Why isn't Ben Carson leading the Republican race?

2016-02-19T15:14:45-05:00

I want to know your thoughts on this. I have heard plenty of other people complain about career politicians, yet most of the politicians in the race have more points in the surveys. He is a common sense type of guy and I haven't heard him say anything yet that I disagree with.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 19 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-02-19T15:22:40-05:00

Ben can't pronounce Hamas, as smart as he is, he's not well versed in government matters (items his team could've briefed him on), and his "team" is failing him. It's been well documented how much infighting there is inside his "house", and until recently he took action to fix it. I think the damage has been done for him, and while he might carry some folks, he won't carry enough to where he'd be a factor anymore.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 3:33 PM

2016-02-19T15:33:36-05:00

Lack of any major political experience is my only thought. He's a great person, very moral and doesn't lie for votes. But that doesn't always win people over. (Even though he has more likes on Facebook than any other candidate from either party, by a lot)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 3:40 PM

2016-02-19T15:40:45-05:00

I think he's too out in left field with his Joseph built the pyramids nonsense.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Feb 19 at 2016 3:43 PM

2016-02-19T15:43:15-05:00

Because he is grossly unqualified.

Walt

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 19 at 2016 3:46 PM

2016-02-19T15:46:43-05:00

Reasons....

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 19 at 2016 3:52 PM

2016-02-19T15:52:53-05:00

This is not intended to be a knock on Dr. Carson, but "Energy." (just an assessment)

Psychologically, it is much easier to get behind someone with Energy than someone who is "Calm."

Response by MSgt Raymond Hickey made Feb 19 at 2016 4:08 PM

2016-02-19T16:08:30-05:00

Easy answere, politics is a blood sport and Ben is not a warrior. He a very moral and intelligent individual, but morality and intelligence are not the standards with which we elect our "elected officials" just check out the people running from both parties and you should be able to see the difference...

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 19 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-02-19T16:14:25-05:00

Why isn't Ben Carson leading the Republican race? Don't you mean why is Ben Carson still in the race?? I am not a political guru but I just think Dr Ben Carson is way out of his league in this Republican race. I was not at all impressed with his performance in the few debates I saw recently or his interviews on TV. To put it simply Dr Ben Carson is NOT Presidential and I mean no disrespect towards him.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 4:17 PM

2016-02-19T16:17:35-05:00

SGT Benjamin Lindsey Because he is running on his personal narrative and demeanor and not on his thoughts about the issues and his policy proposals are vague.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Feb 19 at 2016 4:22 PM

2016-02-19T16:22:26-05:00

Most of his problems came from his debate performances, especially on national security.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Feb 19 at 2016 4:41 PM

2016-02-19T16:41:59-05:00

He's smart...but too soft spoken.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 19 at 2016 4:51 PM

2016-02-19T16:51:57-05:00

Although he appears to be the most decent person I've ever seen vie for political office and extremely talented as a surgeon, I see no leadership qualities whatsoever. Sure he can learn all that he would need to know about the world and diplomacy. He could learn the mechanics of a government administration. But could he lead them? Have you watched Ben Carson deliver a speech? Participate in a debate? He can barely look anyone in the eye and has no ability to connect to viewers through the camera. Honestly, I feel that I'm doing him a favor by not supporting his candidacy. Serving in any political office might very well destroy all that we like about him. I've seen it happen to lesser people.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 4:53 PM

2016-02-19T16:53:57-05:00

SGT Benjamin Lindsey As someone who has been more or less campaigning for him through the 2016 Committee for 3 years (Volunteer MN State Coordinator for 1), I can tell you it is a combination of several things.

1. There was a calculated and manipulated attempt to attack the public perception of him as honest, when polls showed this was his most favored attribute by voters (back around Sept-15). They released a series of false attacks intentionally directed to throw question into his honesty, and though all were disproved, it left some questioning him. Examples of these attacks: Claims that his childhood story of overcoming violence in his youth by turning to God was false, claims that he did not get offered a scholarship to West Point as was claimed, claims that his claim of being a victim of a prank in a psychology class was false, etc. I could go on forever on these attacks, all of which, if you are interested I have the proof are false.

