce to anti-this-or-that. Though I find most of those policies objectionable either from a practical or values point of view, nonetheless we should recognize that is where the no-business-as-usual action on the Right lies.
As a result of 40's - 60's history and contemporary reality in which Republican leaders vie for the title role in any remake of Dr. No, I can't help but question even the existence of a Republican mainstream.
16
The GOP needs people like Carson, Trump, Fiorina, and Cruz. It's like a colosseum of of rock throwing clowns-sharks. It's refreshing to see them all down in the arena, reality TV style, circling each other, waiting for blood. Let the games begin!
12
At least Dr. Carson has done something honorable with his life. Carly, The Donald and Cruz are nothing more that useless clown taking up space in the Clown- mobile. Bottom line/non will ever, ever be president.
3
An opportunist if there ever was one. "A Face in the Crowd" and "Elmer Gantry" are distinct applications here.
What's downright chilling is that as a doctor, Carson knows the necessity of evidence vis-a-vis the rigor of data collection and analysis, yet he publicly declares homosexuality to be the result of a choice without citing anything other than a sly reference to same-sex relationships that can occur in prison. He chooses to be an opportunist when his education and training dictate otherwise.
Even some conservatives privately must wince at the utter farce that is Ben Carson.
What's downright chilling is that as a doctor, Carson knows the necessity of evidence vis-a-vis the rigor of data collection and analysis, yet he publicly declares homosexuality to be the result of a choice without citing anything other than a sly reference to same-sex relationships that can occur in prison. He chooses to be an opportunist when his education and training dictate otherwise.
Even some conservatives privately must wince at the utter farce that is Ben Carson.
20
Agree: I can't wait for the poetical justice when the "Republican Establishment" begins to turn their backs- what will Carson do then: accuse them of racism?
4
Finally...a candidate who represents mainstream american values
1
Really? Bigotry and disdain for those less fortunate are mainstream American values? Speak for yourself.
13
I have never met Mr. Carson but one can't help but wonder if the same ego that drove him in his medical career might now be driving him in his much more unstructured political career.
Most great surgeons have at the very least have a god complex and are anything but humble. Unfortunately, the self governance required of a politician seems a hotbed for such unchecked growth.
Most great surgeons have at the very least have a god complex and are anything but humble. Unfortunately, the self governance required of a politician seems a hotbed for such unchecked growth.
47
In playing to the lowest common denominator of their party, the GOP gets exactly what it deserves in Dr. Carson. They richly deserve each other, and I hope he stays in the race a good long while. Looking forward to another Democratic presidential win in 2016!
12
He has a Reganesque insight while taking care of a run away mother/child survivng on welfare, a "wise choice"? Or was he capable of deeper thought? Was she abused at home, like many run away young women? Would he prefer she survive by selling herself on the street? The self rightous hypocrisy of right wingers astounds me. Another scary know it all. Ben, don't quit your day job.
11
Ben Carson needs to remember who helped him when he was very poor so he could become what he is today.
17
He doesn't want to remember. That's the problem.
3
The Republican party today is like an engine with a busted manifold, leaking hot gas instead of turning the crankshaft. People like Carson are the leaks.
10
How to solve the Ben Carson problem? Just let him talk. (Same solution for the party's Ted Cruz problem)
24
That's also a solution for the GOP's Huckabee, Christie, Rubio, Perry, Walker, Paul... problem(s).
5
Could we please use our vast technical knowledge to clone Thomas Jefferson? For all his flaws (and he would be the first to bemoan them) he was a deep thinker, wordsmith of integrity and put his Country before his personal life. He fought for a government that took care of the big things like international trade and eschewed a standing national militia and national banking system. I can't help but wonder where we would now be if Jefferson had prevailed in his arguments and Washington and Adams had said no to Alexander Hamilton's ideas. Jefferson used his personal faith to guide his ideas yet strove to keep overt religion out of his politics. Jefferson didn't always succeed in that, but our modern day candidates don't even try. They pander and cave to whatever gets them points.
Time to take back the Republican Party from all the scamps. Or perhaps we need a new party...Jefferson Republicans. I'm just not sure where to even look for someone willing to run for office on those standards.
Time to take back the Republican Party from all the scamps. Or perhaps we need a new party...Jefferson Republicans. I'm just not sure where to even look for someone willing to run for office on those standards.
3
Hey!! The guy's got a chance.
Bibi won in Israel.
Bibi won in Israel.
4
Who said Bibi campaigning on the floor of OUR Congress wouldn't help him win?
1
Carson is a disgrace to the University of Michigan Medical School. His lifelong claim to serve the poor doesn't quite ring true when he wants to destroy Obamacare. He should stick to Neurosurgery or retire.
14
Lee Atwater, Ronald Reagan, Phyllis Schlafly, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Gary Bauer, Tony Perkins, Anita Bryant and others gave birth to the movement that is mercilessly and hilariously dragging their once constructive and relevant political party to its doom. The upcoming GOP Clown Car Tour promises to be just as loony as its predecessors, and this Democrat/Progressive can hardly wait to witness it. Let the tour begin!
18
A brain surgeon who believes his own superego is the voice of God in his head? Really?
15
He is not a problem, because the GOP and their supporters have seen this mistake before, and will not get behind him. If anything, he is a distraction at this point.
19
Just like the Obama detractors liked to say something to the effect "we don't need a constitutional law professor to be president", I dare say that we don't need a brain surgeon to be president either!
12
Pre-straw debate? Wonderful term. Did this guy really operate on human brains? Probably. Does it qualify him for a president? No.
Another primary season upon us, God help us.
Another primary season upon us, God help us.
11
In his autobiography “Gifted Hands,” Ben Carson freely admits that his single mother relied on government assistance to survive and care for him and his brother. After receiving food, housing, medical care and reading glasses, courtesy of the taxpayer, Ben Carson seeks to destroy this lifeline for future generations.
Moreover, like many republicans, he claims that his position is consistent with his professed faith - Christianity! Despite the fact that Jesus explicitly exhorts his followers to be charitable towards others in times of trouble (Matthew 25:34-40) Despite the fact that key biblical writers such as James state clearly that faith is without works is dead (James 2: 15-17)
I find the daily mental gymnastics required to behave in this manner incomprehensible!
Moreover, like many republicans, he claims that his position is consistent with his professed faith - Christianity! Despite the fact that Jesus explicitly exhorts his followers to be charitable towards others in times of trouble (Matthew 25:34-40) Despite the fact that key biblical writers such as James state clearly that faith is without works is dead (James 2: 15-17)
I find the daily mental gymnastics required to behave in this manner incomprehensible!
41
Brother to Clarence Thomas.
1
One way you "Solve a Problem Like Ben Carson" is don't give him a couple thousand words in the NYT magazine.
16
The little respect I had for Dr. Carson was gone, after he remarked, that we needed to extinguish radical Islam, and then be in position to perform maintenance, when needed.
4
Dr. Carson is not a problem for the Republican party. He is more than welcome.
His detractors come from the liberal media and the Democratic Party apparatus. Why? Because he breaks the stereotype of Republicans that they are all old white men. But just as US Supreme Justice Clarence found in his confirmation hearings, the vitriol came from Democrats in the most acrimonious grilling of any Supreme Court nominee ever.
Democrats live in fear that they could lose their near lock on the African-American vote. They are in a delicate balancing act with blacks as they flood the country with unskilled illegal immigrants that are taking jobs away from blacks. They are often at odds with black inner-city ministers on social issues.
