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Ben Carson: Why yes, I have been promised a position in the Trump administration
Hot air ^ | March 15, 2016 | Allahpundit

Posted on 03/15/2016 8:36:57 AM PDT by pilgrim

Via Newsmax, could be merely an advisory position, could be something more. Steve Malzberg asks him at one point in the first clip below if a cabinet position is in the offing. Carson says merely that they’re still working on details. Maybe Secretary of Education?

David Graham wonders: Uh, isn’t this illegal? 18 U.S. Code § 599:

Whoever, being a candidate, directly or indirectly promises or pledges the appointment, or the use of his influence or support for the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

No doubt politicians across the spectrum “purchase” endorsements every day with promises like this, but most of them have the good sense not to admit it publicly. I suppose, if the feds come snooping around wanting to know what the arrangement here is, Carson will insist that he pledged his endorsement to Trump first and was then offered a position. It wasn’t a purchase, see. It was merely an exchange of … gifts. Whatever the excuse, it’s impossible to imagine a prosecution. A Trump/Clinton race would, if nothing else, be a shining illustration that no law can stop rich people from seeking political power.

Caleb Howe notes another bit from this same interview:

CARSON: I have to look at what is practical and what is going to save this country and the American dream for the next generation. Is there another scenario that I would have preferred? Yes. But that scenario isn’t available.

MALZBERG: With one of the other candidates you mean?

CARSON: Yeah.

It takes a special surrogate indeed to all but admit that he’d have preferred to back another candidate. Howe treats that as further evidence that Carson’s support was purchased by Trump. Could be, but I remember reading somewhere recently (can’t find the link, alas) that Trump and Rubio were both quietly competing for Carson’s endorsement behind the scenes. Rubio would have been a better match temperamentally and philosophically, as they’re both soft-spoken and both devout Christians. But Rubio’s campaign is circling the drain; Carson admitted a few days ago that it was pointless to endorse him or Kasich since neither has a path. If Rubio were in a position to win Florida today and revive his campaign, maybe Carson would have gone his way. He isn’t.

Which raises the question: With Rubio and Kasich off the table and Team Carson at odds with Cruz over his “dirty trick” in Iowa, why did Trump offer Carson anything for his endorsement? He was Carson’s only option, by process of elimination. Makes me wonder if Trump’s landed any major endorsement thus far without promising something in return. His most prominent supporter is Chris Christie — and it’s not just Republicans who are wondering about that:

The subject quickly turned to Christie, and Clinton wondered: “Why did he support him?”

Matthews explained that Christie and others who support Trump “want a future” politically.

“Did he have a debt?” Clinton mused.

Matthews added that New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat, “isn’t going anywhere,” which leaves Christie “nowhere” to go in New Jersey politics.

Could be, or it could be that Trump did some sort of favor for Christie in the past and the bill finally came due. Pam Bondi, the attorney general of Florida, endorsed Trump yesterday; as it happens, a PAC she controlled received a $25,000 donation from Trump in 2013, right around the time several victims of Trump University complained to her office about what had happened to them. She didn’t investigate. Huh.

As a Twitter pal said this morning, Trump’s probably promised the VP slot to 15 different people at this point. Here’s Carson talking about his forthcoming role in a Trump administration followed by a second clip of him saying that he thinks Trump will be a good president — but even if he isn’t, we only have to put up with him for four years, right? Maybe Rubio should be glad this guy didn’t endorse him.


TOPICS: News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: gossip; liarposting; speculation
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To: MNJohnnie

You were very quick in your assumation.

No answer to my question?


21 posted on 03/15/2016 8:45:44 AM PDT by pilgrim
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To: pilgrim

The Donald can buy all the supporters he needs.


22 posted on 03/15/2016 8:45:47 AM PDT by blowfish
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To: PGR88

Agreed. D of E needs to be closed down.


23 posted on 03/15/2016 8:46:24 AM PDT by albie
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To: Charles Henrickson

Try actually reading Carson statements. Just another lie by the GOP smear bots.


24 posted on 03/15/2016 8:46:31 AM PDT by MNJohnnie ( Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered)
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To: MNJohnnie

You keep using that word. I don’t think you know what it means...


25 posted on 03/15/2016 8:47:12 AM PDT by gov_bean_ counter (Trump to McCain - "Pass the strawberries".)
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To: pilgrim

Well get use to it. When you make a habit of posting lies, people are going to point out you are lying.


