TAKE THE POLL: Carson Betrayal
Article courtesy of The Washington Post, written by Robert Costa and Brian Murphy
MIAMI — Former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson threw his support behind Donald Trump on Friday, saying the billionaire front-runner has two sides: the combative campaign persona and a "very cerebral" approach in private.
The endorsement by Carson, who last week suspended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, is perhaps the most high-profile nod for Trump since New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie backed his former rival.
At a news conference at a Trump-owned Mar-a-Lago luxury club in Florida, Carson said there are “two Donald Trumps” — including a measured side of someone who “considers things carefully.”
The remarks appeared aimed at moderating Trump's image, which has been defined by bluster, belligerence and belittling comments against opponents, including Carson. Trump said the two have "buried the hatchet."
Carson, however, acknowledged that the country is greatly divided and "hating each other" -- rifts that have been amplified by the current presidential race.
He also issued an apparent message to GOP establishment leaders who have raised deep concerns about Trump's possible push toward the nomination.
Carson warned that it is “extremely dangerous” if political parties seek to “thwart the will of the people” and must let the "voice of the people be heard."
Trump said Carson will a "big, big part" in the campaign, but gave no specifics on possible roles.
During a Republican presidential debate aired on CNN on Thursday night, Trump confirmed Carson's backing. He said they discussed Carson’s ideas on education and other topics earlier in the day.
"We spoke for over an hour on education. And he has such a great handle on it," Trump said. "I'm going to have Ben very involved with education, something that's an expertise of his."