Not only is Dr. Carson welcome in Republican circles, he is often a guest on right-leaning Fox News. Fox is not known for creating problems for the Republican Party.
His detractors come from the liberal media and the Democratic Party apparatus. Why? Because he breaks the stereotype of Republicans that they are all old white men. But just as US Supreme Justice Clarence found in his confirmation hearings, the vitriol came from Democrats in the most acrimonious grilling of any Supreme Court nominee ever.
Democrats live in fear that they could lose their near lock on the African-American vote. They are in a delicate balancing act with blacks as they flood the country with unskilled illegal immigrants that are taking jobs away from blacks. They are often at odds with black inner-city ministers on social issues.
Not only is Dr. Carson welcome in Republican circles, he is often a guest on right-leaning Fox News. Fox is not known for creating problems for the Republican Party.
2
In other words, according to you, the problems the GOP has brought onto itself are the fault of the Democrats.
How difficult it must be to demand personal responsibility from others while shirking your own.
How difficult it must be to demand personal responsibility from others while shirking your own.
6
He's only welcome in the Republican party if he spews venom and bigotry and is willing to trod on the poor, elderly and disabled. You can have him.
9
Fox cannot be known for creating problems for the Republican Party. Fox is the mouthpiece of the Republican Party: the de facto GOP state run media.
8
The MSM continues with this "truthiness" that there is a "mainstream" GOP and a Tea Party wing of the party, although the MSM now calls the Tea Party wing "reform conservatism."
The so called Tea Party wing of the GOP is in full control of the party, having increased their numbers greatly in the 2014 midterms
The so called Tea Party wing of the GOP has exposed a grave and gathering danger within the constitution that the founders most likely never imagined happening.
As demonstrated by and with the use by both parties of the filibuster, the Tea Party wing is showing that the minority in governance, upper or lower chamber, has way too much power.
And I don't think that is what the founders wanted.
The so called Tea Party wing of the GOP is in full control of the party, having increased their numbers greatly in the 2014 midterms
The so called Tea Party wing of the GOP has exposed a grave and gathering danger within the constitution that the founders most likely never imagined happening.
As demonstrated by and with the use by both parties of the filibuster, the Tea Party wing is showing that the minority in governance, upper or lower chamber, has way too much power.
And I don't think that is what the founders wanted.
Dr. Carson's far out political views demonstrate that he will not be a major contender for the nomination. In this day and age, launching a presidential campaign has become more about laying the groundwork for a lucrative career as a television pundit, and collecting handsome speaking fees.
Also, it goes without saying that a retired neurosurgeon, while brilliant, isn't necessarily qualified for managing the machinery of the Executive Branch.
Also, it goes without saying that a retired neurosurgeon, while brilliant, isn't necessarily qualified for managing the machinery of the Executive Branch.
55
Only in an upside down Alice in Wonderland view of America is an adherence to the constitution considered "far out political views". Go to his page and read about his views. Do you hate America or what?
1
Jeff - Since when does inserting religion into public policy qualify as adhering to the constitution?
2
I like that he's a doctor, just as former Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean is a doctor. We do have enough lawyers. As with Dean, that doesn't mean I'm going to vote for him. His comment about gays being gay by choice makes it extremely difficult to take him seriously. I know he apologized but still...
31
I would not compare Dean with Carson. Yes, both are doctors, but there is a big difference between the type of physicians they were. Carson excelled in his profession. Dean was unable to succeed as a physician. It is like comparing Michael Jordan with Shamir Porkowitz. Jordan was an NBA great. Porkowitz is my neighbor who never scored when he played at the local Y. However, both played basketball. Porkowitz never was a Jordan. Dean never was a Carson.
3
Un - Comparing medicine to sports? I would guess that you know very little of either topic.
Among other things Dean helped start a program that provides medical care for children and pregnant women.
If being successful means making a living at something you enjoy and are good at and that helps others than I'd call Dean very successful.
Among other things Dean helped start a program that provides medical care for children and pregnant women.
If being successful means making a living at something you enjoy and are good at and that helps others than I'd call Dean very successful.
5
dean was governor of a state tho. he had some practical experience. didn't just shoot his yap off....
3
Democrats should cross party lines and vote for him in the primaries. I can not think of a better way to defeat the eventual Republican nominee.
5
Ben is certainly not in the mold, of what we think of for the GOP? No Ben has definitely broken the mold. good for him.
6
Maybe not the mold you get from your average (very average) mainsteam media, but those who us who actually don't believe everything we need and also read everything we can would disagree.
Your comment just shows your ignorance about half the country.
Your comment just shows your ignorance about half the country.
Seriously? He's ignorant, bigoted, mean spirited, hypocritical..... There's nothing new here.
14
Yes, but four years ago I would have said the same of Herman Cain. I am concerned about his less-than-charitable unit-immigrant statements, but I am glad he is part of the conversation. I hope Dr. Carson does not implode as Mr. Cain did.
In much the same way that Paul Ryan benefitted from public assistance earlier in his life, Ben Carson too wants to shut the doors that were opened for him. For people who celebrate their Christianity how very un-christian.
18
In a party poisoned by cynics, Ben Carson is just another case of the flu.
11
The 'self-assured' Dr. Carson vs. the 'self-assured' Gov. Christie in an ultimate campaign 15 round "bully-pulpit" last candidate standing debate is a pay-per-view I'd shell out for in a heartbeat. You'd have quotes from the both of them to dine out on for just years.
2
As a candidate, he's a joke. Republicans wouldn't give him the time of day if he weren't African-American.
5
Since the big moment in his political life was treating an unwed mother on welfare, what's his solution? Big announcement, "five years from now unwed mothers will be cut off," and then what? Hungry, homeless mothers and sick babies?
There is nothing Christian about that, and it won't even save much money. All it will do is make poor people suffer while fundamentalists gloat, yet another example that they're holier than thou.
There is nothing Christian about that, and it won't even save much money. All it will do is make poor people suffer while fundamentalists gloat, yet another example that they're holier than thou.
145
You exaggerate but it's expected. Yes, Ben has a different view of what it means to be compassionate. Keeping someone permanently dependent on the welfare system is not a life. Ben believes in encouraging people to find their way in life. Self reliance, self-respect, picking yourself up. People need encouragement and incentive to do those things. If you just guarantee them a lifetime paycheck how to you expect a person to ever change their situation? Don't ever say it's because he's not compassionate. Exactly the opposite. He wants to help people find independence and a way out of the system just as he did. A true inspiration as you will soon see.
1
Ben Carson is about as self-reliant as a newborn. He has had mountains of help getting to where he is. To say otherwise is to lie.
Besides, Republicans hate to help the poor but then clamor to subsidize billion-dollar companies. They clamor for for-profit "wars," use the middle class and working poor to fund them, and then whine when said classes can't afford health insurance. They see to it that the middle class and working poor cover the tax breaks of the 1%, only to sneer and scorn single mothers who suddenly find themselves pink-slipped.
And they all come from red states that steal more from the federal till than what they contribute.
Self-reliance is the number one standard Republicans uphold for everyone but themselves.
So typical it's become boring. Please, get a new line.
Besides, Republicans hate to help the poor but then clamor to subsidize billion-dollar companies. They clamor for for-profit "wars," use the middle class and working poor to fund them, and then whine when said classes can't afford health insurance. They see to it that the middle class and working poor cover the tax breaks of the 1%, only to sneer and scorn single mothers who suddenly find themselves pink-slipped.
And they all come from red states that steal more from the federal till than what they contribute.
Self-reliance is the number one standard Republicans uphold for everyone but themselves.
