Funny, I thought discrimination based upon religious belief was antithetical to the Constitution. Wasn't the separation of Church and State a driving force in the creation of our nation? So why all this talk about religion as a factor in determining if someone is fit for office?
GOP candidate Carson: Muslim shouldn't be elected president
Associated Press
By HOPE YENWASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson says Islam is antithetical to the Constitution, and he doesn't believe that a Muslim should be elected president.
Carson, a devout Christian, says a president's faith should matter to voters if it runs counter to the values and principles of America.
Responding to a question during an interview broadcast Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," he described the Islamic faith as inconsistent with the Constitution.
"I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation," Carson said. "I absolutely would not agree with that."
He did not specify in what way Islam ran counter to constitutional principles.
Carson's comments drew strong criticism from the country's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
"To me this really means he is not qualified to be president of the United States," said the group's spokesman, Ibrahim Hooper. "You cannot hold these kinds of views and at the same time say you will represent all Americans, of all faiths and backgrounds."
Hooper said the Constitution expressly forbids religious tests for those seeking public office and called for the repudiation of "these un-American comments."
In a separate appearance on NBC, one of Carson's rivals for the GOP nomination, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, was asked whether he would have a problem with a Muslim in the White House. "The answer is, at the end of the day, you've got to go through the rigors, and people will look at everything. But, for me, the most important thing about being president is you have leadership skills, you know what you're doing and you can help fix this country and raise this country. Those are the qualifications that matter to me."
Carson's comments came amid lingering fallout over Republican Donald Trump's refusal last week to take issue with a man during a campaign event who wrongly called President Barack Obama a Muslim and said Muslims are "a problem in this country."
Also speaking on NBC on Sunday, Trump said that a Muslim in the White House is "something that could happen... Some people have said it already happened, frankly."
In multiple interviews Sunday, Trump tried to draw a distinction between all American Muslims and extremist Muslims in the U.S. and elsewhere.
"I have friends that are Muslims they're great people, amazing people," Trump said on CNN's "State of the Union."
"You have extremists Muslims that are in a class by themselves," Trump added. "It's a problem in this country it's a problem throughout this world....You do have a problem with radical Muslims."
GOP candidates have since been split over whether to criticize Trump, who has been a vocal skeptic of Obama's birthplace and faith. Obama is Christian.
In the NBC interview, Carson said he believes that Obama was born in the U.S. and is Christian, saying he has "no reason to doubt" what the president says.
Carson also made a distinction when it came to electing Muslims to Congress, calling it a "different story" from the presidency that "depends on who that Muslim is and what their policies are, just as it depends on what anybody else says."
Congress has two Muslim members, Democratic Reps. Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Andre Carson of Indiana.
"If there's somebody who's of any faith, but they say things, and their life has been consistent with things that will elevate this nation and make it possible for everybody to succeed, and bring peace and harmony, then I'm with them," Carson said.
Associated Press writer Kevin Freking contributed to this report.
[Edited on 9/20/2015 by bob1954]
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
I agree entirely. Any behavior or rhetoric that pushes Republicans further towards extinction should be applauded. Trump and Carson would have been well placed on the bow of the Titanic, tooting their horns as she sank.
Still, it is in the political interest of Democrats--and to democracy--to alert minorities to the dangers of these blowhards gaining political power.
If a candidate does not support the separation of church and state, he/she should not be elected.
I hope carson and trump keep spewing their garbage for all to see.
They will put a well deserved dagger into what's left of the heart of the gop.
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
Would you care if I call you a Muslim or say you are Muslim if you aren't????
What an incredible thing to say as a presidential candidate. Are the leaders of both parties trying to get Bernie Sanders elected?
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
Would you care if I call you a Muslim or say you are Muslim if you aren't????
____________________________________________________________________
Nice dodge.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
I agree entirely. Any behavior or rhetoric that pushes Republicans further towards extinction should be applauded. Trump and Carson would have been well placed on the bow of the Titanic, tooting their horns as she sank.
Still, it is in the political interest of Democrats--and to democracy--to alert minorities to the dangers of these blowhards gaining political power.
_____________________________________________________________________
Yeah, the Democrats pander to minority special interests and The Republicans represent the majority of Americans.
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
I agree entirely. Any behavior or rhetoric that pushes Republicans further towards extinction should be applauded. Trump and Carson would have been well placed on the bow of the Titanic, tooting their horns as she sank.
Still, it is in the political interest of Democrats--and to democracy--to alert minorities to the dangers of these blowhards gaining political power.
_____________________________________________________________________
Yeah, the Democrats pander to minority special interests and The Republicans represent the majority of Americans.
