Ben Carson: I Didn’t Want To Endorse Trump, But He Promised Me A Position

[James48]

Source: Think Progress

Dr. Ben Carson, who endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy on Friday, appears less than enthusiastic about that decision. And the real reason the unsuccessful GOP presidential hopeful endorsed his former rival could be a violation of federal law.
Carson told the conservative online site NewsMax TV on Monday that he backed Trump based on a practical calculus.

“I didn’t see a path for [John] Kasich, who I like, or for [Marco] Rubio, who I like. As far as [Ted] Cruz is concerned, I don’t think he’s gonna be able to draw independents and Democrats unless has has some kind of miraculous change… Is there another scenario that I would have preferred? Yes. But that scenario isn’t available.” Pressed to clarify, Carson said he meant he’d prefer to have backed one of the other candidates.

Carson then said that Trump had promised him a role in his administration, “certainly in an advisory capacity.” Asked by NewsMax’s Steve Malzberg whether this meant a cabinet position, Carson declined to “reveal any details about it right now, because all of this is still very liquid.”

Federal law expressly prohibits candidates from directly or indirectly promising “the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy.” The penalty for violations could include fines or a year in jail — two years if the violation was willful.

Read more: http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/03/15/3760261/carson-offered-position-by-trump/

---

Ouch- it is a felony under 18 USC 599 for a political candidate to offer a Federal Government position to a person in exchange for their political support.

Someone needs to call the F.B.I. and report this.

[Cirque du So-What]

1. Laws are for the hoi polloi

I'd be very surprised if anything came of this flagrant violation of federal law.

[veronique25]

59. LOL! You nailed it!

Does the separation of church and The Donald's estate also prohibit Rev. Carson from reading the Bible to Trump in their cell at night?

"Only the little people pay taxes."
-- Leona Helmsely

[dixiegrrrrl]

80. It really is such an open secret, people have been doing that for years and years.

Only Carson is dumb enough to say it out loud.

[yurbud]

82. it depends on whether the financial elite really want to stop Trump or if he

Is secretly their guy.

[mackdaddy]

83. Well, Maybe President Trump will finally Pardon Gov Don Seigleman next year,

Since that is supposedly what he was convicted of and is in federal prison today for. (Don is in prison for re-appointing a man to a non-paid board position.)

[SunSeeker]

2. Wonder what the Donald promised Christie....

[perdita9]

6. An all-you-can-eat buffet?

[Jack Rabbit]

45. Only if the buffet is a do-nut shop

[sofa king]

68. Oh, damn!

Last edited Tue Mar 15, 2016, 06:34 PM - Edit history (1)

I am disappointed in myself for being amused. But nevertheless, thanks for the laugh.

Edit: Just to provide some helpful information in exchange, Trump's son, whom I assume is named Trump Trump Trump, Jr., may have tipped his father's hand when he said, “I mean, I think there would certainly be something within the Justice Department for (Christie)"

http://dailycaller.com/2016/02/28/trump-jr-floats-possibility-of-chris-christie-as-attorney-general-video/

[hamsterjill]

7. Whatever it was...

I gotta believe that Christie is starting to wonder if The Donald is true to his word. You can simply look at Christie's face and tell that he knows he made a HHHHHHUUUUUUUUGGGGGEEE mistake!

And that couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! The SOB sold his soul for peanuts; now let him live with it.

[aggiesal]

8. Attorney General n/t

[Plucketeer]

14. The aforementioned "Mitt Romney position"

the same sort of position Ben's been offered. Lotta room under that executive desk!

[Major Nikon]

19. A get-out-of-jail-free card

[mrmpa]

20. probably Attorney General & as for Carson,

probably Surgeon General.

[dorkzilla]

31. both scary propositions

I wouldn't let Carson put a band aid on me.

When is this farce going to end?

[snort]

37. This:

[Fritz Walter]

44. Secretary of Tranportation

Witness BridgeGate.

Or head of whatever federal department Drumpf plans to shutdown first.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

50. Secretary of Trump Steaks

They're only the finest mail order steaks known to man. Somebody's got to look after them.

[Fritz Walter]

76. Or Drumpf wine

...which probably came out of the same poor animals that the steaks did.

Not to be confused with Drumpf Whine, the latest of which is "I didn't promise to pay for John 'Next time we see him, we might have to kill him!' McGraw's legal fees."

Good one!

[MosheFeingold]

54. Christie Cream

Got some coupons for all-you-can eat buffet at the Trump Taj Mahal.

Trump only thought he was getting off cheap. They'll have to fill Chapter 11 again when Christie is done with them.

[JI7]

65. a pardon

[Jackie Wilson Said]

3. Not relative to anything in real life.

It is my experience that politicians in general dont usually have to follow the law, and certainly not if they have an R after their name.

[harun]

18. Exactly, means nothing.

[Myrina]

4. Knowing Trump & his family's background .... ?

... he probably intends to give Carson a position on the lawn maintenance, kitchen or butler staff.

