Ben Carson on Friday officially suspended his campaign for president at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference.
Mr. Carson’s announcement elicited murmurs of disappointment and then a loud road of applause for the retired neurosurgeon, who said he would remain engaged in the process by urging members of the faith community to get more engaged in the political arena.
Mr. Carson also teased the idea of backing a candidate, saying his pick would have a record of accomplishment, a solid ethical mooring and policies that can strengthen the nation — though he stopped short of endorsing a candidate.
He also told his supporters to refuse the temptation to sit out the election now that his campaign has ended.
“That is not a good thing because we have to recognize when you don’t vote, you are voting, but you are voting for the other side,” Mr. Carson said, suggesting that would help Hillary Clinton win the White House.
“No matter how you feel, recognize that if we choose another secular progressive, we have done our children in and we can’t afford to do that,” he said.
Mr. Carson has emerged as one of the most well-liked figures in the conservative movement, but announced this week that he did not see a path to the GOP presidential nomination after a disappointing showing on Super Tuesday and failing to win any of the opening nomination contests.
“There are a lot of people that love me, but they just won’t vote for me. That’s OK. It is not a problem,” he said in jest.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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