Ben Carson: The Outsider Steps Into the Race

Style: Not a traditional campaign kickoff speech, but rather a combination of conversation, sermon, and skillful routine. His impressive mind and deep humanity were on vivid display as he talked about his early life, inspirations, and general sensibility. Strolled the stage with wireless gear, speaking in his signature deliberate style. Poignantly told the story of his mother, who is in ill health. Embraced and projected his outsider, anti-establishment, faith-inspired persona throughout.

Substance: Spoke in the vaguest of generalities when describing America’s current problems, and offered even fewer specifics about how to deal with national security, jobs, the troubles besetting his adopted hometown of Baltimore, and pretty much everything else. Promised an “in-depth” economic speech in the near future.