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HE’S AN ACTUAL brain surgeon – and he’s hoping to make it to the White House in 2016.
But if you’ve heard of Ben Carson at all – chances are it’s as a result of one of his (many) controversial comments that made the headlines in the US, and were picked up globally.
There was the time, for instance, that he described Barack Obama’s health care plan as “the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery”.
You may also recall this – from back in January:
And, of course…
The now-retired doctor has long been linked with a presidential bid – but only threw his hat in the ring this week, in what’s been a busy few days for new additions to the Republican race.
And – say what you like about it, his announcement certainly wasn’t dull.
High points included:
A gospel choir singing Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’…
A second vocal group – just for back-up…
His wife, Candy, playing the violin…
And some typically headline-grabbing quotes, like…
I don’t want to be a politician.
Who is he?
Carson is aiming to become the first African-American to win the Republican nomination – but his positions have led to arguments that he might be a little too extreme to land the final nod.
The 63-year-old became director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in 1984. He has no political pedigree – but says his doctoral “experience in solving problems” would help him in the Oval Office.
He first entered the US political consciousness two years ago with a National Prayer Breakfast speech criticising President Barack Obama’s policies, in front of Obama himself.
That same year, he had to withdraw as graduation speaker at Johns Hopkins University after protests by students concerned about his controversial comments on homosexuality (he had mentioned bestiality and pedophilia while arguing against gay marriage).
He was later hired as a contributor for Fox News.
His odds of success?
A “long shot” is the general assessment of US commentators. However, according to the Wall Street Journal, “with up to 20 possible candidates in the race it will take a small plurality to win early states where polling shows Mr. Carson already has substantial support”.
Whatever happens on the (long) road to the White House – his entry to the race has certainly livened things up.
Just ask Jon Stewart…
Wow, such an important & thought provoking article.
@Chutes Idiot: troll with no life trolls man enjoying life….
@Clare Power: we all know your backstory brens….but how’s it panning out for u?
More billy billy bullishit with these stories!!
@Lance Taylor: reminded me of one of those very ‘rare’ kamila harris interviews….. meaningless juvenile ramblings from the woke leftie brigade
@Chutes Idiot: leftie haha, no idea of ideology
@Brian D’Arcy: these people think democrats and even our own government are left wing ! It could be said that some policies are left wing but that’s it. You can’t argue with them.
@offside again: YAWN!
@offside again: ??” Our own government”…… You’re transmitting on a different article about living in Paris?
@offside again: name a single ‘right wing’ policy.
@Joe Willis: bailing out the banks?
@offside again: There is no “left wing”. There is no “right wing”. It is an illusion. A means to divide and conquer. There are just people, with different opinions on a wide variety of topics. If you want to use terms that are more accurate, you could say “nationalists and globalists” or “collectivists and individualists” but even these do not capture the full spectrum of any one person’s beliefs.
@Chutes Idiot: “Apropos of nothing, let me shoehorn in my usual dreck. You’re welcome.”
@Alan: the banks were bailed out almost 2 decades ago, and that is not a right wing policy. Government interference in money is left wing not right wing. You’re confused god bless you.
@offside again: what constitutes left and right fluctuates over time . In the 19th century nationalism was considered left wing – a minority fighting for rights in a Kingdom or Empire . Right wing types wanted loyalty to the multi – state King and the status quo preserved . Right / left is just a general guide used in a particular time and is not caste in stone . By today’s more or less agreed standards , some of our government’s policies are left wing – on immigration or its embrace of gender mumbo jumbo .
government’s policies are left wing .
Nice article. Saw loads of families enjoying themselves at the local one.
Very well written piece.
How can you be Irish by circumstance and choice ?
@KO: imagine being Irish by … jeez … I dunno … by accident ?
@offside again: like falling put of a passing plane a day before birth ? Or if here on holidays ? Nah, that would not make you Irish as parents would have to be from here ,in your blood and ancestors so how ?
We need more local news and views like this please.
I don’t get it
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