Posted on 10/27/2015 4:03:32 PM PDT by randita
As polls show Ben Carson catching - and even surpassing - Donald Trump, the brash businessman's attacks against his closest challenger have intensified. His remarks could backfire for being redundant, vague and hypocritical.
While Trump has been known for direct and personal verbal lobs against his opponents in the campaign, this is the first time he has found himself faced with another outsider who has risen above him in some recent key polls. And his strategy so far has yet to have any impact on Carson as the former pediatric neurosurgeon has refused to take the bait.
On MSNBC's Morning Joe Tuesday, Trump was quick to question Carson's appeal, insisting that under scrutiny, it won't continue. A "a lot of things will come out" about Carson's record, Trump said.
Trump challenged Carson's strict anti-abortion position, which Trump said wasn't always the same.
"Ben was pro-abortion not so long ago as everybody has told me," Trump said.
Trump was most likely referring to Carson's tenure as a pediatric neurosurgeon when he referred pregnant patients with genetic abnormalities to doctors who also perform abortions - a decision Carson defends pointing to the importance of "qualified medical supervision."
But the problem with Trump's statement is that his own record is not very consistent. In an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" in 1999, Trump said that while he "hates" the idea of abortion he is "very pro-choice."
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
It’s likely that Carson will win Iowa but it’s very unlikely that Carson will win the nomination. the most likely scenario: he splits the conservative vote for Jeb Bush and drags the process out for Hillary. Trump supporters are not likely going to go to Carson. They will flock to Ted Cruz however (IMHO of course) because if Ben Carson spoils things for Donald Trump, the multitudes of Trump supporters will make Ben Carson persona non grata- a pariah. Carson and his supporters should take a real good look at Rick Santorum’s post Iowa legacy. and Mike Huckabee’s for that matter.
Thanks for the ping and your opinion the Carson’s and Trump’s religions and their respective impacts with the Evanagelicals, presumably in Iowa?
If you’re referencing Iowa, I must repeat the important information I learned from JaneLong today:
Dr. Carson is gifting everyone a copy of his new book at all his book signing’s (i.e. campaign stops/appearances) so please take “the free books” into consideration for his sudden rise in Iowa’s polls.
As in past elections, “it’s the economy stupid,” -— I don’t see this Election 2016 straying much from that theme, and TRUMP is hand’s down, the massive favorite and much preferred and trusted to solve our economic problems.
I’m not at all worried or concerned about Dr. Carson’s national chances.
Dear Conservativejoy,
I am very familiar with the book, “Kingdom of the Cults” and it’s author, Dr. Walter Martin.
In fact, it was his testimony that I based my view upon that the SDA had moved from being a cult to an Evangelical Christian denomination. Dr Martin based his view on their repudiation of denying the Trinity.
However, after my conversation with you, I did some more checking on the SDA today. I did find the SDA’s official statement regarding essential doctrines. Their statement of faith looks very orthodox - but, apparantly the SDA has done some vacillating on some of these doctrines and many Christian theological organizations are now ambivelant about SDA’s orthodoxy. It sounds like many SDA theologians who questioned Ellen White’s claims as a “prophet” and and the church’s non-orthodox doctrines were kicked out of the SDA, or left the church of their own accord.
So, it is sounding like your contention is more accurate than I first thought.
Now, whether or not that disqualifies Ben Carson from being president, I do not know. I don’t have a problem voting for Dr Carson. Thomas Jefferson was exactly orthodox either yet believed in God and in a Christian worldview of right and wrong based on Biblical authority.
But, it does appear that the SDA needs to clarify its position on various Christian doctrinal points.
Flip Ben! Enough bigoted candidates!
Hebrews 4:9-11
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
LOL...not sure if EVERYONE is getting a free copy, but he’s been giving away copies for various fundraisers/stops.
It’s just funny, to me, how he’s on a book tour vs campaigning, at this time in the campaign.
I’ll add to Jane Long’s comments, that “MY” 19, 20, 21, and 25 year old grandchildren have all registered to vote and for only one reason:
MR. DONALD TRUMP!
The almost 16 year old wishes she could vote for Mr. Trump, too.
I never believed Trump would be the nominee from the git-go, and I never believed Ben Carson would even make a ripple effect in the run even though I like them both.
I’ll stick with my conservative choice to the end. Cruz.
Cruz all the way.
Good post.
I will be equally happy with NOMINEE Cruz!
Nobody mentioned religion until Ben brought it up...so maybe he should have shut his mouth, because this is going to hang him....
Carson’s attack on Trump’s faith comes a day after he jabbed his billionaire rival for his proposed immigration policies: building a wall along the U.S.s southern border and deporting millions of undocumented immigrants.
It’s one of trump’s stupider moves. I homeschooled my two sons, and in our homeschool community, my son enjoyed a bit of celebrity, because he was a pat I entered at Hopkins’ Pediatric Neurosurgery - Dr. Carson’s department.
Thanks Onyx. I am committed to accepting fate on this one.
If we move on without a good Conservative in 2017, I’m going to start planning my life off the grid.
IMO, we’re done as a nation if Trump doesn’t get in there and turn this around.
That may sound silly to a lot of folks, but it is what it is.
As I have said, there are a lot of reasonable grounds to attack Carson. Religion isn’t a good one for Trump.
And in attacking him, Trump needs to do so respectfully and keep it to the issues, quite simply because Carson is a likable figure which means that an ad hominem will backfire.
And religion isn’t exactly Trump’s strong suit, so attacks on that basis, as you say, just remind people that its not Trump’s strong suit.
I happen to like Trump, he is my second choice after Cruz. Attacking Carson based on religion is a loser for him. He and Carson are going after the same group of people, the people who are tired of insiders running things. He needs to persuade people who like Carson and for that reason the tone of the attack matters.
Yes.
Splendid and prescient graphics!
I figured that since the evangelicals didn’t like Romney’s Mormonism, they’d feel the same way about SDA (based on my listening to the “Bible Answerman” show many years ago!), but that’s not the case.
Trump probably didn’t know much about SDA either.
Trump does not need Iowa. Why follow in the footsteps of Santorum & Huckabee?
Trump is leading Carson in all next primary states through Super Tuesday March 1st.
February 9
New Hampshire
February 20
South Carolina
February 23, 2016
Nevada
March 1, 2016
Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
Georgia
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Wyoming
After Super Tuesday March 1st, Carson will be out of money, and out of a path to nomination.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.