The “concede the story was false” is not a quote from the campaign but editorializing by Politico. Let’s stick with the facts and not get sucked in to accepting editorialization as fact.
We have to ask:
1. Is it true Carson said in his book that he was offered a “scholarship” to West Point? That is, did he use the word “scholarship”’there? I don’t know I don’t have his book and I’m not taking Politico’s word for anything.
2. Is it true that West Point doesn’t offer “scholarships” but rather “appointments”? (This much seems true, which makes answering #1 all the more important)
3. Are appointments to WP only offered to those who start the application process first?
4. Is it true that Carson did NOT start the application process to West Point?
If the answer to all these questions are “yes” then he is lying and his campaign is over (or it should be. We aren’t Democrats). We need to get more independent verification than Politico though. That’s all I’m saying. It seems a distressing number of FReepers are willing to take Politico’s word for this. We can’t let them get away with another Herman Cain moment despite how we may feel about Carson. (I’m not a Carson supporter)
Sorry, but it’s going to be hard to editorialise your candidate’s way out of this one. Unless you’re saying that Politico flat out made up the part about Carson’s campaign admitting the story was false, no amount of arguing about “editorialising” is going to change the fact that it was a fabrication.
Yes, he used the words “full scholarship.”
West Point does not offer scholarships. Acceptance is inherently a full ride.
Candidates are first nominated. If the candidate applies and is accepted, the candidate is formally offered an appointment, which is inherently a full ride.
No, Carson did not apply to West Point.
I have his book right here in my hands. On Page 36 it says:
"I was so proud to lead the Memorial Day parade, a heavy cluster of medals and braids on my chest. I got to meet two Vietnam War veterans who had won the Congressional Medal of Honor, as well as Gen. William Westmorland. Later, I was offered a scholarship to West Point, which I eventually turned down. It flattered me, though, and proved that Mother was right all along when she constantly told me I could do anything I set my mind to."