2. There was also a calculated attempt to mischaracterize him to the public as a lunatic. This started with pulling up decades old discussions he had with a coworker about how the Egyptians could have stored grain during the plagues and has continued throughout this cycle. This was done in conjunction with sidelining him at the debates, marginalizing him (or completely ignoring him) in media discussion, etc. to prevent him from correcting the false perception. Examples of this include when he mentioned the threat of an EMP attack at the Iowa GOP debate, and they took a 6 second clip and broadcast it with headlines such as "Dr. Carson Has a Movie Idea Call Hollywood: GOP Debate" and "Did Dr. Carson Just Watch Goldeneye". You will notice, that Ted Cruz brought up the very same issue in the last debate... Did you see any critical headlines? That's because they have been trying to paint him as completely ignorant in Foreign Affairs, and will continue to do so, despite his Campaign Chairman being MG Robert Dees, and the fact that he has well thought out and organized plans laid out in writing on his goals for ISIS, Russia, etc. (All available at http://www.bencarson.com/issues)

3. They falsely characterized his campaign as being in shambles, and falling apart around him. I'm sure you've heard the rumors about his campaign staff leaving. The reality is, Dr. Carson was struggling in the debate setting, and was constantly being put in situations that allowed the media to paint him in a false light. He was being held back by Barry Bennett and his Communications Director who were putting him in these situations and Barry Bennett was trying to politicize him, and was telling him to act passively in the debates, and was essentially being detrimental to the campaign. This is why Dr. Carson chose to restructure his team, and fill positions with people who were wanting to take the campaign in the same direction. Barry Bennett was essentially given the save face option of resigning rather than being fired, and took it like an immature child. You may have also heard about "half of Dr. Carson's New Hampshire team leaving to go to Cruz Campaign". The reality, is one, this was not Dr. Carson's campaign, it was our organization (the 2016 Committee) and it was 5 people. One of which had been told he was not allowed to continue representing himself as part of our organization because he was supporting Cruz pretty much the whole time, and was consistently attacking Dr. Carson publicly. He did his best, and managed to convince others to leave with him (they were unpaid low-level volunteers not staff). Then I am sure you've also heard that Dr. Carson's campaign underwent more "cuts" following Iowa. The reality here is that Iowa was of major importance, and had its own designated staff. They were hired on contract to work through the Iowa caucus, they weren't cut, their contracts expired and were not renewed. This goes along with my next rumor, that Dr. Carson is out of money (the media's reason for the 'cuts'). The reality is, that Dr. Carson's campaign has since its inception raised more money from more individual donors than all of the other campaigns. In fact, the campaign just released about a week ago, that they have nearly $47M cash on hand. What I am getting at here, is there was a calculated effort to push the inexperienced message to the voters. They are trying to paint his campaign as struggling to survive, and barely holding on, therefore not able to win.

Which is another message being pushed. That he only got 4th in Iowa and 8th in NH and that he should drop out. They are trying to paint him out as the candidate splitting the vote who will make Trump win. I'm not going to get into the unreliable results of the Iowa Caucus, but SC has more delegates than both Iowa and NH combined, and the winner of SC will effectively take the lead in delegates. Dr. Carson has a ton of support in SC, which is where he focused his time knowing he would poll poorly in NH. He has the endorsement of Alveada King, and they are effectively reaching out to the Southern Black Democrats, who are not being included in any of the polling that is represented in the media. This is why our own internal polling (which is completely random phone polling that includes these segments of the population) has Dr. Carson bouncing between 1st and 2nd place in SC.

Bottom line: It's because the media, the establishment, and the other candidates have been successful in creating a new Dr. Carson, and selling that person to the public, while marginalizing the real one and preventing him from disproving that perception. This has resulted in a lot of voters turning to their second candidates. Also, much of Dr. Carson's support comes from disaffected voters, democrats left behind in the push to Socialism, libertarians, and other groups that are not included in the polling results (which typically only include past caucus goers and registered republicans) shared by the media.

Sorry for the length of my post...

