Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who sits in third place in the GOP presidential primary field, said Sunday that he has “no reason to doubt” President Obama’s faith or place of birth.
Mr. Carson did, however, make clear that he does not believe a Muslim should be president of the United States.
“No, I do not,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” program after being asked whether a Muslim should be president. “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.”
Fellow Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has come under intense fire in recent days after failing to correct a questioner at a campaign rally who said Mr. Obama is a foreign-born Muslim.
The incident and its political fallout have forced other candidates to address whether they believe Mr. Obama is a Christian and was born in America.
Mr. Carson said that he may be willing to support a Muslim for Congress, depending on the candidate’s specific record and views.
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“If there is somebody who is of any faith but they say things and their life has been consistent with things that will elevate this nation and make it possible for everybody to succeed and bring peace and harmony, then I’m with them,” he said.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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