A Guide To Candidates On The Big Stage / Ben Carson

By Associate Press

Key features: Famed pediatric neurosurgeon whose life story was made into a TV movie.

A quick sketch:

—Raised in Detroit by a divorced, impoverished mother

—29 years as director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, now retired

—First surgeon to successfully separate twins joined at the head

—Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

—Enhanced his conservative cred with politically charged remarks at 2013 National Prayer Breakfast

Also of note:

Carson has said that the scientific theory of evolution is based on “incredible fairy tales.” He’s a creationist who espouses beliefs based on his Seventh-day Adventist faith. The strikingly soft-spoken Carson says he was a hot-tempered teen who tried to stab a friend but woke up to his volatility, through Bible readings, and changed his ways.

Might Carson be for you?

Perhaps yes, if you want a doctor to fix the nation’s health care policy.

Perhaps no, if you’re looking for someone with political experience and seasoned rhetoric. Carson once compared President Barack Obama’s health care law to slavery.

Some other distinguishing issues:

—Impose the same flat income tax on everyone

—Ban abortion even in cases of rape or incest

—Add a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution

In a nutshell:

Christian conservative. Doctor. Only African-American contender.

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