Retired neurosurgeon and Donald Trump surrogate Ben Carson was asked Sunday if he’s worried he’s being used as a political prop by the GOP nominee.
The moment occurred as Carson joined Fox News’ Chris Wallace for an interview on “Fox News Sunday.”
“Do you worry that you’re being used as a prop for black voters and that supporting Donald Trump will end up hurting your credibility in the black community?” Wallace asked Carson, who is black.
Carson was asked the question as the two discussed news that a number of Trump’s Hispanic advisors resigned this week in reaction to the Republican candidate’s hard-hitting immigration speech this Wednesday.
“It’s not about me, it’s about our nation. But I would suggest, Chris, go back and look at the 1995 State of the Union address by Bill Clinton. And see what he said,” Carson said Sunday.
“He said, ‘Illegal aliens are creating a big problem for us, and we’re going to put a lot more border patrol people on and secure our borders and we’re not going to have people able to work illegally coming in. And we’re going to cut off their welfare benefits and we’re going to deport people in record numbers.’ He says basically the same thing, but when he says it, wow! Great standing ovation!” he said. “But when Trump says it, it’s hate speech. What hypocrisy!”
Carson campaigned in Detroit this weekend with Trump as the Republican candidate’s campaign continues its efforts to court the black vote.
The GOP nominee’s main pitch to the African-American community had been to ask: “What do you have to lose?”
On Saturday, Trump spoke at the Great Faith International Ministries in Detroit, and promised his predominantly African-American audience that he’d make their neighborhoods wealthier and safer.
“Now in these hard times for our country, let us turn again to our Christian heritage to lift up the soul of our nation,” Trump said. “I am so deeply grateful to be here today. And it is my prayer that America of tomorrow, and I mean that, that the America of tomorrow will be one of unity, togetherness and peace — and perhaps we can add the word prosperity.”
He also promised to usher in a new era of post-racial harmony.
“I fully understand that the African-American community has suffered from discrimination,” the Republican presidential nominee told his audience. “And that there are many wrongs that must still be made right. They will be made right.”
