On Sunday’s “Meet the Press,” retired Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Ben Carson was asked to weigh on the controversy surrounding his opponent GOP front-runner Donald Trump regarding the question of President Barack Obama’s faith, which was posed to Trump in a question at a rally in New Hampshire last week.
Moderator Chuck Todd asked Carson if someone’s faith was an important qualification to be president of the United States.
“I guess it depends on what that faith is,” Carson said. “But, if it’s inconsistent with the values of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the Constitution, no problem.”
Todd went on to ask Carson if a Muslim would be qualified to be president.
“No, I do not,” he replied. “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.”
Carson would not rule out, however, a Muslim serving as a member of Congress.
“Congress is a different story, because it depends on who that Muslim is and what their policies are, just as it depends on what anybody else says, you know,” Carson said.
Todd also asked Carson if he believed Obama was Christian, and not a Muslim as the questioner at the Trump rally suggested.
“I believe he is. I have no reason to doubt what he says,” Carson said.
Follow Jeff Poor on Twitter @jeff_poor
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.