Respectfully,
Isaac Jensen

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 4:55 PM

2016-02-19T16:55:05-05:00

Because of the Tempo of the political race. If the political race and the interaction between people , reporters. All , any thing & every thing viewed by way of a T.V. while the candidates sat there like smart people. You know smart talking and refined. You would see John Kashick & Doctor Carson rise up fast. I listen to both of them and they convey a LOVE of GOD & Country. A common decency and respect for the American people and our way of life. That you can feel. I felt it when old Doc-Carson presented himself on Staten Island 2 months ago. I live on Staten Island so I went and listen to the man in person. He was great. * But as a show case man like TRUMP. Neither of the men I just mention can stand the test. Trump has an aura about himself like a Clint Eastwood. So in a large venue like a sports arena Mr.Trump goes in and starts to get the people excited and they feel it. It really means nothing. Has no connection as to weather he can make a great President , but that's where we stand.

Response by Sgt Mark Ramos made Feb 19 at 2016 5:00 PM

2016-02-19T17:00:57-05:00

I think he isn't gaining traction for the same reason that Trump is winning. People who are dissatisfied with President Obama's style want strength. They dislike the timidity of Obama's style on the world stage and want to see the opposite. Ben Carson has a meek style that doesn't fit the bill. They like the bluster and over the top confidence of Trump. Unfortunately overconfidence and lack of humility is a terrible combination for a leader.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-02-19T17:08:29-05:00

Maybe because of Egyptian grain storage bins in the Giza Pyramids

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 5:41 PM

2016-02-19T17:41:08-05:00

SGT Benjamin Lindsey He is a really good guy bur the good ole GOP umdermimes peoplr they do not like. Liberals are happy and have to do less work.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-02-19T18:39:30-05:00

Because an insane percentage of Americans can't see the forest for the trees. They want campaign gimmicks and false promises, instead of decency, humility, and unqualified truthfulness.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 19 at 2016 6:42 PM

2016-02-19T18:42:45-05:00

There's a difference between agreeing with what someone says and connecting with him/her. For the most part, people don't connect with him because they just can't figure him out or figure out how to relate to him. He's that odd occurrence of a jewel that can only be appreciated close up and over time. The general public won't spend the time to do either. In elections, candidates are pushing to capture the "herd mentality". Dr. Carson wants you to look at things intellectually. The herders want you to emotionally go. And the polls confirm, it's the herd that wins.

Response by PO2 Floyd Fowler made Feb 19 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-02-19T18:56:28-05:00

Think he comes off as to soft spoken. However, I do agree with him.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Feb 19 at 2016 6:57 PM

2016-02-19T18:57:23-05:00

He's seems nice enough, but he's a low energy political outsider with few BIG MONEY Donors (as in Billionaires) backing him. He's also made a couple of well publicized mistakes, when answering media "gotcha" type questions, from which he has failed to recover. While he's both very intelligent and highly educated, his education and work experience (medicine/surgery) do not translate well into political mover/shaker, deal maker, global strategist, and Commander in Chief.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Feb 19 at 2016 7:12 PM

2016-02-19T19:12:58-05:00

Right now I believe the masses are drawn to an anti establishment candidate and a bombastic one just stands out. I think Rubio or Trump will win the primary, but lose to Sanders. The demographics have changed to the point that more entitled voters exist than hard workers and the hard workers are split.

Response by Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce made Feb 19 at 2016 11:54 PM

2016-02-19T23:54:06-05:00

I'm very glad to see support for Dr Carson here on RP. I have been a supporter since November. Long before I ever made any contributions I followed him and was one of many people to ask him to run.

Our country is in such bad shape from the gross mismanagement of the current Administration, as well as some partisan mis-steps from the last several Administration's. Voters that want to see REAL change in our economy, foreign policy, education and health care...etc SHOULD want to vote for Dr Carson.

He's considered a Washington outsider, which is exactly what we need! The career politions in the race most likely have their own agendas and special interest groups lining their pockets.

I don't understand why the voters are buying the message the media and other politicians are spouting against Dr Carson. His policies are sound, but would rock the boat in Washington if he is elected.

