Ben Carson Says 'Likelihood Is Strong' That He Will Run for President in 2016
Celebrated neurosurgeon and conservative darling Ben Carson declared Monday that the "likelihood is strong" that he will make a presidential run in 2016.
Carson told conservative commentator Hugh Hewiitt on "The Hugh Hewitt Show" that if he sees strong support for his candidacy, he will give it his all to win the Republican nomination and the presidential election.
"I know you like debating. And so, the question arises: Will we be seeing you on the presidential debate circuit next year that the Republicans are organizing for those who want the nomination of the party?" Hewitt asked Carson during the interview.
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Carson replied: "I think the chances are reasonably good of that happening. I'm waiting for a few more months. I want to make sure that it's clearly something my fellow Americans want me to do. And I'm also waiting to see what the results are in November, because if the people indicate that they truly do want a nation that is for, of and by the people, then I, along with many other people, would be willing to give it everything we possibly have."
The Christian Post reported last month that the 62-year-old Republican has formed a political action committee under the name of One Nation which will act as a tool to provide campaign funding for Carson and other like-minded congressional candidates. Carson selected Houston business tycoon Terry Giles to run the PAC. Giles could be his campaign manager should he decide to run.
When asked if he felt like he had the experience to go up against more seasoned politicians like Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Carson quipped: "I've been talking all of my life. And I will continue to talk. You know, I will never be a politician. I will tell you that right off the bat."
Carson then reiterated that he will not be making an official announcement on his final decision until May 2015, and insists the timeline will not be too late.
"I have a lot of consultants. One of the things I've learned is you need to talk to a lot of people. The Bible says in the multitude of consulars is safety, and you look at historical things, and you make sure you have all your I's dotted and your T's crossed, and we're doing that," Carson asserted.
"Unless the American people indicate in November that they like big government intervention in every part of their lives, I think the likelihood is strong [I will run for president]," he said.
When asked who he believes will be his base supporters, Carson said: "I hope it's going to be that individual who loves America, who understands that we should place the Constitution on the top shelf, that we should not pick and choose who the winners and losers are in our society, and that we shouldn't pick and choose which laws we want to enforce, and those people who understand that the person who has the most to do with what happens to you in life is you."
