7 Fascinating Facts About Dr. Carson — the Prayer Breakfast Speaker Whose Speech in Front of Obama Went Viral
Editor’s Note: Following intense interest in Dr. Benjamin Carson’s life story after his speech at yesterday’s National Prayer Breakfast, TheBlaze prepared the following biographical article.
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The epic speech that Dr. Benjamin Carson gave at Thursday’s Nation Prayer Breakfast has gone viral. His address, which was delivered just feet away from President Barack Obama, railed against political correctness, with the doctor subsequently taking overtly-conservative stances on key social and political issues. The respectful tone and boldness with which he spoke has created intense intrigue.
So, TheBlaze has assembled some key information about Carson in an effort to tell you more about his truly captivating life.
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Dr. Carson Is a Famous Pediatric Surgeon
Carson, 61, is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital (he obtained this lead position at the age of 33). His career focus is on traumatic brain injury and brain and spinal cord tumors, among dire health issues.
According to his biography, he has written over 100 publications about neurosurgery and he has penned numerous books. On top of that, the renowned doctor has received more than 50 honorary doctorate degrees and President George W. Bush gave him the Presidential Medal of Honor (see other honors over at Bio.com). Read more about Carson’s professional background here.

Dr. Benjamin Carson speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton February 7, 2013 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Barack Obama reportedly used the occasion to call for unity and common ground Washington politics. Credit: Getty Images
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He’s a Pioneer in the Separation of Conjoined Twins
Among his many talents, Carson has made bold attempts to separate conjoined twins. His first surgery in 1987 ended up being a success, as he was able to separate two 7-month-old twins from Germany. While Patrick and Benjamin Binder walked away with some brain damage from the procedure, it was an encouraging move in the right direction for an extremely-dangerous procedure. Carson’s surgery paved the way for other attempts to help ease the pain and horror craniopagus (joined at the head) twins experience.
Bio.com has more about other similar surgeries that the doctor conducted over the years:
In 1994, Carson and his team went to South Africa to separate the Makwaeba twins. The operation was unsuccessful, as both girls died from complications of the surgery. Carson was devastated, but vowed to press on, as he knew such procedures could be successful. In 1997, Carson and team went to Zambia in South Central Africa to separate infant boys Luka and Joseph Banda. This operation was especially difficult because the boys were joined at the tops of their heads, making this the first time a surgery of this type had been performed. After a 28-hour operation, both boys survived and neither suffered brain damage.
It was these operations that brought a plethora of media attention to Carson, paving the way for popularity and a public profile that continues to expand in scope.
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Carson’s Early Life Wasn’t Easy
Judging from his career, one would never assume that the doctor’s early years were difficult. However, his story truly is a rags to riches tale, as his mother was instrumental in teaching him the values needed to succeed. He shared many of these struggles during Thursday’s address. He was raised by a single mom (named Sonya) who devoted herself to hard work in an effort to support her two children. Despite only having a third-grade education, she instilled educational values that forever resonated with her son.
Bio.com provides some snapshots into his early life:
There were occasions when [Sonya's] boys wouldn’t see her for days at a time, because she would go to work at 5:00 AM and come home around 11:00 PM, going from one job to the next. She was frugal with the family’s finances, cleaning and patching clothes from the Goodwill in order to dress the boys. The family would also go to local farmers and offer to pick corn or other vegetables in exchange for a portion of the yield. She would then can the produce for the kids’ meals. Her actions, and the way she managed the family, proved to be a tremendous influence on Ben and [his brother]. [...]
Determined to turn her sons’ [bad grades] around, Sonya limited their TV time to just a few select programs and refused to let them go outside to play until they’d finished their homework. She was criticized for this by her friends, who said her boys would grow up to hate her. But she was determined that her sons would have greater opportunities than she did. She required them to read two library books a week and give her written reports, even though with her poor education she could barely read them. She would take the papers and review them, scanning over the words and turning pages. Then she would place a checkmark at the top of the page showing her approval.
Considering his background, his push for hard work and responsibility was notable during yesterday’s prayer breakfast speech. While many utter such sentiments without experience to accompany them, Carson’s life shows that devotion to education really can pave the way to prosperity.