So typical it's become boring. Please, get a new line.
10
Jeff - Ben and his family had the same kind of help that he now wants to deny to others. Is that your idea of compassionate?
I've worked my way out of poverty thanks to a state funded job training program. I know what it takes to be successful and denying people a living wage and access to education and health care doesn't foster success.
I've worked my way out of poverty thanks to a state funded job training program. I know what it takes to be successful and denying people a living wage and access to education and health care doesn't foster success.
8
There's an easy way for the GOP to solve the 'problem' of Ben Carson. All they have to do is make him a Caucasian male, and he'll fit right in.
5
How long does a person have to save to be able to afford treatment for cancer?
13
I liked him so much more when he was humble, world class pediatric neurosurgeon.
8
I'd like to say a word in his behalf
Ben Carson... makes... me...laugh
I hate to have to say it
But I very firmly feel
Ben's not an asset to the GOP.
Ben Carson... makes... me...laugh
I hate to have to say it
But I very firmly feel
Ben's not an asset to the GOP.
5
What a thoroughly reprehensible title to your Magazine article. The fact that his politics are cringe-worthy to liberals doesn't mean that he deserves to be demeaned. To whom exactly is Ben Carson a problem?
3
To anyone he would tread on as he gains power.
7
He's a problem for the GOP which would like the general public to believe when it's time for them to vote, that it has some appeal for others than the rabid right wing.
6
"homosexuality was clearly a choice, because a lot of people go in prison straight and “when they come out, they’re gay”; he later apologized.)"
Why are we still talking about this person? Why doesn't this statement end the discussion? What is happening to my country?
Why are we still talking about this person? Why doesn't this statement end the discussion? What is happening to my country?
19
I will be interested to see how this race shapes his values and his language, which up until now has been pretty alarming.
"Obamacare is the worst thing since slavery", the United States is “very much like Nazi Germany”. I mean REALLY? That's the best analysis a trained professional in his field could provide? Utter nonsense.
I am eagerly awaiting the conversation he, and all the republican candidates, have about climate change, evolution, and other topics concerning earth science and biology. Will this neuro-surgeon, whose education and professional field is grounded in the theory of evolution, deny the clear scientific evidence pointing to a changing climate? Will this trained doctor claim that life begins at conception? Does this man think the earth is 6000 years old?
"Obamacare is the worst thing since slavery", the United States is “very much like Nazi Germany”. I mean REALLY? That's the best analysis a trained professional in his field could provide? Utter nonsense.
I am eagerly awaiting the conversation he, and all the republican candidates, have about climate change, evolution, and other topics concerning earth science and biology. Will this neuro-surgeon, whose education and professional field is grounded in the theory of evolution, deny the clear scientific evidence pointing to a changing climate? Will this trained doctor claim that life begins at conception? Does this man think the earth is 6000 years old?
12
Kind of makes you wonder about the high esteem in which we hold all doctors, doesn't it?
4
I see a car now and then in my neighborhood with two bumper stickers: One is the "Don't Tread On Me" Gadsden flag; and the other is "Got Jesus?" which refers, of course, to The One who was trod upon -- indeed, far worse -- for our sins.
This is the way conservatives think.
This is the way conservatives think.
1
Conservatives believe in "freedom" for themselves alone.
9
The crazier the candidate the more love flows from the Republican base. In our gerrymandered electoral system -- at both the local, state and federal level -- the lunatics can become head of the asylum, viz., Scott Walker. Ben Carson should forge ahead so the Republican nominating process can be as entertaining as in 2012. I'm still hoping for a Palin-Bachmann ticket.
13
The likelihood that he will insert foot into mouth in front of press cameras is 100%.
I think everyone within the political scene knows that and waiting that moment. Palin is a perfect example: no amount of PR could hide forever that she was a flake and then that was the end of it.
I think everyone within the political scene knows that and waiting that moment. Palin is a perfect example: no amount of PR could hide forever that she was a flake and then that was the end of it.
28
I believe Dr Caron's comment about bestiality sealed that foot in mouth deal.
8
I think you meant 'dope'.
Except for all the books she later "wrote" and the reality shows she got tons of money for hosting and the speeches she gives all the time to wingnut crowds and gets standing O's for her incoherent word salads.
Ben Carson. A "scientist" who has gone on record saying people "turn gay." Sure, that'll stand up to the scientific method. This guy can't disappear fast enough.
106
So no one has ever chosen to be gay? I'd like to see the data set you have on that. The Dr's statement that men have gone into prison straight and come out gay is absolutely verifiable and undeniable. Just because your feelings might be hurt makes it no less true.
Jeff--stats, or it didn't happen.
3
Jeff - Go ahead and present the evidence that prison time makes people gay. Carson didn't present any evidence.
2
People have given reasons for why they wouldn't vote for him, but no good reason why he shouldn't run if he wants to. Republicans should open up their party, I do not know how they will ever be able to represent the American people if all they have are white men at their table. There should be a way for a non professional politician to get views out on a national stage.
3
There is. He can be a pundit on TV or radio. I wouldn't vote for him for a million reasons, but one big one would be that he has no political experience at all and I doubt he could be effective. Working in government effectively is not a job for amateurs.
5
Immolation of the GOP. I love it. Reaping the radical right seeds they've sown.
55
Yes, the poor GOP only has 32 Governors, 68 of 98 State legislative bodies, historic number of House seats, control of the Senate...
And when we win the White House in 2016, the delusional liberals will still say they are winning....
And when we win the White House in 2016, the delusional liberals will still say they are winning....
4
You only win by gerrymandered districts, voter suppression and lots and lots of uber radical right wing Koch brother money. Don't flatter yourselves.
13
Since the Republican party has fully embraced utter lunacy, I question what a "mainstream" Republican would even be like.
Though, Carson's support of right-wing nonsense like flat taxes, healthcare vouchers and savings accounts, and "moral decay" (a.k.a. hatred of GLBT Americans) is right on target.
But how would he be able to use one of the biggest planks in the Republican Party- their "Southern Strategy"? I imagine it would be tough to secure the nomination of an overwhelmingly racist political party when you happen to share the ethnicity of the people they reflexively and erroneously blame for most of our nation's problems.
Though, Carson's support of right-wing nonsense like flat taxes, healthcare vouchers and savings accounts, and "moral decay" (a.k.a. hatred of GLBT Americans) is right on target.
But how would he be able to use one of the biggest planks in the Republican Party- their "Southern Strategy"? I imagine it would be tough to secure the nomination of an overwhelmingly racist political party when you happen to share the ethnicity of the people they reflexively and erroneously blame for most of our nation's problems.
80
Dominic--just look around you. You can already see what a "mainstream" Republican is. And, it's not Dwight Eisenhower, or even Barry Goldwater.
Since the Republican party has fully embraced utter lunacy
---------------------------
As have the American people, judging by the biggest GOP wins in November 2014 since... 1932. Along with many governorships, even Wisconsin. Democrats should become less sane, once their scandals subside and they can find some credible candidate(s).
---------------------------
As have the American people, judging by the biggest GOP wins in November 2014 since... 1932. Along with many governorships, even Wisconsin. Democrats should become less sane, once their scandals subside and they can find some credible candidate(s).
Electing a Black candidate, or coming close to it (even better), is a wonderful defense against accusations of racism by the self or others. Gets them off the hook. What racist? Who me?
4
Run Ben, Run. Hey I think the VP spot would be ideal for him, it would give him start in politics. As we all know, Ben could out perform Joe. Run Ben, Run.
