Bash: "Thats right. We should say that our Chris Moody is breaking this news, that Ben Carson is going to go back to Florida to his home, regardless of how he does tonight here in Iowa. Hes going to go there for several days. And then afterwards, hes not going to go to South Carolina. Hes not going to go to New Hampshire. Hes going to come to Washington, D.C., and hes going to do that because the National Prayer Breakfast is on Thursday. And people who have been following Ben Carsons career know that thats really where he got himself on the political map, attending that prayer breakfast, and really giving it to President Obama at the time. And he became kind of a hero among conservatives, among evangelicals especially."
Tapper: "But its very unusual..."
Bash: "Very unusual."
Tapper: "...to be announcing that youre going to go home to rest for a few days, not going on to the next site. Plus, hes already announced that hes going to be coming out and speaking at 9:15 local and 10:15 Eastern, no matter whether or not we know the results, because he wants to get home and get ahead of the storm."
Bash: "Look, if you want to be president of the United States, you dont go home to Florida. I mean, thats bottom line. Thats the end of the story. If you want to signal to your supporters that you want it, that youre hungry for it, that you want them to get out and and campaign, youve got to be out there doing it too. And hes not doing it. Its very unusual."
Tapper: "Very unusual news that CNN has just learned. CNNs Chris Moody breaking the story. Wolf, back to you in Washington."
Blitzer: "Very significant news indeed, guys, thanks very much."
I read that ENTIRE exchange, only to reaffirm that CNN absolutely did NOT say Carson was suspending. Shame on you, for wasting so much of my time.