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There Was a Movie Made About His Life
Carson’s life and work are so coveted, in fact, that a feature film was made about the doctor. “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story” was a made-for-television film that came out in 2009. A synopsis provides more information about the movie, which has relatively high ratings on IMDB:
From Amazon.com: Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Actor in a Supporting Role, Jerry Maguire, 1996) stars in this true story about a renowned brain surgeon who overcame obstacles to change the course of medicine forever. Young Ben Carson didn’t have much of a chance. Growing up in a broken home amongst poverty and prejudice, his grades suffered and his temper flared. And yet, his mother never lost her faith in him. Insisting he follow the opportunities she never had, she helped to grow his imagination, intelligence and, most importantly, his belief in himself. That faith would be his gift – the thing that would drive him to follow his dream of becoming one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons.
Here’s the trailer:
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He Runs a Non-Profit Aimed at Helping Young Scholars
Education is clearly important to Carson. And considering his own path to success, his focus upon the need for a more knowledgeable and prepared populace is understandable. With his wife, Candy, he founded the Carson Scholars Fund in 1994, an organization devoted to helping solve America’s education crisis.
Recognizing that the public education system is in crisis, the Carsons decided to help motivate young people to take interest in learning at an early age. Here’s a description of what the Carson Scholars Fund does:
Carson Scholarships are awarded to students in grades 4-11 who exemplify academic excellence and humanitarian qualities. Winners receive a $1,000 scholarship to be invested toward their college education, along with a recognition package, and an invitation to attend an awards banquet. Carson Scholars become role models and leaders at their schools.
You can find out more about the organization on its official web site.

Dr. Benjamin Carson speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton February 7, 2013 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Barack Obama reportedly used the occasion to call for unity and common ground Washington politics. Credit: Getty Images
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Carson Is a Cancer Survivor
Carson helps children who are battling brain cancer, but he is also a prostate cancer survivor. In 2002, while in the midst of his bustling medical career, the doctor found out that he had an aggressive form of the disease. He found out this shocking news while in the middle of performing a surgery on a child.
In an interview with “Good Morning America,” Carson later described putting the news out of his mind so that he could successfully finish the procedure. However, rather than focusing exclusively on himself in that terrible moment, he selflessly thought about the many patients he would be unable to help if the disease took his life.
“I have the ability to put things out of my mind, so I just put it out of my mind and finished the operation,” he said. “But certainly, you know, that evening it did weigh heavily upon me as I began to realize that wow, I have cancer. The thing that bothered me was the fact that I would be leaving so many people behind.”
Inevitably, he overcame the disease and is now healthy.
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He’s Also a Devout Christian
In case you didn’t know, Carson is a Christian. Jesus Christ was a fixture in his National Prayer Breakfast speech (as was the Bible). He’s a Seventh-Day Adventist who believes that the United States has been uniquely blessed by God. In addition to caring deeply about his patients’ physical health, he has expressed a deep devotion to addressing the nation’s spiritual and political issues — something he did head-on during yesterday’s speech.
The Christian Broadcasting Network once profiled Carson, noting that his views about America are rooted in its history and founding:
Dr. Carson believes as a nation, America has been favored by God because we have acknowledged Him. The forefathers of our nation were clearly guided by Sovereign leadership when they knelt and prayed for wisdom at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Together they stood up and assembled a seventeen page document known as the Constitution of the United States of America. Our nation was founded on principles revealed to us in the Bible by a righteous and just God. These teachings began in the home and continued at school. In early public schools reading from the Bible was not only common, it was expected.
In order for America to continue leading the world, Carson believes that it’s important to apply God’s standards to individuals’ lives. Rather than embracing partisan solutions, CBN notes that he wants the nation to “stop being political and start being logical” in addressing key issues.
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For more about Carson, read his Bio.com profile and visit the Carson Scholars Fund’s web site. Watch his original speech here.
Editor’s note: The Ben Carson speech post is one of most popular and viral in the two-year history of TheBlaze. On Friday’s BlazeCast (live from 12-1PM ET) we talked about how Blaze readers really helped drive momentum to this important story:
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Related:
In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.















































































