6
Out perform Joe? I can just see Carson meeting with other heads-of-state and ranting about his religious beliefs. It may surprise you to know that people in other countries are very educated in science.
9
Ben will not be running against Joe.
1
How would Carson out perform Biden?
I do hope he runs though. He'd be easy to beat.
I do hope he runs though. He'd be easy to beat.
2
It will be fun watching the Left again prove its gross hypocrisy and demonstrate that not all opposition to African-American politicians is racist or due to racism (or is it?). What is the key difference between Ben Carson and Barack Obama? Not race. But it will be fun watching the pot call the kettle racist.
7
Both of them evidently find it essential to invoke God to justify government.
3
There are lots of differences. One of them is that President Obama believes in equal treatment for all Americans, not just some of them. President Obama thinks people should have affordable health care and a living wage. There are lots of differences. Thank you for asking.
11
Yet your party is fighting for businesses to have the legal right to not serve the likes of Carson should he wish to have dinner with, say, a white woman.
Time to stop cackling over delusions about "the Left" and start wondering why your own house tries so hard to shoot itself in the foot.
Time to stop cackling over delusions about "the Left" and start wondering why your own house tries so hard to shoot itself in the foot.
10
"The incident, he says, fed his growing sense that the welfare system too often saps motivation and rewards irresponsible behavior."
Ouch. Maybe Dr. Carson didn't get the memo. Welfare ended in 1996.
Ouch. Maybe Dr. Carson didn't get the memo. Welfare ended in 1996.
20
So does wealth like that of Robert Durst, evidently.
5
Apparently you missed the memo. We have record numbers who are on government dependence programs since Obama became president.
1
Don't worry Tamar, if the GOP wins in 2016 they'll all be in the streets begging. Feel better?
3
Here is the rare person who has legitimately earned an opportunity to lead.
Among similar individuals, fewer yet are willing to enter the public arena, where they will be surrounded by earnest incompetents and narcissistic clowns.
What a terrible waste that it has turned out this way.
Among similar individuals, fewer yet are willing to enter the public arena, where they will be surrounded by earnest incompetents and narcissistic clowns.
What a terrible waste that it has turned out this way.
4
What do you expect from applying an idolatry test to qualify for public office?
6
He's done nothing to earn the opportunity to lead. Sneering at people and advocating that we trod on the less fortunate does not make a good leader.
8
What has this country come to? For this man to rise to prominence because he was seen as a hero when he was critical of President Obama's agenda at a prayer breakfast is more than discouraging. It seems the only qualification for running for president on the Republican side is embarrassing or haranguing or bad mouthing Obama. And, of course, once they are fawned over by the right, the uglier and sillier they get.
Does Mr. Carson have a compelling life story? Certainly. Is he presidential material? Absolutely not!
Does Mr. Carson have a compelling life story? Certainly. Is he presidential material? Absolutely not!
131
Only one candidate is mired in scandal, again. She's a Democrat, and their sole candidate. The country wonders, "Is this what the Democrats have come to? Again?"
2
Charles - You really should read the news. Take a look at the skeletons in Jeb's closet for starters.
15
When Carson steps into an operating room, he knows exactly what to do; surrounded by professionals, computers, all the gadgets. Walking into the Presidency, he would be as bewildered as any politician would be walking into that operating room. So Ben would be at the mercy of his advisers and I suspect who they might be. Perhaps an even worse repeat of the Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Pearle disaster.
61
Flat taxers are generally clueless about the law of diminution at the margin, which is as important in economics as the second law of thermodynamics is in physics.
4
So much of politics is simply about ego, or what we now call narcissism. These puffed-up peacocks have a successful run at something, in this case the difficult art of pediatric neurosurgery, and the next thing you know, they believe the world needs to know their formula for a better world. Self-righteous political "problems" like Ben Carson solve themselves when mainstream people realize that, despite such people having a bit of wealth, a successful life, and a limited, talk-show sort of appeal, their wider views are the kind most people find offensive.
Blow up Ben Carson into a successful, white Mormon businessman, and you have Mitt Romney, a man only as offensive as Carson when among wealthy campaign donors, who found out he believed 47% of Americans were freeloading losers.
One thing I've gotten to trust is that Americans have good instincts about the parade of people who campaign for the Presidency. A man like John Edwards thought he could pull one over on voters, but we rejected him soundly in two different Presidential campaigns, and rightly so, as it turned out. We know few want the top job, and that our choices are limited, but we rarely pick creeps or extremists, with Richard Nixon as the lone, modern exception. The duress of the late 1960s caused that aberration.
15
Nixon is hardly alone among public officials elected by voters who believe you're not serious about winning if you don't cheat.
1
Bush was an extremist. A President who sacrificed US lives, our economy and generations of American's security, in order to enrich a corporation. Hence, inspiring this headline from the Brits when Bush was re-elected: "How can 59,054,087 people be so DUMB?"
10
@Steve Bolger in NYC: will you please think before you write another one of your hundreds and hundreds of sniper-fire comment inanities, please? To describe Nixon as an election "cheater" is like describing Mao as a humanist.
@Stella somewhere in Minnesota: I disagree. Dick Cheney is war hawk extremist, more than a mere neo-conservative. W. Bush went along for the Cheney ride after 9/11. In fact, a lot of us did, including some well-known Democrats like Hillary Clinton. W. Bush is hardly in Richard Nixon's category of being a creep, although both will be in many historians' Bad Presidents lists.
1
Why do African American men who came from the era of Dr. Ben Carson and Justice Clarence Thomas, that became successful due to affirmative action, seemed to desire to close the door of opportunity behind them? They received so much from the American society, and now they believe that they don’t have any obligations to give back. Even Snoop Dog, 50 Cents, and Ice Cube all have a since of giving back to the community that sustained them, before they became successful.
Why is it that Dr. Ben Carson is aiming such vitriol at homosexuals, non-evangelicals, the working class and women? What in his upbringing or his experience as a successful surgeon created this animosity?
Why is it that Dr. Ben Carson is aiming such vitriol at homosexuals, non-evangelicals, the working class and women? What in his upbringing or his experience as a successful surgeon created this animosity?
117
Like many a successful surgeon or other arrogant types, he thinks he did everything by himself, on his own, with no help from anyone else.
17
For the same reason that anyone else treads on the less fortunate, they're greedy and insecure and they need to look down on others in order to feel good about themselves.
10
He simply plays to his perceived audience. Its not integrity, it just another carnival barker.
7
Carson comes from that tiny political fragment -- right-wing GOP African Americans -- who share an inspiring personal narrative that somehow ended up corroding their world view and engendering a bitter vindictiveness towards government, education, culture and politics.
They're like tiny outlier bodies floating in the firmament that defy explanation, specifically, where did they come from?
They're like tiny outlier bodies floating in the firmament that defy explanation, specifically, where did they come from?
52
the united states of America is a scary place.
29
Just how is Ben Carson a problem?
He represents what the GOP of today stands for: reaction, rhetoric and rabidity. This is no longer the party of Eisenhower or Reagan. Neither would stand a chance. I say the GOP should continue to show Americans that change.
Let us not allow the GOP to go gentle into that good night. Let them rage, rage against the dying of their might.
He represents what the GOP of today stands for: reaction, rhetoric and rabidity. This is no longer the party of Eisenhower or Reagan. Neither would stand a chance. I say the GOP should continue to show Americans that change.
Let us not allow the GOP to go gentle into that good night. Let them rage, rage against the dying of their might.
26
Both major parties need to ignore the extremes of their party and strike a balance between idealism and reality.
