Ben Carson Presidential Campaign One Step Closer to Reality
Dr. Ben Carson, a Washington Times columnist and former head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, told his employer Friday that he was one step closer to launching a 2016 presidential campaign.
According to the Washington Times, the doctor who was the first to successfully separate twins conjoined at the head has launched his own political action committee in anticipation of a possible presidential bid.
“Emerging from two-days of meetings with supporters in Palm Beach, Fla., Dr. Carson told the Times on Friday morning he has selected Houston businessman Terry Giles to be his 2016 campaign chairman should he run and approved the formation of a PAC called One Nation.
“‘Now is the time to start all of the appropriate exploration and investigation, and put down the structure that is necessary,’ Dr. Carson said in a phone interview.
“Asked about the likelihood he will run for president in 2016, Dr. Carson said: ‘I would say we are definitely a step or two closer than we were a year ago.'”
According to National Journal, Carson is well known in conservative political circles for his performance at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast and what some consider inflammatory statements the doctor has made regarding slavery and other issues.
“Carson gained notoriety among conservatives after delivering a fiery speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2013. He has gone on to irk liberals and delight conservatives with, shall we say, his imaginative language. He has said the Affordable Care Act is ‘the worst thing that’s happened in this nation since slavery.'”
National Journal also detailed the background of Giles, an attorney from Texas who has homes in two other countries:
“A multimillionaire, Giles lives in Houston with his wife but also owns houses in France and Mexico. He is also ‘well-versed in crisis management’—a good skill for any political manager to have.
“As the head of Carson’s new PAC, Giles will join an eccentric cast of characters who are already agitating for a Carson 2016 bid. As Marin Cogan wrote in National Journal last month, one of Carson’s main boosters is John Philip Sousa IV, the great-grandson of the famous marching band composer John Philip Sousa.”
While Carson has been a celebrated conservative making his round on the speaking circuit as he drums up speculation about his presidential ambitions, his views do deviate from some Republicans on certain issues, as The Inquisitr noted after Carson said the 2nd Amendment does not protect an American’s right to have a tank or rocket launcher.
Other Republicans said to be considering a run for the White House in 2016 include Texas Gov. Rick Perry, as well as U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky.
[Image via Flickr Creative Commons]