Comments (153)
Depressed_American
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:17pmI have not seen any negativity yet from the Liberal sites……
Just waiting for them to beat down this very impressive individual. You know they don’t like a MAN who can think for himself, and DOESN’T bow at the feet of the King of America……
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jmgair
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 1:02pmAt least Carson has a great record and is far more qualified than the guy who was nervously listening to his speech.
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Shortround
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 1:31pmIt is not what the MSM has said. It is what that don;t say! This man is awesome! I wish he was in the White House this very day. Instead of having a man with a brain who can operate on a brain we gave a mega superstar celeb for prez, Truly a sad event.
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The_Jerk
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:08pmHis mother is the hero. His journey was easy compared to hers. She, not he, new the mission.
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The_Jerk
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:24pmMust have missed the “k.” That would be, she “knew” the mission. Like her, my reading skills are limited too.
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imsteph
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:40pmAgree with Shortround—if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it does it make a sound?
If something happens and the msm refuses to cover it—did it really happen?
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antiprogressive
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:49pmawesome.
and if he was white???
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GENEPAGLIARI
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 3:07pmGod bless his principles and values. May he continue to be a thorn in the side of the royals.
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The_Jerk
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 3:15pmIf Obama had a son, he would “not” look like him.
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johnpaulkuchtajr
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 7:19pmHey Depressed,
What was DEPRESSING was to watch an absolutely worthless piece of humanity, who happens to wield almost as much power as his wife Michelle, being exposed to solutions that would save America and knowing he just doesn’t give a flying crap. Obama looked like he had just been introduced to Bubba and Sweeney in his first night at County Lock-Up; and, both had given him Valentines.
The chaos in our fiscal house is exactly what the Ayatollah Obama is striving to foster. Ditto for the Middle East being on fire. What would bring this country to its knees faster than $500.00 per barrel oil? That would give him the excuse he needs to trot-out his Civilian National Security Force. You remember his wet dream from July 2008 when he went off-script and disclosed his plans for HIS army. How much you want to bet they all carry AR 15′s and wear berets with little Obama patches on the front?
I sure hope that you Blazers are joining Oathkeepers. You don’t have to be a veteran, retired policeman or government employee to join. You DO have to be an old school Patriot. A man may soon have to know who his kin is, if you get my drift!
“Remember Benghazi and ALL the Traitors!”
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jowettusmc
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 1:41pmKeep a watch out to see if this guys (1) disappears, (2) commits suicide, (3) loses his job, (4) is exposed as a fraud, etc. Just keep an eye out – I’m sure the ******** are out there frantically digging into his past in order to discredit him.
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richauthor
Posted on February 10, 2013 at 1:36amLet’s see now… who’s more qualified to be President?
Choom-boy or Dr. Ben Carson…
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indyron
Posted on February 10, 2013 at 12:00pm@antiprogressive – “and if he was white???”
If you had a Brain Tumor and he was the surgeon that would save your life, would it matter if he was PURPLE?
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solo1
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:59amwhy is this the first time weve heard about this guy? and why isnt he running for office?
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19RANDY59
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:13pmDr. Carson had better keep his eyes open. there’s probably a Drone hovering nearby
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4BlueStars
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:23pmI heard of him several years ago. But I think he does more good as a gifted surgeon than as a politician.
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armyofnibiru
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:56pmheard a hellicoptor flying low over the house yesterday,went out to look.saw a military chopper flying low escorted by three drones till they flew out of sight.the govt killed the constitution decades ago now they no longer care if we know it . and why has google whited out antartica,are there realy pyramids there?that would make them a little older than egypts by at least 798’000 years,and I was always told cromagnum is only 150,000 years old.
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Cavy2see
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 3:16pmI know …we never hardly hear about good people who struggled to get where they can make the truthful difference…God Bless
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SquirrelNYC
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 4:55pmWhy isn’t he running office? He’s got much more important job to do as a pediatrician. However, for about 20 minutes he gave the speech a United States president should give, while standing behind the podium with the presidential seal. It was powerful, genuine, and worth listening to. It was a pleasure listening to and watching Dr. Carson’s speech, and seeing that pretender to the side who has soiled the Presidential seat squirm was just an nice little bonus.