Pandering goes both ways. The GOP problem is demographic and statistical. The majority (read white) is decreasing in voting size and the GOP are more affected than Democrats because so many elderly are GOP. Obama did not win this majority in 2012. Even if a Democrat only wins the same percentage of the Majority as Obama did the GOP still needs to attract more minority voters than Romney got (27%). The current estimate is that the GOP will need about 45% of the minority vote.
Keep up the name calling. 2020 will be more of a disaster for the GOP than 2016 as it is clearly obvious at least 50% of the GOP hate the idea of any kind of inclusion of diversity.
Heard Rush Limbaugh crowing ecstatic on his radio commercial : "It looked like 11 Rush Limbaughs on that stage!"
What an incredible thing to say as a presidential candidate. Are the leaders of both parties trying to get Bernie Sanders elected?
I sure hope so!
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
I agree entirely. Any behavior or rhetoric that pushes Republicans further towards extinction should be applauded. Trump and Carson would have been well placed on the bow of the Titanic, tooting their horns as she sank.
Still, it is in the political interest of Democrats--and to democracy--to alert minorities to the dangers of these blowhards gaining political power.
_____________________________________________________________________
Yeah, the Democrats pander to minority special interests and The Republicans represent the majority of Americans.
Pandering goes both ways. The GOP problem is demographic and statistical. The majority (read white) is decreasing in voting size and the GOP are more affected than Democrats because so many elderly are GOP. Obama did not win this majority in 2012. Even if a Democrat only wins the same percentage of the Majority as Obama did the GOP still needs to attract more minority voters than Romney got (27%). The current estimate is that the GOP will need about 45% of the minority vote.
Keep up the name calling. 2020 will be more of a disaster for the GOP than 2016 as it is clearly obvious at least 50% of the GOP hate the idea of any kind of inclusion of diversity.
______________________________________________________________________
Your assumption is wrong.
Republicans accept all people equally.
What we will not accept is "forced diversity" based on "special status" given some minorities by the liberals just trying to buy their votes.
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
I agree entirely. Any behavior or rhetoric that pushes Republicans further towards extinction should be applauded. Trump and Carson would have been well placed on the bow of the Titanic, tooting their horns as she sank.
Still, it is in the political interest of Democrats--and to democracy--to alert minorities to the dangers of these blowhards gaining political power.
_____________________________________________________________________
Yeah, the Democrats pander to minority special interests and The Republicans represent the majority of Americans.
Pandering goes both ways. The GOP problem is demographic and statistical. The majority (read white) is decreasing in voting size and the GOP are more affected than Democrats because so many elderly are GOP. Obama did not win this majority in 2012. Even if a Democrat only wins the same percentage of the Majority as Obama did the GOP still needs to attract more minority voters than Romney got (27%). The current estimate is that the GOP will need about 45% of the minority vote.
Keep up the name calling. 2020 will be more of a disaster for the GOP than 2016 as it is clearly obvious at least 50% of the GOP hate the idea of any kind of inclusion of diversity.
______________________________________________________________________
Your assumption is wrong.
Republicans accept all people equally.
What we will not accept is "forced diversity" based on "special status" given some minorities by the liberals just trying to buy their votes.
You think the liberals have this giant vote buying machine. You don't think this is how the GOP caters to big corporations who then fund their campaigns? You know those special deals for the rich for tax breaks that never quite seem to create jobs.
The GOP system of ethnic volunteerism doesn't seem to be working so it will soon be bye bye GOP!
What an incredible thing to say as a presidential candidate. Are the leaders of both parties trying to get Bernie Sanders elected?
I sure hope so!
This would be a very positive development. Bernie Sanders is by far one of the most real people running for president.
What an incredible thing to say as a presidential candidate. Are the leaders of both parties trying to get Bernie Sanders elected?
I sure hope so!
This would be a very positive development. Bernie Sanders is by far one of the most real people running for president.
And you won't see him flip flopping on an issue.
Bernie has been genuine from day one.
Any behavior or rhetoric that pushes Republicans further towards extinction should be applauded.
Apparently they're not being pushed too hard in that direction. Just about anywhere elections are held Republican candidates just keep on winning, winning, winning.
You think the liberals have this giant vote buying machine. You don't think this is how the GOP caters to big corporations who then fund their campaigns?
Relax. Most big corporations donate to both parties.
Any behavior or rhetoric that pushes Republicans further towards extinction should be applauded.
Apparently they're not being pushed too hard in that direction. Just about anywhere elections are held Republican candidates just keep on winning, winning, winning.
Well, except losing twice to the non-American Muslim taught by Saul Alinsky and Rev. Wright and friend of Bill Ayers........... 😛 
Any behavior or rhetoric that pushes Republicans further towards extinction should be applauded.
Apparently they're not being pushed too hard in that direction. Just about anywhere elections are held Republican candidates just keep on winning, winning, winning.
