Age: 64
Background: Carson is a well-known retired pediatric neurosurgeon who was born in Detroit. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Yale University and his MD degree from University of Michigan. His claim to fame? Successfully separating conjoined twins and eventually receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush in 2008. He entered the political spotlight during the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast when he criticized President Barack Obama's policies on taxes and health care. After that, he became an opinion columnist for The Washington Times and a contributor to Fox News.
Stance on hot topics: Carson is in favor of protecting the Second Amendment, stating on his website: "The right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms is fundamental to our liberty." He is also pro-life, which is connected to his work as a pediatric neurosurgeon. His website states: “As a surgeon, I have operated on infants prebirth. I can assure you that they are very much alive.”
Memorable quote: In light of the Umpqua Community College shooting in Oregon, he was asked by Fox & Friends how he would react if the gunman had walked up to him. "Not only would I probably not cooperate with him, I would not just stand there and let him shoot me," he said. "I would say,'‘Hey, guys, everybody attack him! He may shoot me, but he can’t get us all."
Standout moment from 2016 election — so far: During December's GOP debate, moderator Hugh Hewitt asked Carson whether he'd be able to strike a balance between the good character that stems from his professional experience with ill children and the ruthlessness required to wage the war on terror. "You have to be able to look at the big picture and understand that it's actually merciful if you go ahead and finish the job rather than death by 1,000 pricks," he answered, confirming that he would sacrifice the lives of innocent children and civilians in a Middle East air strike if necessary.
— Reporting by Samantha Netkin