[Fritz Walter]

46. Ambassador to Egypt

First assignment: go count the grain in the pyramids.
Kernel by kernel.
By hand.

[perdita9]

5. Bernie Sanders is not for sale

Never has been, never will be.

Dr. Carson, you are a disgrace.

[Plucketeer]

15. Define "disgrace"

I mean - if Jesus tells you to do this or do that, are you gonna question - argue?

[Fritz Walter]

49. Hillary's probably already tried

But you can bet it wasn't State, Treasury or the Federal Reserve.

[Android3.14]

9. Sounds like a warrant for email and phone records is appropriate at this time

[A Simple Game]

10. Sounds like a stupid law to me. But anyway, let's throw them in jail and throw away the key.

But we need to be careful what we wish for because I wouldn't be surprised if our current President and a current Presidential candidate could be caught in this same trap. Not to mention several other past Presidents.

[Fast Walker 52]

25. I think it's ok to discuss such things but you can't promise

Would be so awesome if they busted Drumpf for this.

[Adsos Letter]

33. Patronage

It's as old as politics in America.

[skepticscott]

47. Well, exactly

I'd be very surprised if at least the spirit of this law hasn't been violated by just about every serious presidential candidate since it was enacted. Most of them are probably smart enough not to make anything explicit enough that it can be pinned to them, and not to involve a moron like Carson who doesn't give a ratfuck about the law and can't keep his piehole shut.

[A Simple Game]

73. And supposedly the people running for the Presidency are the best and brightest

in the party. You should want to include them in your administration.

I know, I know, not in this specific case, but you know what I mean.

[Javaman]

11. first ben is a moron.

second but tied for first trump is a moron.

that said, if we all collectively hold our breaths perhaps they will charge trump with a crime...

bwahahahahahaha!!! fat chance.

no one is held accountable anymore, least of all the repukes.

especially trump.

[MosheFeingold]

56. No, Ben is not a moron

He's a brilliant medical doctor who is clueless about politics.

There are really, really smart people on the other side. Not sure where we got the idea that they are stupid.

Now, GWB? He was stupid. But he was fricking brilliant with EQ. He could work a room like no one I ever saw. Always remembered names and family details.

[Frisbee]

63. I must respectfully disagree...

After listening to Ben talk, I have reached the conclusion he is an idiot savant. He may be a brilliant surgeon, but he is not a brilliant person in general.

[Javaman]

66. once he aligns himself with trump...

he is now an moron.

prior to that, I would have agreed with you.

now, no more

[MosheFeingold]

67. That's possible

I have known lots of lots of very brilliant people . . . . in their chosen profession.

My grandson was an MIT engineer. Graduated with honors. Worked, did well, then went to Yale law school, where he again graduated with top honors.

He's apparently a go-to big shot for patent law. Sit on boards of giant tech companies.

He's also a fire-breathing Republican who supports Cruz.

[Javaman]

64. no, he's a moron.

he's aligned himself with trump.

ipso facto

[sofa king]

74. Just an observation:

Colleges keep secret files on potential donors, and that information is pumped into the donation-seeker just before the event, exactly so that they can work a room and appear to remember names and family details.

Usually the point person prepares just before the personal conversation by pretending to answer an important text, but GWB was too dumb to properly read a note from someone else, so he used an earpiece.

http://www.salon.com/2004/10/14/transmitter/

Can't find it now but the same "bulge" was observed under Bush's t-shirt in a puff-piece interview at his ranch.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

78. He's at best, an idiot savant. n/m

[Fantastic Anarchist]

58. Probably promised a position as Grand Wizard ...

And judging Carson's integrity, he probably said "deal."

[MariaThinks]

12. seriously? I thought drumphs calling card was that he was not beholden to anyone.

[L. Coyote]

13. The clown car isn't what it used to be. Clowns are supposed to be funny, not so tragic.

Remember the good old days when you could just laugh at Republicans?
Now, I want to call an wambulance.

[deminks]

16. Clearly, Brazenly, Shamelessly, Blatantly illegal. nt

[lark]

17. Wow, it's not just liberals that promise ponys?

I'm shocked I tell you, shocked!! What's not shocking is Drumpf breaking the law, that happens often.

[Fuddnik]

21. Donald Trump. President of Allenwood, Pa.

The Federal Prison there.

It's got great walls!

[maxsolomon]

22. Surgeon General, ugh

Jesus, Dems, don't fuck this up.

[NCjack]

23. Calling the US Attorney -- hello -- anyone home? /nt

[packman]

24. Hell, my opinion of Ben just went up

He's honest about it, at least.

[Baobab]

28. Yes, it is.

The revolving door is a major thing these days, and hard to stop. There are less laws blocking it than people think.

[world wide wally]

26. I hope it's not the Food and Drug Admin!

Keep him away from the meds!

[Baobab]

27. That sounds a hell of a lot like bribery to me..

Arrgh.


