Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ben Carson endorses Donald Trump and says he has a 'cerebral side' the public does not see

The backing could help Mr Trump fight off a challenge from Senator Ted Cruz

David Usborne
Palm Beach
Friday 11 March 2016 11:26 EST
Comments
Mr Carson endorsed Mr Trump at the billionaire's Mars-A-Lago beach club in Palm Beach
Mr Carson endorsed Mr Trump at the billionaire's Mars-A-Lago beach club in Palm Beach (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Dr Ben Carson, who dropped his bid for the Republican nomination last month, endorsed Donald Trump at the billionaire’s Mar-A-Lago beach club in Palm Beach on Friday, saying the two of them had “buried the hatchet” since trading barbs on the campaign trail.

Presenting the retired neurosurgeon at a press conference in the Gold and White Ballroom at the opulent club, Mr Trump also referenced the past bad blood between them, but insisted: “Its politics, its tough stuff…but I was really impressed with the way he fought back. He did so well.”

The endorsement could help Mr Trump ward off the challenge from Senator Ted Cruz, who now stands as his only credible surviving rival as the race for the Republican nod approaches another critical milestone with votes in several very large states next Tuesday, including Florida.

Ben Carson insists Donald Trump has a 'cerebral side'
Ben Carson insists Donald Trump has a 'cerebral side' (EPA)

Mr Carson, who had led in the polls last autumn before seeing his support slip away, said that while some might be surprised by his decision, he said that there is a “cerebral” side to Mr Trump that people don’t see.

“I have come to know Donald trump over the last few years, he is actually a very intelligent man who cares deeply about America,” he said. There are two different Donald Trumps. The one you see on the stage and the one who is very cerebral who sits there and considers things very carefully….and that’s the Donald trump you are going to start seeing more and more of.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in