Thank you Dr. Carson – God bless you and the children you help.
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catty
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 4:59pmThe whole country has known about this guy for years, where have you been?
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sta
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 7:01pm“Gifted Hands” is the movie about him
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Libertee4UnMe
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 12:22pmThis man is a superstar and could be a role model for all. Why spoil his illustrious career by catapulting him into the cesspool of politics? He is touching the lives of thousand of young people in ways a politician would never do through his organization and his writings. Maybe he is the disciple of conservatism that we have longed for.
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katzkiner
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:24pmAnswer: The Obama Machine just unveiled him at an Obama event two chairs over from “Our Lord And Savior” and all the girls are getting their panties wet. Rand Paul, Colonel West, Herman Kaine, Michelle Bachman, leaders you KNOW. And I don’t care if Cain likes the ladies, so do I. Ask me about this NEW guy in a year. Did I ever tell you the story about the dog with a bone over pool of water?
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godlovinmom
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:48amFascinating story…ascinating man…Truly a man after God’s own heart!…I’m not into political correctness either :0)
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godlovinmom
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:55amsorry…fascinating man.
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bikerdogred1
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:45amThis man is (WHAT A GUY) no doubt about it.
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oneshiner
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 4:00pmThis is what we’d want in a President. What a wonderful person Dr. Carson is.
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newsjunkie
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:37amWhat a great speech. This man should be our president. Too bad our demander in chief probably wont understand it.
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txannie
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:45am@newsjunkie…what? you want everyone to be responsible for their own actions and choices instead of looking for the easy way and entitlement? Good grief, what a concept….
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Shasta
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:05pm@News, O understood it. You can tell by how quickly the smile left his face. Also, I thought it was interesting how the video zoomed in enough to cut out Moo’s face after the O’s started getting angry.
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decendentof56
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:47pmYes, you could see from Obama’s face that he knew the doctor was speaking to him.
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txannie
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:36amHe and obo obviously went to different schools of life too,… a caring mother vs an absent mother, hard work vs “choom gang”, earning vs entitlement,…and look which one is helping others and which one is still looking for entitlements…
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CathyvanDyke
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:48amTxannie … I agree.
Thank you Billy!
Dr. Benjamin Carson’s Amazing Speech at the National Prayer Breakfast with Obama Present
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFb6NU1giRA
Ben Carson biography
http://www.biography.com/people/ben-carson-475422
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Shortround
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 1:49pmWell said!
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Bobby D
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:26amI posted ten minutes ago, Glen, and nothing, so here I go yet again/
I know this man. If you, too, knew him I believe there would be no doubt in you that he is such a credit to humanity and everything G-d creates.
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Shasta
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:02pm1) You are correct. 2) Have patience, this site is very loaded down and slow. 3) I think it’s ok to spell out GOD…for now at least.
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curmudgeon60
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:25amDoes it mention that he was also the FIRST to do intrauterine procedure to relieve pressure on a hydrocephalic twin . I heard him say once that he asked GOD to guide his hands . I’ve enjoyed listening to him for 30 years on various Christian programs. Thanks Blaze for following up w/more info!
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ladyda
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:23amThis man is a most awesome role model for all, but especially the black males in this country who, because of Government intervention, have removed the father’s from families and turned the “single mothers” into generational Government dependents, ruining the initiative for personal responsibility, replacing it with entitlement mentality and feelings of victimization and class envy, which usually ends up with most of these sons doing time on states chain gangs.. Dr. Carson is the antithesis of our “Dear Leader” Obama. What a blessing this man is!
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OBUMAURMAMA
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:22amThis is child abuse!
His mother made him do homework instead of hang around with the local gang.
His mother taught him how to be a good Christian.
His mother taught him how to be a man even without a man around.
This alone constitutes child abuse in todays p.c. society.
Bet he didn’t get where he’s at by hollering race, going for affirmative action, claiming he’s a closet homosexual or transgender bisexual, Doctor, of current enlightenment. Bet he wasn’t allowed to march in the streets yelling at working taxpayers that they are capitalist pigs.
All solid, todays child abuse. We’re liable to find he’s a global warming skeptic. That could cost him any job or position in current Democrat government.
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SacredHonor1776
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:35pmHe’s an independent. He doesn’t belong to either party.