Sanders brought up a good point about violence. Maybe people dont remember the origins of the Tea Party madness, but basically the Tea Party was created by a PR firm that specialized in such things. It was fake from the beginning. I think it needs to be looked at if perhaps the thugs at these rallies might be paid by somebody. I know that not that long ago, (maybe 10-15 yrs ago) a right wing PR organization that seemed to be organizing rallies of concerned grassroots people across the country turned out to be bussing the same people around to attend these rallies. This was done to fight single payer with people "who liked their insurance", etc. I would suspect, it may be another follow the money situation here.

There are entities who have really huge amounts of money that they spend in a way as to make it clear they are trying to game loopholes in the system to destroy democracy in the US. They mostly target net discussion places but they also send people to places and as they had a distinctive kind of approach then, I suspect that that may still happen now.

Its quite possible that some Democratic candidates may be allied with them now. Not naming names but in the 2008 election according to a friend I trust there were definitely "thugs" at at least the caucus event she participated in.

She was actually one of that candidates delegates and she was put off by this.

[MynameisBlarney]

29. LOL

What a clusterfuck!

[NoMoreRepugs]

30. They are Republicans remember?? Rule of law doesn't apply to them...

[Agnosticsherbet]

32. He is not elected and already promises the most corrupt administration in American History.

But that's the Donald.

[LiberalEsto]

34. What position? Prone?

Supine?
Side sleeper?

[C Moon]

35. Assume the position, Ben. nt

[yellowcanine]

36. The Donald will deny it. Carson is out now for sure.

And of course the whole thing is moot because Trump is not going to be President.

The only way there is any prosecution is if Trump gets elected and he appoints Carson to something. And there is a recording of the interaction.

And of course - "certainly in an advisory capacity" could just be Carson's spin on an offhand promise from Trump. You have to consider the source also - Carson. He is not known for getting things right and has a reputation for making things up.

My guess is that he is having "buyer's remorse" over his endorsement of Trump and this is his way of mitigating the remorse.

Of course there is always the possibility that Trump is clueness enough to make a promise like this. In which case we go back to the first statement I made on this. Donald just denies it.

[BadgerKid]

39. Sounds awfully similar to being "awarded" a scholarship

when "invited to apply". Delusional thinking.

[SoapBox]

40. I can't even imagine how corrupt things would be with a Rump in charge.

Talk about your mass exoduse from America.

[Blue Owl]

41. A minimum wage position?

n/t

[Jack Rabbit]

48. ANd then he'll ask Congress to do away with the minimum wage

Or would Trump think he can do that by executive order?

In any case, he is on record as saying that American workers make too much.

[Turbineguy]

42. EPA is off the table

that one goes to Sarah Palin.

[MADem]

43. C'mon, let's not be coy, here--Carson was offered Surgeon General, and Christie was offered

Attorney General.

It's the ONLY scenario that makes sense. The next one to fall (or the Last One Standing) might be "promised" VP.

The question is, how did he make the promise?

"I will put you on the short list" is very different from making a promise. Trump may not understand the nuance of the law-if he put it out there as a quid pro quo, and it's on an audio recording, he's toast. If he said "I will strongly consider you" it's not a promise.

It's all bullshit--we know what is going on here, but the technicalities are important.

[randr]

51. If Christy had not made a deal he would have certainly resented

the comments from Trump yesterday re: spending time in his state.
One thing you can say about Trump is that he is transparent.
He is clearly a racist, misogynistic, narcissistic, childish, privileged, corrupt, and unattractive human being and not afraid to show him self as such.
WYSIWYG

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

52. You are 100% right, but it will never happen.

If it ever had in the past I would have a more optimistic opinion.

[truthisfreedom]

53. He'll be in charge of

Greeting people. Good in hallways. He's most comfortable there.

[6chars]

55. Should've stuck to motivational speaking

He is really in over his head. Played for a fool.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

57. In other words, personal gain trumps principles.

Good to know.

[Cavallo]

61. He's a consistent unstable lunatic.

I mean Trump but yes, I know that works for both. And so does your point, as a matter of fact.

[Cavallo]

60. I feared Trump would make him the Surgeon General.

[sandpan]

62. Trump promised Christie

A free am-track trip in his own private car and all the Mac Donald's strawberry smoothies he can drink.

[TexasBushwhacker]

71. I heard Bobcat Goldthwait the other day on NPR

He said Trump's strategy against Ted Cruz was to dip him in barbeque sauce and put him dangerously close to Chris Christie.

[tanyev]

69. And you believed him?

You sad gullible fool.

[yellowcanine]

70. Wonder what position since Christie has the Trump ass position locked up.

[TexasBushwhacker]

72. BTW Ben, situations are "fluid" not liquid

I swear the man is an idiot savant.

[olddad56]

75. Ben, you are better than that. At least a little better.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

77. Mental Ben is a worm.

He's as dumb as a brick too.

[ThoughtCriminal]

79. Wait... Did I say that out loud?

Re-enable filter.

[Nihil]

81. "... and, apparently, the one I'm best suited for is on my knees with my mouth open."

I think he called it "The Monica" ...