Illustration: Mark Marturello/The Des Moines Register

PARTY: Republican

BORN: September 18, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan

Ben Carson

What he’s got: Passionate following from his Fox News hits, writing, and public appearances; a compelling stump speech and biography; more freedom than other Republicans to speak about race and political correctness; a demeanor that soothes and impresses; an en vogue non-politician resume.

What he lacks: Executive, legislative, and/or political experience; national-security credentials; consistent ability to avoid gaffes, stick to a script, and stay on message; a clear and plausible early-state strategy.

Read Mark Halperin and John Heilemann's Scouting Report

Photo Gallery

Carson prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City on December 19, 2014. Photograph by: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90/Redux

Carson and his wife, Candy, make a stop at Hollis Pharmacy and General Store in Hollis, N.H., on April 6, 2015. Photograph by: Jon Hill/Redux

Carson signs a book for Delegate William Frank at a legislative prayer breakfast in Annapolis, Maryland, on March 8, 2013. Photograph by: AP Photo/Brian White

Carson receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush in the East Room of the White House, on June 19, 2008. Photograph by: AP Photo/Ron Edmonds

Carson and his wife, Candy, with the Escott family at Manchester Community College on May 10, 2015, in Manchester, N.H. Photograph by: AP Photo/Mary Schwalm

Carson in the frame of a supporter’s cell-phone video during a fundraiser for Iowa Senator Joni Ernst in Boone, Iowa, on June 6, 2015. Photograph by: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Carson, the team’s lead surgeon, and Dr. Donlin Long with a brain model of the conjoined Binder twins (that they separated during a 22-hour surgery) at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1987. Photograph by: AP Photo/Fred Kraft

Carson, the team’s lead surgeon, holds a brain model of the conjoined Block twins at a press conference in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 16, 2004. Photograph by: Jon Hill/Redux

Top Priorities

Inspiring children to learn: The Carsons started the Ben Carson Scholars Fund, which provides learning resources and opportunities to underserved youth.
Protecting unborn children and the elderly: Carson’s medical background contributes to his belief in the sanctity of all life.
Nixing Obamacare: Carson penned the framework for an alternative healthcare plan.
Fixing the economy: He believes in a flat tax and cites the Bible when suggesting tax reform.

Ben’s Resumé

1969-1973

Attended Yale University.
1974-1977

Attended the University of Michigan School of Medicine.
1977-1978

Intern in general surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
1982-1983

Chief neurosurgery resident at Johns Hopkins.
1984-2013

Director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
2013-2014

Commentator for Fox News.

Highs

2014: A Gallup poll listed Carson as the sixth most admired man in the world, and his book, One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future, became a New York Times best seller.
2011: His book, America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great, became a New York Times best seller.
2008: He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
2006: He was awarded the Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievement by an African American, by the NAACP.
2001: He was named one of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists by CNN and Time Magazine and as one of 89 “Living Legends” by the Library of Congress.

Watch This

Ben Carson Can’t Explain Paul Rand’s Anti-Vax Stance

Ben Carson speaks with Bloomberg Politics about vaccinations, and how the government should (or shouldn’t) be involved.

Lows

2015: He stumbled through a foreign policy-centric interview with Hugh Hewitt.
2014: He asserted that Obamacare was the “worst thing” to happen to the United States “since slavery.”
2013: He stepped down as the commencement speaker at Johns Hopkins University after students voiced concerns about his comments on homosexuality.

Don't Miss

Ben Carson: The Outsider Steps Into the Race

May 4, 2015 12:27 PM ET

Heilemann: Ben Carson’s Life Story Is a Great Calling Card

May 4, 2015 6:15 PM ET

Ben Carson Ditches Campaign Logo for a Better One

June 29, 2015 4:35 PM ET

Campaign Brought To You By...

The National Draft Ben Carson Committee Super PAC

SEE WHO'S WINNING THE MONEY RACE 3

FUNDING A CAMPAIGN: WHAT'S LEGAL? 3

Carson Once Said...

“God always prepares you for what He wants you to do.”

- On faith.

“I think most people when they finish that course, they'd be ready to sign up for ISIS.”

- On the AP History curriculum.

“Today many feel it is ok to hate someone who thinks differently than you do ... This attitude is poison.”

- On tolerance.

“When they come out they’re gay. So, did something happen while they were in there [prison]?”

- On homosexuality.

Did you know...

The TV movie Gifted Hands, starring Cuba Gooding Jr., is based on Carson's autobiography by the same name.

Family

Wife

Candy Carson

The couple met as undergraduates at Yale.

She is a skilled violinist.
Children

Rhoeyce Carson, Son

Ben “B.J.” Carson Jr., Son

Murray Carson, Son
Parents

Sonya Carson, Mother

Robert Carson, Father
Close family

Curtis Carson, Brother

When he’s not running for office, Ben is...

Writing a best-selling book (his latest outsold Hillary’s).
Staring at that organ he bought and still doesn’t know how to play?
Vacationing at Villa Lilly on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Shaking his head at the Conservative Political Action Committee profile of him that features a picture of Senator Tim Scott?