Dr. Ben Carson has announced that he will likely run for president in 2016 if the November midterm elections indicate that the American people desire a more conservative government.
Retired neurosurgeon and acclaimed author Dr. Ben Carson has gained much respect from Christians and conservatives alike. His autobiography, "Gifted Hands," was made into a motion picture starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and highlights how Carson learned to overcome racial prejudice as a youth and developed a thirst for knowledge through reading. Carson became the youngest director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins hospital at the age of 33 after graduating from Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School, and also became the first surgeon to successfully separate conjoined twins at the head. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W. Bush in 2008 - the highest award that can be given to a civilian - and was also invited by President Barack Obama to speak at the White House National Prayer Breakfast in 2013.
In an interview with the Hugh Hewitt radio show last week, Carson was asked whether he will enter into the presidential debates next year. "Unless the American people indicate in November that they like big government intervention in every part of their lives, I think the likelihood is strong," he responded.
Carson says he may officially announce his intent to run for office by May of 2015 after seeking more advice. "One of the things I've learned is you need to talk to a lot of people. The Bible says in the multitude of counselors is safety ... you look at historical things, and you make sure you have all your I's dotted and your T's crossed, and we're doing that," he says.
Though he may not have much experience in politics, Carson has authored well-received books which call Americans to return to the conservative values that helped to shape our nation. Carson has spoken in support of his Christian faith publicly, and did so recently at the Defending the American Dream Summit in Dallas, Texas. "We as Americans have certain beliefs and cultures that lead us to the pinnacle of the world. One of those things is that we are a people of faith. I know the President has said that we are not a Judeo-Christian nation, but guess what? He doesn't get to decide that, we get to decide that," he said.
Carson says his first tangible experience with God happened as a youngster after he almost stabbed a friend in an uncontrollable outburst of rage. Prone to anger issues and a hot temper at the time, Carson locked himself in the bathroom with a Bible and cried out to the Lord for help - "I just fell on my knees and I said, 'Lord, You're going to have to help me because I can't fix this,'" he says. Carson turned to the book of Proverbs, and the Lord began to change him - "When I came out of that bathroom, I was a different person," says the renowned doctor. Carson came to realize that lashing out at others was a sign of weakness, and the Lord helped him to control his temper thereafter.
Dr. Carson shared more about his beliefs in an interview with CBN. "I pray for wisdom and guidance in everything that I do," the neurosurgeon said - "The most important thing for me is having a relationship with God. To know that the Owner, the Creator of the universe loves you, sent His Son to die for your sins ... Knowing Him and knowing that He loves me gives me encouragement and confidence to move forward."