I'm sure Donald Trump has his own cronies that would try to influence his decisions too. I would like to point out when Dr Carson stopped into Pensacola, Panama City and Tallahassee on his book tour, he packed out the huge BooksAmillions, (people stood in line for 3 and 4 hours) That says alot since there are two other candidates from Florida.

The last point I want to make is the people that made fun of Dr Carson for his statements about Egypt storing grain in Pyramids for use during draughts need to read about Joseph in the Bible. Why is this notion so far fetched? My suggestion to all of you is do your homework on this man, read one of his books and maybe watch the movie Dave.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 1:25 AM

2016-02-20T01:25:27-05:00

Ben Carson is not leading the Republican race because he sucks as a candidate.
His life story is compelling.
I believe that he is a good man.
Undoubtedly, he has done yeoman's work as a neurosurgeon.
But he does not seem even interested in the campaign that he has set out on. His understated demeanor does not draw attention in a crowded republican field.
I wish he could articulate better his views on how he would better set policy than his rivals, but I have been watching closely, and I have not seen it.

In fairness, he isn't the only candidate who hasn't done a good job putting forth how he would do a better job because he's going to do X, but when you speak in generalities quietly, it is hard to garner support.

Response by SSG William Rhodes made Feb 20 at 2016 2:18 AM

2016-02-20T02:18:46-05:00

That's because the media is in love with a candidate that dodge the draft!!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2016 4:05 AM

2016-02-20T04:05:11-05:00

He is a well intentioned man but at the wrong time. People are to hung up on this Trump thing!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 20 at 2016 4:11 AM

2016-02-20T04:11:54-05:00

Good question. He is consistently the adult in the room.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 20 at 2016 11:02 AM

2016-02-20T11:02:02-05:00

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/may/04/ben-carson-malpractice-claims-doctor-for-president

Ben Carson's patients claim malpractice in star doctor's path to politics

As former neurosurgeon launches campaign for president on public persona of caring for children, multiple cases reveal private anguish and secret settlements

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 20 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-02-20T12:54:23-05:00

I like Ben Carson, I may vote for him in the primary, but I like Kasich more. I think Kasich can and will balance the budget even with a divided government. I have seen him do this in Ohio.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Feb 20 at 2016 4:58 PM

2016-02-20T16:58:31-05:00

I like Carson but his demeanor comes off weak. He is soft spoken and appears timid. I myself am looking for a strong leader to lead us into the future and Carson doesn't project that strength that I am looking for.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Feb 22 at 2016 1:30 AM

2016-02-22T01:30:46-05:00

I was on board with Carson for a while early on but then I started paying more attention to what he was saying.

He in the past said he believed the pyramids were grain storage but I'll look past that.

Then he started talking about how he had proof that China was aiding ISIS and apparently it was intel that only he and his people had. Intel that President Obama and his intelligence geniuses didn't have some how because you know, it just magically slipped past the governments best intel agents and ended up in the hands of a surgeon.

Then while he was talking about manning in the military he brought up that the Air Force is at it's lowest manning since 1940. We haven't existed since 1940, our birthday is 1947. Now one can argue he was looking back into the Army Air Corps too but even still, you can't compare now to back then to formulate any type of argument about our modern manning levels.

Over all although he seemed great at first, soft spoken, humble, etc, he now seems like he's completely clueless to the real world. I am literally waiting for him to say he believes the Earth is flat next, it would just be the icing on the cake.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2016 7:18 AM

2016-02-22T07:18:07-05:00

inexperience, failure to show the ability to handle crisis, tame and soft speaking ...

the killing punch is ... revenge votes ... voters are just angry ... and want someone to SHOW some anger ...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2016 11:07 AM

2016-03-12T11:07:31-05:00

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member had a great response below, but I'd like to add that our political process doesn't support the best candidate for the job. It supports the one who can produce the best sound bites and photo ops.

You don't have to look far at all to find examples of how broken our process is. There's a topic now asking, "Would Dr. Ben Carson be an EFFECTIVE Commander-in-Chief?" What do we want, someone who can be George Washington, or someone who can choose advisors, listen to them, and make good decisions?

I do think that Rubio-Carson would be a winning ticket for the Reps. Cruz-Kasich would be almost as good.