Dr. Ben Carson on Tuesday announced that he has established a presidential exploratory committee. The retired pediatric neurosurgeon who rocketed to national fame after tut-tutting the president at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2012, has publicly toyed with a presidential bid for months now and has in recent weeks begun to hire the personnel to make it happen.
“In every aspect of Dr. Carson’s life, he has exemplified true leadership,” Carson’s longtime friend Terry Giles, who is likely to serve as chairman of his campaign, said in a statement. “Overcoming dire poverty in his youth to become head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Carson is uniquely situated to understand the needs and hopes of all Americans. His undeniable abilities and extraordinary life experiences drive his passion to ensure that, through hard work and perseverance, the American dream remains attainable to all. For the next few months, Dr. Carson looks forward to listening to the American people to gauge support for a presidential candidacy.”
Carson has also launched a new website, www.bencarson.com, which previews the themes of his likely campaign: “Unite. Heal. Thrive.”