Well, except losing twice to the non-American Muslim taught by Saul Alinsky and Rev. Wright and friend of Bill Ayers........... 😛
And the mastermind of..................................
wait for it...........
BENGHAZI!!!!!
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
Would you care if I call you a Muslim or say you are Muslim if you aren't????
____________________________________________________________________
Nice dodge.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
Would you care if I call you a Muslim or say you are Muslim if you aren't????
Imagine no religion
Are religious beliefs the root of so many problems in our country and globally? Or would the world be even more of a mess without some kind of "guiding light"? Hard to see the later being true.
You think the liberals have this giant vote buying machine. You don't think this is how the GOP caters to big corporations who then fund their campaigns? You know those special deals for the rich for tax breaks that never quite seem to create jobs.
The GOP system of ethnic volunteerism doesn't seem to be working so it will soon be bye bye GOP!
Ha! And Democrats don't cater to big corporations! You know those special deals they make behind closed doors so they can keep their donations coming in while still having this blue collar we're for the little guy image all nice and clean.
I'll take Bernie Sanders or Trump. Give me radical change either way. We need it.
Any behavior or rhetoric that pushes Republicans further towards extinction should be applauded.
Apparently they're not being pushed too hard in that direction. Just about anywhere elections are held Republican candidates just keep on winning, winning, winning.
Well, except losing twice to the non-American Muslim taught by Saul Alinsky and Rev. Wright and friend of Bill Ayers........... 😛
Which pushed the GOP further toward extinction? I'd say it did the exact opposite.
So, Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for CAIR, an Islamic Extremist Terrorism support group, doesn’t like what Dr. Carson said. Too bad.
Trump also got it right. There is a big difference between a Muslim American Citizen and Islamic Extremist Terrorists. Trump is also not responsible for what someone in a crowd says nor is he obligated to defend Obama.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
Would you care if I call you a Muslim or say you are Muslim if you aren't????
____________________________________________________________________
Nice dodge.
Why is it that Democrats consider calling someone a Muslim an insult?
Would you care if I call you a Muslim or say you are Muslim if you aren't????
________________________________________________________________________
Answering my question with your own question is evasion.
Why are you afraid to answer my question?
If this doesn't prove that the campaign process is too nauseatingly long and too much time is spent microanalyzing every word out of everyone's mouth, then nothing will. What a stupid "issue."
A Muslim isn't even running for President and won't be for many, many years to come. Dumb.
A Muslim isn't even running for President and won't be for many, many years to come. Dumb.
Maybe. But one ran, and won, the last two times.
If this doesn't prove that the campaign process is too nauseatingly long and too much time is spent microanalyzing every word out of everyone's mouth, then nothing will. What a stupid "issue."
I agree, and if this is all they can come up with to injure Carson he'll be in great shape.
You think the liberals have this giant vote buying machine. You don't think this is how the GOP caters to big corporations who then fund their campaigns? You know those special deals for the rich for tax breaks that never quite seem to create jobs.
The GOP system of ethnic volunteerism doesn't seem to be working so it will soon be bye bye GOP!
Ha! And Democrats don't cater to big corporations! You know those special deals they make behind closed doors so they can keep their donations coming in while still having this blue collar we're for the little guy image all nice and clean.
I'll take Bernie Sanders or Trump. Give me radical change either way. We need it.
The emphasis in my response was not clear. The GOP publicly caters to the interest of corporations and sees business and the upper class as a primary economic force. Democrats while taking money from corporations--and no doubt this action is reciprocated--do not promote this relationship ideologically and so as you say it occurs behind closed doors. Mule's point was about the public pandering evident in identity politics. The GOP--wrongly in my mind--believes that were it not for this pandering all minorities would be republicans? The GOP also uses a closed door approach to some of its pandering. The GOP, to many observers, with the Iran deal attempted to cater to Jewish voters behind closed doors by invoking larger issues for their behavior.
I am also not really into this fairness doctrine where if you mention an evil about the GOP you are obligated to find a similar evil pertaining to Democrats.
"I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation," Carson said. "I absolutely would not agree with that."
Haven't read through all the replies to this thread, but this has been hugely overblown. The fact that Carson said this is supposed to come as a shock? Really? Why is this an issue at all? Is there a Muslim candidate for POTUS that I am not aware of?
I don't think he said that a Muslim shouldn't be allowed to run for the office, or shouldn't be allowed to hold the office. He said that he wouldn't advocate for a Muslim president. I wouldn't advocate we elect a Muslim president now either...just look at all the backlash from people who *think* have Muslim president, not just the crazies but even the leading GOP candidate won't some out and say he isn't (ok, maybe he is one of the crazies).
Seriously, who is out there advocating that we SHOULD have a Muslim president? Who is out there saying that a Muslim even COULD get elected president in 2016? Anyone? Bueller?
[Edited on 9/21/2015 by gondicar]
