Liberalsarecool Loc: Texas

JONAH GOLDBERG


A LITTLE OVER a year ago, when Ben Carson was gearing up to run for president, I questioned in this space whether he was ready for what lay ahead. We now have our answer: No.

Carson had a great number of things going for him: his amazing life story, charm, professional accomplishments, eloquence and courage. I had only one major concern: “While he speaks eloquently and passionately about the importance of doing homework in his own life and for children everywhere, it’s not obvious he’s taken those lessons to heart when it comes to politics.”

It’s now obvious that he hasn’t.

In the weeks before the terrorist attacks in Paris, Carson was already having a very rough time. In a development that defied satire, Donald Trump was attacking Carson’s character, which is a bit like Carrot Top ridiculing Jerry Seinfeld’s sense of humor.

But it was smart politics. The rationale for Carson’s candidacy is based largely on biography and character. Take those away and what’s left?

Not too much, unfortunately. Oh sure, grading on a human level, there’s still a great deal to admire in Carson. But we’re talking presidential politics, not lifetime achievement awards.

Preparation matters.

In Miami, he was asked about the so-called wet-foot, dry-foot immigration policy for Cuban refugees. “You’re going to have to explain to me exactly what you mean by that,” he replied.

In a GOP debate, he said that the Chinese were involved in the Syrian civil war, alongside the Russians and the Iranians. His campaign had to awkwardly walk back the claim.

The New York Times even found two of his advisors to state on the record that Carson was struggling to get up to speed on foreign policy.

These and other flubs aren’t necessarily disqualifying on their own. But after the terrorist attacks in Paris and Mali, not to mention the de facto declaration of martial law in Brussels, Carson’s soft-spoken ad-libbing about foreign policy doesn’t play nearly as well. “I know a lot more than I knew,” he said, when asked on PBS about his foreign policy deficit. “A year from now, I will know a lot more than I know now.”

That kind of answer doesn’t cut it when Americans feel threatened. That’s why the latest Fox News poll has support for Carson sliding.

In fairness, Trump’s answers shouldn’t cut it either. But Carson is admiringly honest about his shortcomings, while Trump makes up for his with bluster, bullying and bombast. Sadly, that continues to work for him.

Also, Carson’s problems extend beyond foreign policy. He places an inordinate amount of emphasis on platitudes and cliches, particularly about common sense. I like common sense as much as the next guy, and we need more of it in Washington. But common sense isn’t a leather-bound book one takes down from the shelf to find the right solutions to every problem. Presidents who think otherwise are begging to be rolled by the permanent bureaucracy. Nobody would want their brain surgeon to rely on common sense when removing a tumor.

Of course, politics isn’t brain surgery. But it does require a certain foundation that only experience and homework can provide. If you’re waiting until you run for president to get up to speed, it is too late. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker learned that the hard way this year. He simply wasn’t prepared to discuss policies outside his comfort zone.

Carson’s has been an all-too familiar tale in GOP presidential politics in recent years. Sarah Palin, Herman Cain, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (in 2008, not in 2012) — all squandered opportunities by not being adequately prepared to leverage their popularity and potential.

The rarest commodity in politics is a genuinely charismatic personality that arouses passion in voters at a propitious political moment. Money can’t buy that; just ask Mitt Romney. Doing your homework, meanwhile, is easy. I don’t mean it doesn’t require effort; it most certainly does. But there’s no trick to it: Read books, talk to experts, think things through when you have the time and resources to do so.

If Carson had consulted common sense, he would have known that. jgoldberg@latimes columnists.com

Buford Loc: Arizona

I agree Carson has a lot to be desired as far as being prepared but look what we have now. After 7 years Obama has proven time and time again he isn't able to lead a nation.

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

The article is spot on in my opinion..

I like Carson very much and would love to see him in some cabinet position but not President..He has the right answers in most, but is not ready for such a position right now..Let him get in there and learn the dirty players etc and get some True experience and by 2020 he may well be ready....

Buford Loc: Arizona

How do you feel about Cruz?

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

I like Cruz very much..A little more savvy than Trump..I love his in your face mentality and believe come the primaries he's going to fair well..Iowa seems to like him very much too...HE's a bull dog, knows, I mean truly knows Constitutional law and doesn't play the political party routine...He may well pull the popular vote but those RINO's will ensure he doesn't pull the majority ticket simply because he does not "play"..I think they want Rubio, who lost my vote given what he did as a member to the gang of eight on immigration....A true turn coat in my book..I'll vote Cruz over him any day!!

Good Morning as well, nice to see you again........

Liberalsarecool Loc: Texas

Poor rightwing...living off of hope with the undesirables.....Obama has single-handedly defeated a recalcitrant Congress....did people REALLY think he was going to let them obstruct his agenda?.....that is funny indeed.....

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

So you support Islam invasion and Sharia Law, do you..Figures!!

That POS of yours is the worst insult to this country ever and has an agenda for sure..Demise of this Great Nation..Thankfully We, the People, the ones that think and see, I mean, will ensure it does not happen...

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

He thinks the pyramids were built by Joseph to store grain. Seriously?? He is fooling a lot of folks with his "goodness". His evil is so deep, it can't be clearly seen. He should start a church or go sell shoes, but be president? Hardly.

Liberalsarecool Loc: Texas

It is not a matter of what I support...I just don't think like a redneck hillbilly and lump all people in a group based on their affiliation or race....and the country is headed in the direction it was intended to....just like when the segregationists used to complain about integration and middle class people moving into their neighborhoods...if it were up to many....it would still be 1940.....not happening.......

Liberalsarecool Loc: Texas

And I'll take it you do not live in America.....if you do....Obama is your President just like Bush was mine.....regardless of what reality you try to create in your head.....

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

I will say my opinion of him went from a possible to not a possible but because I don not feel he is experienced enough or knows what he is really doing anymore..The scandal issues he's found himself in are least on my list of why I changed my mind..

I am curious about your comment, "his evil is so deep it can't be clearly seen"...What makes you say this??

I do agree he is not Presidential material right now....

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

No Sir, he is not, never has been and will never be my president...

I say that with complete disgust as well, as I have never had the disrespect for a president as I do this man....He is anything but what is claimed about him and the sooner out the better it will be..

I have not seen your name before..You must be new..Welcome and enjoy, passion driven we all are, never to insult you..At least not my intent, cool...

Yes, perception is the reality of one's thoughts substantiated by what they see, experience, listen to and witness~~' :thumbup:

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

No Sir, he is not, never has been and will never be my president...

I say that with complete disgust as well, as I have never had the disrespect for a president as I do this man....He is anything but what is claimed about him and the sooner out the better it will be..

I have not seen your name before..You must be new..Welcome and enjoy, passion driven we all are, never to insult you..At least not my intent, cool...

Yes, perception is the reality of one's thoughts substantiated by what they see, experience, listen to and witness~~' :thumbup:

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

He gives me the creeps, to be colloquial about it. And I've never been wrong about that.

Liberalsarecool Loc: Texas

We learn as children that our preferences or feelings do not nullify what is technically or factually accurate.....I'm sure you get that statement.....no insults taken....I'm pretty good at handling those regardless....also....perceptions can lead to delusional thinking.....