On a recent visit with relatives, Ben Carson was being interviewed on TV. Two people watching quickly volunteered that they will vote for him. I asked one of them why he supported Carson and he said "Because he is a good Christian man". His message definitely resonates with conservative Christians. He is saying what they want to hear and his mild approach fits their idea of a paster or even a Messiah.
Reporters have been looking into his past and some of the events he has described in his books. They have raised questions about the truthfulness of some of his stories he has been telling on the campaign trail. When confronted with some inconsistencies, he has reacted defensively and his campaign staff have refused to discuss any of the questions.
He appears to be living a pretty lavish lifestyle while on the road and has collected many millions of dollars in donations. However, he has spent more than half of it on direct mailings to get more money.
Over the last couple of weeks he has spent his time on a "book tour" instead of actually campaigning. Some have suggested that he is not really running for President, but using the process to sell books and make money.
Because he comes across as soft spoken with a solid conservative message, the evangelicals and others have flocked to him. These folks see the country as an increasingly secular society that does not share their "values" and he gives them hope that as President he would turn things around. Meanwhile they are pouring money into his campaign.
Is Ben Carson a gift from God sent to "open the door" for the religious to rule or is he just a soft spoken Elmer Gantry?
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