5
Liberals are marginalized, progressives sneered at, outright leftists are virtually extinct. Just about all that remains is the corporatist wannabe republican "centrist" wing. Most Democratic politicians today are what liberal republicans were 40 years ago. What extreme is there in the Democratic party?
8
He's a person, not a problem.
3
Sooo...what's the problem here?
The "Don't Tread On Me" snake is now busy biting itself and will, hopefully, totally consume the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE since it seems the only viable opposition, the Democrats, are incapable of overcoming it.
Let Dr. Carson have his run at the presidency. He seems to have the great Jehovah on his side along with some amount of cash, so why not?
If his candidacy gives the Republicans problems, how do I contribute to it?
In fact, I recommend everyone to give this fellow some money just to see how the GOP/TP/K.A. reacts to that kind of "mandate". It might actually make their "Convention" worthwhile viewing!
Otherwise, why talk about him at all?
The "Don't Tread On Me" snake is now busy biting itself and will, hopefully, totally consume the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE since it seems the only viable opposition, the Democrats, are incapable of overcoming it.
Let Dr. Carson have his run at the presidency. He seems to have the great Jehovah on his side along with some amount of cash, so why not?
If his candidacy gives the Republicans problems, how do I contribute to it?
In fact, I recommend everyone to give this fellow some money just to see how the GOP/TP/K.A. reacts to that kind of "mandate". It might actually make their "Convention" worthwhile viewing!
Otherwise, why talk about him at all?
16
I don't think the GOP intends to try to "stop him." With the exception of the media coronation of Jeb Bush, most primary voters want all voices on the stage expressing the varied views of the candidates, each in their own intrinsic way. I don't think Dr. Carson should get the nomination, because he would be a philosopher president, and we need a hands on president after our current experience with a government that over promises and delivers....only promises. I would rather see Dr. Carson as surgeon general, or HHS Secretary, areas in which he has superior expertise. Obama should hire him right now!
2
Three things that were said in the beginning of the article already turn me off to this man. "Slaves", "the Lord", and the fact that he punctuates his sentences with small laughs whose humor is not apparent. The former two items reveal an agenda and context to his considerations, showing a probable favoritism to religious ideology and to black people. The fact that he is either continuously so nervous or disingenuous that he constantly laughs all the time at nothing humorous is just as disturbing. I knew a man who did this once, and it was a diversion to turn another person's concerns away from the subject's seriousness, which is a disrespectful "slight-of-hand". Charles Rangel and his creepy continuous laughter-at-nothing is another perfect example of what kind of person exhibits such a defective, evasive anxiety. These are not leadership qualities. They are highly disturbing ones that should act as a loud warning.
4
He is a bigger problem for the Democrats because Ben Carson ruins their phony campaign narrative that all Republicans are racist and that the only way for African Americans to succeed is through even more big government social programs. Ben Carson helped other people, and himself, through good old-fashioned hard work and time commitment. Ben Carson knows that excuses don't help people succeed, great expectations do. We, as Republicans want African Americans to be not only successful, but wildly successful and yes...rich. And the only way to achieve that is to help people get good, high paying jobs, through a reduced tax burden and less stifling regulation.
4
President Obama worked hard and paid for his own college education. I'm not sure how you missed that.
There are a few token women and people of color in the Republican party leadership, Republicans are fine with that as long as those people are willing to trod on others.
There are a few token women and people of color in the Republican party leadership, Republicans are fine with that as long as those people are willing to trod on others.
10
And the biggest government program of all is that most red-states take FAR more from the government than they pay in.
Decade after decade Blue-States are forced to give charity to insolvent red-states who can't oay their own bills.
This is the thing rightists red-staters hope Americans never figure out...that for all their pontificating about self suffiency and the evil Federal Government 80% of red-states are welfare states who wouldn't survive without the big bad Federal Government and Blue-State largess.
Decade after decade Blue-States are forced to give charity to insolvent red-states who can't oay their own bills.
This is the thing rightists red-staters hope Americans never figure out...that for all their pontificating about self suffiency and the evil Federal Government 80% of red-states are welfare states who wouldn't survive without the big bad Federal Government and Blue-State largess.
16
This man prefers a theocracy over a democracy. He and the PR candidate scare me more than any foreign threat.
61
There has been a full court press in effect to make the US a theocracy since the Congress legislated that it is "under God" in 1953.
4
Not true Steve. Didn't happen until after Goldwater's defeat, a conservative republican who, by the way, despised the Religious Right and probably saw his career flatline because of those sentiments.
And THAT'S the biggest problem with conservative republicans.
They think the rules apply to everyone else but them.
Reagan tried to destroy labor unions in spite of the fact he was not a labor union member he was president of a labor union twice.
Dick Cheney was instrumental in launchung two wars that claimed thousands od American lives but when he was at risk of being sent to The Vietnam War, he sought and recieved five war deferments.
Mitt Romney the last hawkish GOP candidate for the presidency had a similar record during the Vietnam era but instead of deferments Mr. Romney fled to France.
Now we have Dr. Ben Carson who survived thanks to public assistance but hates it when others rely on it for their survival.
I wonder sometimes if rightists have the capacity to recognize hypocrisy at all.
They think the rules apply to everyone else but them.
Reagan tried to destroy labor unions in spite of the fact he was not a labor union member he was president of a labor union twice.
Dick Cheney was instrumental in launchung two wars that claimed thousands od American lives but when he was at risk of being sent to The Vietnam War, he sought and recieved five war deferments.
Mitt Romney the last hawkish GOP candidate for the presidency had a similar record during the Vietnam era but instead of deferments Mr. Romney fled to France.
Now we have Dr. Ben Carson who survived thanks to public assistance but hates it when others rely on it for their survival.
I wonder sometimes if rightists have the capacity to recognize hypocrisy at all.
193
And I wonder sometimes if Leftists have the capacity to understand that liberty and freedom are based on individual responsibility and not collectivism.
1
People who believe that rules apply only to "little people" congregate in the Republican Party.
11
Well, considering most red-states take far more from the Federal government than they pay in I wonder if red-state rightists like you know what individual responsibility actually means.
19
Surgeons see life cut and dry and brain surgeons are to precise to run for office. He does speak what many republican believes in their heart . Have responsibility. It is up to you. Work hard and you shall be rewarded. Yada,yada,yada. Stuff happens. Corporations run away with the money. Sickness comes out of the blue. My efforts are an illusion to success. What he and they do not understand is that government can do good. Social security is good. Medicare and Medicaid is good. Fair wages are good. Moderate bonuses and salaries are good. This guy as most republicans live in la la land supported with la la money.
28
Let the GOP nominate a tea party purist and get this out of their system. Carson is the perfect megaphone to spout the extreme right wing/Christianist/paranoid demagoguery the party has adopted over the last two decades. Nothing would be better for the GOP -- and certainly the nation -- than than to shine a bright spotlight on the toxicity of their policy prescriptions, and suffer a resounding defeat.
Once the fever has broken, maybe Republicans will get serious again about governance and we can go back to having an actual two-party system.
Once the nation has a chance to vote on -- and soundly reject -- this toxic approach to governance, even Republicans will begin to see how truly toxic it is, weed out the nuts, and get serious about governance again.
Once the fever has broken, maybe Republicans will get serious again about governance and we can go back to having an actual two-party system.
Once the nation has a chance to vote on -- and soundly reject -- this toxic approach to governance, even Republicans will begin to see how truly toxic it is, weed out the nuts, and get serious about governance again.
