The Context
Upon dropping out of the presidential contest, Ben Carson endorsed Donald Trump --- despite being compared to a pedophile by the billionaire real estate mogul only weeks ago. In a recent interview, Carson revealed some details that emerged after having a long talk with Trump. Carson said not only will he have a role in a Trump administration, but Trump doesn’t really believe all of the hardline positions he espouses.
He Said What?
Ben Carson may have caught on as a presidential hopeful as a political outsider, but he may wish he had a little more politician in him now as he stumps for Trump. In a recent interview, he spilled the beans about his role in a Trump administration and tried to pull back on his announcement almost immediately.
Listen to Glenn's discussion from radio below. Start around the 11:30 mark.
Here is an excerpt of the Carson interview:
BEN: Now, I do believe --- and certainly --- in my discussions with Donald Trump, he does love America. And he does want to be successful. And he will surround himself with very good people.
Q: And will one of them be Dr. Ben Carson?
BEN: I will be doing things as well, yes.
Q: In the administration?
BEN: Certainly in an advisory capacity.
Q: That's been determined? When you sat down with him, that was discussed?
BEN: Yes.
Q: And you want to tell us, would it be advisory towards medicine? Towards education?
BEN: Well, you know, we haven't hammered out all the details. But it is very important, you know, that we work together to save this country.
Q: And is it a cabinet position, sir?
BEN: Again, I'm not going to reveal any details about it right now.
The meaning of this revelation was not lost on Glenn.
"Unbelievable," Glenn said on his radio program Tuesday. "So anybody who said that he was bought --- he was bought. He was just bought."
Facebook Revolt
The outsider revolution of this election is based in large part on a feeling of betrayal. The people of America and the Republican Party are tired of the way Washington has been run and are running to candidates they feel can effect change. Carson’s shocking endorsement of Trump only heightened the feeling of betrayal among many of his supporters.
Glenn read a some of the posts former Carson supporters left on the candidate's Facebook page following his endorsement of Trump. Here is a sampling.
Dr. Ben Carson, I'm 51 years old. And for the first time in my life, I contributed to a campaign. I did it prayerfully and with regard of your integrity, love of country, intelligence, love of people, and other most admirable gifts and traits, but mostly because of your sincerest expression and testimony of faith in our Lord. I must say, when you align yourself with Donald Trump as president, I find it most disturbing, as well as concerning of, where is your position before God Almighty?
- Norma
While I have supported Dr. Ben Carson since the beginning, I use your own words, Doctor: I have, quote, examined the Trump fruits, end quote. Have you?
- TJ
I have officially lost respect for you, Dr. Carson. We supported your candidacy since day one, both financially and as volunteers through your super PAC. Donald Trump is a disgrace of a candidate. A liar, a cheat, a progressive in disguise, and a man whose morals we cannot agree with.
- Valerie
I trusted you, Dr. Carson, as if you were a man of integrity. You let me down. Donald Trump brings the worst out in our nation.
- Sylvia
Glenn had a strong admonition for Dr. Carson about his backing of Trump.
“This goes on and on for page after page after page. I'm telling you right now. You are going to find yourself in the dustbin of history,” Glenn said.
The Chameleon
The other revealing thing Ben Carson has said about his endorsement is Trump doesn’t really believe all those hardline positions he uses to rile up his crowds. Cohost Pat Gray spoke about another interview Carson did, this one with The Hill.
“He's said some amazing things since he's endorsed Trump, but the most amazing thing is what he said to The Hill," Pat said. "And he says, 'I needed to know that he could listen to other people, that he could change his opinions, and that some of the more outlandish things that he's said, that he didn't really believe those things.' And so that's obviously what he found out, is that Donald Trump like he has told us many times is a chameleon. I'll change whenever I need to."
Common Sense Bottom Line
Obviously Dr. Carson has not forgiven Ted Cruz about their kerfuffle in Iowa, despite having said he had. So it stands to reason Cruz would not get Carson’s endorsement. As a man of integrity, however, it also stands to reason he would not and could not endorse Donald Trump.
You don’t have to know Common Core to do this math. Ben Carson’s endorsement was bought and paid for by the billionaire, Donald Trump. Hopefully the good doctor will find a way to sleep at night.
Featured Image: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump walks with former presidential candidate Ben Carson before he receives his endorsement at the Mar-A-Lago Club on March 11, 2016 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)