The super PAC supporting neurosurgeon Ben Carson for GOP president has seen a surge of donations since his appearance Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” where Mr. Carson said he wouldn’t advocate for a Muslim to be president of the United States.
“We sent out an email to Carson supporters, and we’ve never had an email raise so much money so quickly — it’s unbelievable,” said John Philip Sousa IV, who chairs the 2016 Committee super PAC. “My phone has exploded over the last 48 hours — of people wanting me to pass on to Dr. Carson how much they respect his truthfulness and believe in the American system, and how absolutely not should anyone who believes in Sharia law come close to the White House. The people are on Dr. Carson’s side on this one — sorry NBC you lose.”
Mr. Carson came under fire Sunday after he told “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd that he wouldn’t “advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation.”
On Monday, he doubled down on his comments, despite the backlash.
“I do not believe Sharia is consistent with the Constitution of this country,” Mr. Carson said in an interview with The Hill, referencing the Islamic law derived from the Koran and traditions of Islam. “Muslims feel that their religion is very much a part of your public life and what you do as a public official, and that’s inconsistent with our principles and our Constitution.”
Mr. Carson said the only exception he’d make would be if the Muslim running for office “publicly rejected all the tenets of Sharia and lived a life consistent with that,” according to his interview with the Hill.
• Kelly Riddell can be reached at kriddell@washingtontimes.com.
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