33
Ignore Mr. Carson, he is a double talker.
8
I think Newt has the right idea.
The rules are all changing, the electorate is expanding, while at least some thanks to the internet, are starting to think for themselves. Those are the mega-thousands who can put their all into a Carson candidacy. It's really true what the doc says; his experience in the operating theater is a tremendous benefit as a precursor to the rigors of a Presidential administration. Carson has lived that life, walked that line. Most importantly; and you can take this one to the bank; Carson is a natural borne leader of men and women...what more does any President rely upon more? Ask Eisenhower; he was the last Non-Politico President we elected...two weeks after my birth. And Eisenhower is known today by Presidential historians as one of our greatest and most effective Presidents of all time.
The rules are all changing, the electorate is expanding, while at least some thanks to the internet, are starting to think for themselves. Those are the mega-thousands who can put their all into a Carson candidacy. It's really true what the doc says; his experience in the operating theater is a tremendous benefit as a precursor to the rigors of a Presidential administration. Carson has lived that life, walked that line. Most importantly; and you can take this one to the bank; Carson is a natural borne leader of men and women...what more does any President rely upon more? Ask Eisenhower; he was the last Non-Politico President we elected...two weeks after my birth. And Eisenhower is known today by Presidential historians as one of our greatest and most effective Presidents of all time.
1
Painting Carson as hard right is stretching it.
As for success, he's been more successful in a non political career than Obama could ever dream of being.
Something about a presidential candidate that believes in our rights, our freedom of choice and free will, conservative fiscally, yet, quite aware of the needs of society, yet, knowing the difference between helping someone and becoming their caretaker.
I think the left will do everything they can to bash the good Republican candidates in the hopes of pushing the candidate of the Republicans to people like Cruz and Bush, including writers for this newspaper.
As for success, he's been more successful in a non political career than Obama could ever dream of being.
Something about a presidential candidate that believes in our rights, our freedom of choice and free will, conservative fiscally, yet, quite aware of the needs of society, yet, knowing the difference between helping someone and becoming their caretaker.
I think the left will do everything they can to bash the good Republican candidates in the hopes of pushing the candidate of the Republicans to people like Cruz and Bush, including writers for this newspaper.
3
Sure unless you want the right to marry the person you love or the right to make your own medical decisions.
Prior to entering political office, President Obama was doing work that he liked and was good at. Most people would consider that successful but of course Republicans measure everything by currency.
Prior to entering political office, President Obama was doing work that he liked and was good at. Most people would consider that successful but of course Republicans measure everything by currency.
7
I enjoyed doing some of the work I did and was good at it, also. Then I went and earned a degree and did work that required skill and thinking.
Obama was good at the first part, but, none of it prepared him for the second part.
It's easy to talk, hard to walk.
Obama was good at the first part, but, none of it prepared him for the second part.
It's easy to talk, hard to walk.
1
Race and faith aside, the world needs more pediatric neurosurgeons and fewer politicians. It's time for Dr. Carson to start practicing medicine again.
34
News flash; Carson does represent mainstream Republicans. Mainstream Republicans are for theocracy and plutocracy, they are also nativist, pro war, climate change deniers and are not really sure if there is enough physical evidence to support the theory of evolution. Perhaps Mr. Rutenberg did not view the debates among the Republican candidates in 2012, perhaps he didn't catch the 47 Senators who tried to block a nuclear arms agreement. Perhaps he hasn't paid attention to the legislation the House has voted for over and over on women's health and pay and immigration and so on. These are the leaders the Republican voters put in office by wide margins.
74
I find it odd that you feel Republicans are supposed to do what the Democrats want.
1
It would be a refreshing change if the Republicans did anything that a rational person would want - but that's not their base.
9
The difference between the Ben Carson right wing of the Republican party and the so called "mainstream" wing is miniscule. They are both off the rails.
21
I was trying to figure out what the point of these puff pieces of politicians are. In this case, there's nothing of substance in the Times article that a reader couldn't have gleaned for herself from other on line sources. The reporter's access is never used to pose a substantive question. I've decided the point is to sell the narrative that the Republican party is divided, that the insignificant stylistic differences represent policy differences. And also perhaps to sell the idea that political reporting is supposed to resemble sports reporting, to pretend that issues have no real consequence.
The Ben Carson problem will be solved by GOP power brokers. Simple.
8
Classic example of the old Peter Principle: he has "risen" to his level of incompetence. As a physician myself for over 4 decades and a fan of good and great doctors, I'm appalled that some of our lot have abandoned their good sense and compassion like this=--and there are a couple more out there in the public light just as embarassing.
34
Couple of more?? See leadership of AMA and most Physician colleges and societies.
Stop Ben Carson? Absolutely not. The more voters see how willfully ignorant, hateful, divisive, homophobic and bigoted the true face of the GOP is, the less likely they are to vote for 'em.
My hope is the GOP field is nothing BUT a room full of chatty Ben Carsons who love nothing more than a spotlight and a mic.
My hope is the GOP field is nothing BUT a room full of chatty Ben Carsons who love nothing more than a spotlight and a mic.
155
the republican party is the regressive party. their ideas live in the past and hurt our country when implemented.
they deserve all the problems that befall them.
they deserve all the problems that befall them.
21
I think hiring a press secretary whose role is to make sure people don't know what you really believe, says it all. The powers that control the party want the ultra-conservative vote, but they don't want the baggage those candidates bring with them.
Perhaps Dr. Carson thinks he can thread the needle; give a wink to the far right who know he agrees with them. Have a spokeswoman explain that he is a solid conservative (but not a crazy.) Doesn't seem likely, but it may be entertaining.
Perhaps Dr. Carson thinks he can thread the needle; give a wink to the far right who know he agrees with them. Have a spokeswoman explain that he is a solid conservative (but not a crazy.) Doesn't seem likely, but it may be entertaining.
7
Why is it that Liberals generally catalog anyone who does not agree with the leftist idealogical line of thought as "Crazy" - Particularly Conservatives, yet when it comes to a African American success story as Dr Ben Carson truly is they cannot see due to their own blindness the world as the majority of us see it. Most of us voting for Dr. Carson (If he were to run) and I for one would vote for him would be simply rationalized and written off by the left as guilt ridden bigots that finally have a reason to acknowledge a Black Man even exists. Please stop! For the love of God (If you believe in him) Stop drinking the Kool-Aide and living through your emotional rationalizations.
7
David, it's not about emotions. Carson was a legitimate surgeon whose understanding and appreciation of science only revolves around his particular specialty. That is a sign of narcissism unheard of in the scientific community and that IS crazy!
15
Dr. Carson is not capable of sitting as the POTUS. He is clearly a fine doctor, but POTUS? NO! FDR was not capable of removing an appendix either. Moreover, Carson is a tad full of himself, and more like Clarence Thomas with his smug attitude. Stick to the operating room, Doctor.
11
Carson if elected would be business as usual in Washington, about as non-transformative as President Obama was, and as Hillary Clinton would be. He's just more of "here's the new boss the same as the old boss".
His comment on prison homosexuality was offensive not so much for the free sexual choice aspect of homosexuality for the non-incarcerated, but that he sounded comfortable with prison rape, in the country that is by far the world's greatest jailer of its own people, a country that makes Russia and China look liberal when it comes to criminalizing its own citizens. One doubts men raped in prison by other men chose to be raped, and if our prison system does not protect heterosexual (or homosexual) men from this this male-on-male rape then this is a true crime against the rape victims' collective humanity, despite their being jailed.
