2. He lives the American dream. Growing up in dire poverty in Detroit as the son of a single mother, Dr. Carson learned that his only hope for escaping the poverty he so loathed was through education. He learned this, of course, from his mother, who cut down on television and impressed upon him the importance of reading, going to school and learning skills.

3. After becoming immensely successful as a neurosurgeon, Dr. Carson turned his life to charity. But unlike those who believe the government is the answer to every problem, Dr. Carson chose to use his own money to fund scholarships for disadvantaged children. The program, called Carson Scholars Fund, has become so successful that others now freely give of their own money to a good cause that has proven itself.

4. Dr. Carson is not a lawyer. Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast last week where hundreds of politicians who are lawyers gathered to pray on camera, Dr. Carson explained why lawyers are so ill-suited for governance. “What do lawyers learn in law school? To win.” He said. “What we need to start thinking about is how do we solve problems.”