26 posted on 03/15/2016 8:47:21 AM PDT by MNJohnnie ( Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered)
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To: MNJohnnie

I did not write the article and have no dog in this fight or whatever it is called.

I can read the article and make a responsible statement re: what is said.

I am sorry you got offended by someone’s article, but it is what it is.

Take care.........pilgrim


27 posted on 03/15/2016 8:47:52 AM PDT by pilgrim
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To: pilgrim
No quid pro quo here. Politicians don't appoint their opponents to political positions unless they first cease to be their opponents. Actually, I would be surprised if there were not actually an exception in the law for such high-level (non-civil service) appointments.
28 posted on 03/15/2016 8:49:29 AM PDT by Genoa
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To: gov_bean_ counter

Start actually reading the quotes that generate the story not just take the lies published by the “conservative” media as accurate.

Been one of the big eye openers here to see how “Conservative” media is more then willing to ape the tactics of the drive by media.

The Left is scum when they do it, the Right even more scummy when they do it.


29 posted on 03/15/2016 8:49:30 AM PDT by MNJohnnie ( Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered)
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To: pilgrim

Oh my HOW dare anyone point our you are lying.

Don’t like you lies being pointed out, stop lying.


30 posted on 03/15/2016 8:50:29 AM PDT by MNJohnnie ( Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered)
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To: MNJohnnie
deliverately distored

Started drinking early this morning, I see..........

31 posted on 03/15/2016 8:50:38 AM PDT by cowboyway (TEOTWAWKI and I feel fine...........)
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To: MNJohnnie

Liar”

Asked whether he will be one of those people, Carson responded:

“I will be doing things as well … Certainly in an advisory capacity [in Trump’s administration].”

Breaking News at Newsmax.com


32 posted on 03/15/2016 8:52:42 AM PDT by Cyman
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To: cowboyway

No surprise the habitual liars choir is rallying to defend today’s lie.


33 posted on 03/15/2016 8:52:51 AM PDT by MNJohnnie ( Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered)
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To: pilgrim
You mean there's possible political wheeling and dealing going on during a highly contested Presidential election?!

I'm shocked. SHOCKED!

34 posted on 03/15/2016 8:53:12 AM PDT by thefactor (yes, as a matter of fact, i DID only read the excerpt)
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To: Jewbacca
Trump promised Christie the AG spot. Carson? Probably VA or health & human services. Typical political graft.

Hush your mouth you Cruz fangirl!! Trump is a business man and he makes deals!!! That's why we need to appoint him dictator as soon as possible so that he can fix this mess we're in!!! Somebody needs to punch you in the face and carry you out on a stretcher!!!!!!!!!

/sarc

35 posted on 03/15/2016 8:55:32 AM PDT by cowboyway (TEOTWAWKI and I feel fine...........)
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To: MNJohnnie

How about this BIG FAT LIE!!! (cfeo)

“Steve Malzberg asks him at one point in the first clip below if a cabinet position is in the offing. Carson says merely that they’re still working on details.”

Please point to the lie?


36 posted on 03/15/2016 8:55:36 AM PDT by pilgrim
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To: pilgrim

He was also offered a full ride to West Point.


37 posted on 03/15/2016 8:55:44 AM PDT by nitzy (I don't vote for Republican'ts)
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To: gov_bean_ counter

“Wonder what these cats are going to do when they realize he has promised the same position to several people...”

He will treat them just as well as the equity investors in his casinos, buildings, etc.


38 posted on 03/15/2016 8:56:59 AM PDT by Jewbacca (The residents of Iroquois territory may not determine whether Jews may live in Jerusalem)
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To: pilgrim
Shameless liars putting their own spin on this statement. At best it is shamless lying by omission

Carson: I will be doing things as well, yeah.

Malzberg: In the administration.

Carson: Certainly in an advisory capacity.

That not a job promise or anything of the sort. That is the manufactured LIE in today's smear attempt.

39 posted on 03/15/2016 8:57:17 AM PDT by MNJohnnie ( Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered)
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To: nitzy

LOL!!

Is bringing past actions still “verboten”?

Thanks for the reminder. :)


40 posted on 03/15/2016 8:57:44 AM PDT by pilgrim
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