His comment on prison homosexuality was offensive not so much for the free sexual choice aspect of homosexuality for the non-incarcerated, but that he sounded comfortable with prison rape, in the country that is by far the world's greatest jailer of its own people, a country that makes Russia and China look liberal when it comes to criminalizing its own citizens. One doubts men raped in prison by other men chose to be raped, and if our prison system does not protect heterosexual (or homosexual) men from this this male-on-male rape then this is a true crime against the rape victims' collective humanity, despite their being jailed.
3
The thing is, some of us do not see Dr. Carson as a "problem," but rather as a "solution." Perhaps we need a non-career politician to get in there and get things done. Ben has been doing a remarkable job so far, and has been gaining steam for running, and I hope that he does run, because I think it's about time we had an average person in that seat. Someone who has come up through the ranks and knows what the average person must deal with on a daily basis. For instance, Ronald Reagan wasn't a career politician, though he did take up politics in his later years, and he did just fine. Personally, I see Ben as a real frontrunner and a breath of fresh air. He is learning a lot as he goes, and has no problem admitting when he makes mistakes (others could take a lesson in that). I think people need to give him a chance, and I also think he should call NM Governor Susana Martinez, and invite her to be his running mate. They would be a great team. As for him possibly being destructive to the nation - I personally don't see how he could be any worse than what we have in place now.
8
The progressive response to any republican candidate reminds me of the "weed theory." The minute any new growth appears, the weed immediately chokes it off at the root.
Dr. Carson has spoken eloquently about the black family. His praise for it has been unique. The way it had survived so much adversity, particularly slavery, and remained intact. That it could not survive liberalism and welfare has been particularly saddening to him.
He would be a big champion of resurrecting the black family structure, just not of blindly throwing government money ("guilt money?") at it. It would be wonderful to see him in some capacity aiding black families.
Dr. Carson has spoken eloquently about the black family. His praise for it has been unique. The way it had survived so much adversity, particularly slavery, and remained intact. That it could not survive liberalism and welfare has been particularly saddening to him.
He would be a big champion of resurrecting the black family structure, just not of blindly throwing government money ("guilt money?") at it. It would be wonderful to see him in some capacity aiding black families.
3
Neither Mr. Carson nor Mr. Reagan were "average persons." Mr. Carson is a very successful surgeon who has lived a privileged life for the past 30 odd years. Mr. Reagan was a highly-paid Hollywood actor and product spokesperson.
They are the definition of elite.
They are the definition of elite.
29
I always wonder how people believe that a non-career politician who knows nothing about the federal bureaucracy, the laws that establish our government and its institutions, who has never worked with a legislative body to get laws passed, and more, can walk into the White House and "get things done." I don't think that's realistic. In fact, it strikes me as fantastical.
145
Democrats prefer their candidates to fit the stereotype or mold. Look at where it gets them. Their candidate is chosen by the elites, a queen with questionable morals. Their field, empty.
Republicans, on the other hand, allow many more types to enter the fray. It makes for a raucous campaign until the serious candidate emerge. It provides endless opportunities for the media to focus on mistakes, endless opportunities for "clown car" jabs.
But the real beauty of this mayhem is that the people get to challenge the elites. Make all the fun you want of it, but that is representative government. Meanwhile, democrats are stuck with whoever is being driven in their elite's limo.
Republicans, on the other hand, allow many more types to enter the fray. It makes for a raucous campaign until the serious candidate emerge. It provides endless opportunities for the media to focus on mistakes, endless opportunities for "clown car" jabs.
But the real beauty of this mayhem is that the people get to challenge the elites. Make all the fun you want of it, but that is representative government. Meanwhile, democrats are stuck with whoever is being driven in their elite's limo.
4
How can you use the word SERIOUS when speaking of a Republican candidate?
11
Welcome:
How can you ask this question and be expected to be taken seriously?
There is no greater blindness than of those who refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of the republican party. To dismiss half the population of the United States That's some serious denial.
How can you ask this question and be expected to be taken seriously?
There is no greater blindness than of those who refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of the republican party. To dismiss half the population of the United States That's some serious denial.
6
Republicans "allow" many more "types" to enter the fray? The truth is, the party has moved so far to the right in recent years that it provides a welcome home for candidates like Carson (and before him, Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, etc.). It's really great that outsiders are involved in the GOP process, alright--until you listen to their bizarre, often toxic rhetoric.
And if you believe that the Republican candidate for president hasn't already been anointed, look at the list of donors lined up behind Jeb Bush. It's all over but the shouting--during their endlessly entertaining debates.
And if you believe that the Republican candidate for president hasn't already been anointed, look at the list of donors lined up behind Jeb Bush. It's all over but the shouting--during their endlessly entertaining debates.
15
Dr Carson clearly has NO information about what "welfare" benefits are, or who can obtain them. Telling an unwed pregnant teen mother that she will be cut off of "welfare" in 5 years would be a great relief to those in NC, where "Work First" will give them only a tiny amount of assistance and a promise (usually not realized) of free childcare while they work at whatever distant and below minimum wage job they can locate, and those benefits last only for TWO years. The idea that teenage pregnancy is encouraged by endless, generous welfare benefits, and the myth of the "welfare queen" should have died with Bill Clinton's welfare reform efforts.
195
When I was growing up in Texas in the 1960s the prevailing Republican myths were people on welfare driving Cadillacs, having air conditioners, and watching color TV.
With the right-wingers ignorance really is bliss. As I continually say about the GOP and Tea-Party, "Why lets facts get in the way when you can just make up your own".
This is depressing. As I have written elsewhere, I used Ben Carson's filmed story in my lab to demonstrate how brains, opportunity and social support (I do believe the Dr. Carson's mother must have received public funds for her hospitalized treatment of depression) as well the fact that he is a healthcare professional, flies in the face of his statements on domestic policy. The fact that an unwed mother from a well-to-family, that apparently did not support her, used public services to feed herself and unborn baby? If the film is correct, Dr. Carson ended up living in a mansion with an expensive room just for practicing his famed eye-hand coordination on his pool table. Excellence in medicine does not translate into understanding the complexities of domestic and foreign policy. Forget color. Barak Obama has shown pragmatism, intelligence and a disciplined mind as well as understanding the demands of understanding and responding to the needs of the disenfranchised or economically challenged among us. It is the journey that should inform us, Dr. Carson, not the destination.
215
And a community organizer possesses these qualifications? Thanks for the morning guffaw.
2
Randy L. - A community organizer helps people come together and find ways to improve their shared environment. I can think of few better qualifications for someone in public service.
14
Are you for real? I guarantee this person has never once looked at his "statements on domestic policy". As for foreign policy, if you actually believe my dog could do any worse than the chaos that is the world today you are absolutely mentally unbalanced and a danger to society. How could anyone possibly do worse than O has done with foreign relations? We are nearly at war with Russia, ISIS is running wild throughout the middle east, we are still at war in Afghanistan, we've virtually destroyed relations with allies like Israel, Poland and Egypt, he's destroyed Libya and Syria. Did I leave anybody out? The horn of Africa anyone? Iranian nuclear power? Do you actually know anything that's going on in the world today?
I don't understand why, just because you are a Christian, you have to swallow the right wing narrative hook, line and sinker. Obama wearing a turban? Please! I really liked Carson as a neurosurgeon, and am surprised at his far-right-wing views on just about everything. The Bible, to me, emphasizes social justice, and shows a special concern for the oppressed, the foreigner, the orphan and the widow, all groups whom suffer under Republican orthodoxy.
325
AMEN!