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SacredHonor1776
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:36pmAlso based on his book, America the Beautiful he’s pro-Tea Party movement, if not a Tea Partier himself.
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Bobby D
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:09amI know this man. You, too, would believe as I know, and not JUST FEEL, he is a credit to humanity, and to all things G-d creates.
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shirleyandpearl
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:42amThat’s for certain! He IS a great spokesman for the values/policies in
America we want for our children and future generations. Obama was furious. I hope that Orin Hatch was in agreement with him, just he didn’t want to be contradictory to Dear Leader. It would have been great to see Sen. Hatch show more enthusiasm, despite of the guy sitting next to him. This was a WONDERFUL speech!
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westtitus
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:12pmThank God his mother didn’t abort him or we would not have all the miracles God has done thru his hands.
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Wilma
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:06amI heard Dr. Carson give a commencement speech at the University of Miami. He is an amazing man; a hero in many ways.
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JerryReno
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:04amDr. Carson, I would like to impose upon your sensibilities and Christian morals, while asking you to consider running for the office of President of the United States as a member of the Libertarian party.
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searching for the Truth
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:03amChristianity is always a win win if done right.
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Mainer forever
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:01amWhat a great story. Thank you Blaze.
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IndianaJan
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:17amDitto!
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sta
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 7:02pmAmen.
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redsred
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:50aman amazingly accomplished person who puts stereotypes to rest. guided by a low income, low educated single mother he attains fantastic success because she knows how to be a parent. is the lesson not clear to the shiftless takers. there is a way and it is not gangs and drugs and thugs.
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jungle J
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:49amIf minorities followed his lead they would own the world in 50 years. But, they would also be compassionate owners.
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godlovinmom
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:55amIf minorities followed his lead..instead of all this redistribution and actually made it on their own merits..like Doctor Carson…what a America that would be :0)
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RightUnite
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:42amYeeeeaahhhhh…. I don’t see him getting any more invites to the White House prom!!
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barber2
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:41amSee . There are heroes in our world. The Far Left MSM is just too blind and twisted to recognize and publicize them.
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barber2
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:40amDr. Carson epitomizes the Christian message of love . It was so refreshing to see him at the podium after 4 years of the political divisiveness of the Obama Chicago Democrats who won an election on Blame Bush and made a career out of Blame Everyone else for their own ineptness. Karl Marx was no Christ . And the Chicago radicals project Marx’s message of blame, anger, hate and division.
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BODYBAG
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:54am“Democrat Melowese Richardson has been an official poll worker for the last quarter century and registered thousands of people to vote last year. She candidly admitted to Cincinnati’s Channel 9 this week that she voted twice in the last election.”
“Richardson insists she has done nothing wrong and promises to contest the charges: “I’ll fight it for Mr. Obama and for Mr. Obama’s right to sit as president of the United States.”
RAMPANT VOTER FRAUD IN OHIO
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/340174/voter-fraud-never-happens-keeps-coming-back-john-fund
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carbonyes
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:04pmBarack Hussein Obama is no Christian. Inviting a Muslim to a prayer breakfast and then letting the dweeb stand up and profess that we, meaning he puts his faith in the nail scared hands of Jesus Christ is a sacrilege. Obama no more believes in Jesus Christ than Farahkhan. God hates liars, which Obama is one of the chief liars and there is a special place in Hell prepared for him.
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mcdaris324
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:39amyou can watch the movie on netflix really good
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Locked
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:36amSounds like an amazing man. God bless!
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progressiveslayer
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:48amI’ll second that! God bless Doc.
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honor007
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:36amI enjoyed that so much yesterday!!! (around 5 times)
God Bless him.
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TurboCat
Posted on February 9, 2013 at 4:51amDid my heart some good to see the looks on O-blame-a’s face! I’ve seen that look before, when Netanyahu schooled him on those 67′ borders. O-blame-a can dish it out, but he can’t take it!
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gyro
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:34amNice guy but statments like “stop being political and start being logical” are going to get him tossed off from the white house skeet shooting team
on topic
He has a great history and future well done sir
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nonwinger
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:32amWill the mainstream media give coverage to this remarkable story?
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happ77
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:11amNot a chance.
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catty
Posted on February 8, 2013 at 5:05pmDo you ever watch TV or go to the movies. Or perhaps read the article?
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