Good post.
I think his major problem was not doing a stint at lower office (governor, congress) first to help make the transition.
My personal opinion is that because of his accomplishments and mainly because of his good character, people came to Carson to urge him to run after that Prayer Breakfast when he upbraided Obama to his face. They raised funds, organized and urged him on. He took it as far as he determined he could stay viable, and was graceful throughout. That other freeper’s suggestion that he is “just looking for a job” deserved a rebuttal, since he is so well off from his previous work, and he and his wife have their foundation, his books, his speaking engagements, and so many other activities, he has no need whatsoever to look for a job; his motivation really is giving back to the nation who gave a guy like him such opportunities in spite of the rough road he had to travel get where he did. I hope he does have a voice in the next admin, since he has so much to give.