That reaction has been a common one following Carson’s speaking engagements around the nation this year. In Iowa and the other early-voting states, in particular, it is Carson’s ability to draw from a new herd of caucus-goers and primary voters that makes him a potential presidential candidate to watch, despite his glaring vulnerabilities.
A rhetorical missile-launcher in human form, who has never before run for public office, Carson is easy to dismiss as a serious contender. But already a hero among grassroots conservatives who hold outsized influence in the early GOP nominating process, Carson’s capacity to make significant noise in 2016 should not be overlooked…
“They underestimate Dr. Carson at their own peril because I don’t think his campaign is going to be a typical campaign,” Vander Plaats said. “I believe that if he’s going to run and he’s going to get the kind of support it looks like he’s going to get, it’s going to be more like a force of nature than a well-orchestrated, ‘politics as usual’ campaign. So my advice to Dr. Carson would be keep doing what you’re doing.”…
Robinson told RCP that if and when Carson declares his candidacy, the draft organization plans to remain active (though under a different name), focusing on outreach to minorities, medical professionals and evangelicals — three groups for whom Carson, an African-American physician and devout Christian, may prove a particularly adept messenger.
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