This man is refreshing is he not? The finest in his chosen field. Came from nothing and rose to the top. Hard to imagine a better image of what personifies the "American dream". As an independent who follows politics rather closely, I find it laughable that some believe you have to be a career politician to serve the people. If you are happy with the professional liars in Congress then you should ignore this man. If you think its time for a legitimate man of the people then i would encourage you to get to know this man and his positions.
34
A man who 'came from nothing' with the assistance of the government in terms of food stamps, who benefited from the public schools that gave him a foundation for later education, who almost certainly paid for that education with scholarships and grants, who may have gotten a hand up from affirmative action admission policies, who practiced at a medical center which receives many millions each year from the government, and who operated on children who were unable to care for themselves--this is the man who preaches slashing government funding for children, for medical care, for education. Just another right wing hypocrite who thinks that he pulled himself up by his own bootstraps with no assistance from anyone but his mother
182
Being a great plumber doesn't make one a great electrician (for example).....and being a great neurosurgeon, similarly, has nothing whatsoever with the skills and temperament to be a good president. All you need to do is listen to Carson for about a minute or two to realize how utterly unsuitable he is to be President of a pluralistic nation. And "legitimate man of the people"? What the heck is that supposed to mean? The way you use the phrase "the people" is a perfect example of what's wrong with your side of the aisle. "The people" clearly refers to people who think like you.......and decidedly not to people who think like I do.
54
Too bad he doesn't believe in science, or in following the Constitution of the United States. But aside from that, how absolutely refreshing!
28
How ironic that a man who performed brilliant, life-enhancing surgery on the brains of children has committed himself to a political movement that is so unabashedly anti-intellectual, anti-science, anti-equal opportunity, and so eagerly mean-spirited. One wonders who preformed surgery not only on Carson's ability to think, but on his soul as well.
394
Don't forget the Republicans' assault on Head Start and school breakfast/lunch programs. They are also anti-children. It is very well known that proper nutrition is vital for proper brain development in the young and that many children in the lower economic strata depend on that one- or two-meal school program to get anything close to a balanced or healthy diet. Somewhat ironic given Dr. Carson is a pediatric neurosurgeon.
23
There is no actual "irony" presented here. He is and always was far right wing with a heavy dose of religiosity.
7
Because he disagrees with you?
Maybe folks should ponder this...
This guy is smart, successful, accomplished, etc... and he thinks this way...why?
Before immediately going to, he thinks different than me, and that makes him wrong.
Maybe folks should ponder this...
This guy is smart, successful, accomplished, etc... and he thinks this way...why?
Before immediately going to, he thinks different than me, and that makes him wrong.
3
Dr. Carson is a remarkable surgeon. His history of where he came from, and how he became so successful in his profession is a true American story. He reminds me of Herman Cain, a clown in a business suit. A course the right-wing will embrace him, he's another token, only more successful than Herman Cain.
54
"Earlier this year he admitted to Buzzfeed that portions of the book were lifted directly from several sources without proper attribution." Yup, just another strident. self-absorbed, ego-driven conservative trying to impose his personal moral agenda upon everyone else while ignoring his own issues - like lying and plagiarism. By all means Ben, please stay the course ... it's the absolute best thing for the nation [sarcasm].
164
I was also struck by the casual mention that Mr. Carson had recently admitted to plagiarism. Obviously being rich & successful makes destroys your morals and makes you dependent on others.
What about the fact that Carson has[had] prostate cancer? Does that not enter into the conversation about fitness?
3
almost all men get it eventually and many forms are very slow to develop and you end up dying from other things.
5
We had great respect for Carson during the last century. His efforts with the poor, educational opportunity, health care and others were great role models. We had great hopes for him to run for public office someday. This century, he seems opposed to those very efforts to help the poor and supports everything that is wrong about the Republican party. Our respect for him has declined to near zero. Perhaps he has retained his skill as a surgeon. As a politician and a person, not so much.
241
Tom, I respect your opinions but that is the crux of the Democrat vs. Republican poverty debate isn't it? how to best help the Poor? Many approach the problem with the view that our safety nets should not become so generous that they disincentive individuals thereby creating hammocks. Wealth creators and job creators already pay half the taxes while poor pay nothing, we all drive on the roads benefit from government services, all should pay. Dr. Carson has lived the life of self-discipline and perseverance. He is not corrupted by those who are already in politics and has demonstrated over and over his philanthropy to others less fortunate. Why don't you check out www.runbenrun.org to further your education of the man that will be president, I am sure that if you read it straight from the source you will have a better grasp of the man and his positions.
1
Have actually heard him speak in person and articulate his positions. That is the basis for our opinion.
7
Joe, correction. That is the basis of our change in our opinion of him over the years.
8
By all accounts, Dr. Carson performed remarkable and admirable work at Johns Hopkins. The fact that he was a successful surgeon, however, should not distract people from his terribly offensive and ignorant political commentary. The GOP *should* be haunted by the political ghost of Herman Cain, one of the least respectable people to try for the presidency in decades, and it would do well simply to ignore Dr. Carson, no matter how often he shows up on cable news shows or even network news broadcasts. He is not a serious candidate; he doesn't understand how the government works. Dr. Carson is a compelling personality, but his ideas and policy proposals would prove profoundly destructive to the nation if he ever had the chance to put any of them into practice.
333
Matt Guest@ Well said.... He is considered the antithesis of Pres. Obama, just as Herman Cain.
Moreover both have allowed themselves to appear foolish and pedestrian, notwithstanding their personal careers. Neither are qualified and nothing but "shills" for the conservative environment....
Moreover both have allowed themselves to appear foolish and pedestrian, notwithstanding their personal careers. Neither are qualified and nothing but "shills" for the conservative environment....
19
Dr. Carson is in fact a remarkable and admirable person as evidence by his career and track record at Johns Hopkins along with his accomplishments. The "political class" has NOT served this country well by any measure (national debt, foreign engagement fiascos, collusion with dishonest and manipulative reporting of news, etc. etc. etc.) The "political correctness" litmus test that the "political class" seems to always want to impose on outsiders is just a thinly vieled disguise for keeping power to themselves.
Here is a better idea: let the American people decide! if the man says that (a) he is not for the redefinition of marriage (1 male + 1 female), or if the man says that (b) a simple proportional tax is most consistent with Christian values, or if the man says that (c) a government-sponsored and mandated-penalty-enforced healthcare system is one of the worst things policy-wise for our nation - - - granted all three may be considered by the "elite political classes" to be "politically incorrect" but rather than use the apparatus of the main-stream media and related sycophants to discredit a truly accomplished man, why not let the man speak and the America people decide for themselves?
Here is a better idea: let the American people decide! if the man says that (a) he is not for the redefinition of marriage (1 male + 1 female), or if the man says that (b) a simple proportional tax is most consistent with Christian values, or if the man says that (c) a government-sponsored and mandated-penalty-enforced healthcare system is one of the worst things policy-wise for our nation - - - granted all three may be considered by the "elite political classes" to be "politically incorrect" but rather than use the apparatus of the main-stream media and related sycophants to discredit a truly accomplished man, why not let the man speak and the America people decide for themselves?
7
Matt I disagree, the founders set up this nation so the people could rule themselves precisely because they were not so removed from what it takes to live day to day. Those currently in career political positions that pay exorbitant amounts of your tax payer money have no idea what the middle class and poor must do to survive. It is the genius of the founders that wanted limits on terms in office precisely so that the common man had a grasp on the issues. For this reason Dr. Cason is perfect for the position.
4