WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) — Dr. Ben Carson has suspended his presidential campaign – or so it seems.
In an official statement released by his campaign on Wednesday, Carson said that his shutout in the primaries so far convinced him not to participate in tonight's Fox News debate.
“I do not see a political path forward in light of [Tuesday] evening's Super Tuesday primary results,” he said. “However, this grassroots movement on behalf of 'We the People' will continue.”
“Along with millions of patriots who have supported my campaign for President, I remain committed to Saving America for Future Generations. We must not depart from our goals to restore what God and our Founders intended for this exceptional nation.”
It will not involve participating in the debate, scheduled to take place this evening in the doctor's hometown of Detroit.
Carson blamed his poor showing in the Iowa caucus to dirty tricks by Senator Ted Cruz, whose campaign spread an internet story that Carson planned to exit the political race on the eve of the vote.
Dr. Carson's candidacy has suffered rocky moments, as he repeatedly made statements that seemed to contradict themselves, only to issue a clarification later.
He once implied that life began at the moment an unborn child's heart began beating and said that efforts to save Terri Schiavo were “much ado about nothing.” This, and his admission that he referred women to abortionists, and his suggestion that rape victims be given RU486 in the emergency room, cast doubt in the minds of his base support of pro-life voters.
In recent debates, he had been reduced to pleading with other candidates to “attack” him on stage.
Although his statement does not overtly say he is suspending his campaign for president, that appears to be his intent.
“Along with millions of patriots who have supported my campaign for president, I remain committed to saving America for future generations,” he said. “We must not depart from our goals to restore what God and our Founders intended for this exceptional nation.”
The retired neurosurgeon said he’ll discuss the “future of this movement” during a speech Friday at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Who Carson will throw his support to for president is unknown.
Carson entered the national conscience at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast, where he criticized ObamaCare as Obama sat on stage beside him.
Carson's style both endeared him to supporters, who appreciated his soft-tone and humble attitude in the midst of a contentious primary, and distanced him from detractors, who wanted a more aggressive fighter, like Donald Trump.