Ben Carson Buries ‘the Hatchet,' Endorses Donald Trump for President

Carson made the announcement at a Friday morning news conference

Former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson said Friday he and Donald Trump have "buried the hatchet" after months of political wrangling, and he is endorsing the GOP front-runner's White House bid.

At a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, Carson, who left the race earlier this month, described "two Donald Trumps" — the persona reflected on stage, and a private, "very cerebral" person who "considers things carefully."

Carson warned that it is "extremely dangerous" when political parties attempt to "thwart the will of the people," and urged politicians to "strengthen the nation," rather than create divisions.

Minutes before the presser Carson tweeted, "Many people fight for change in DC. @realDonaldTrump is a leader with an outsider’s perspective & the vision, guts & energy to get it done."

In his introduction to Carson on Friday, Trump described the retired neurosurgeon as a "special, special person — special man," and a "friend" who is respected by everyone. He said his endorsement "adds total credence to what I’m trying to do."

Trump confirmed the endorsement at the Republican presidential debate Thursday evening, revealing the two spent time together earlier that day to discuss education and how to improve schools.

Carson is the second GOP competitor to back Trump after dropping out. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has also endorsed the real estate mogul for president.

Two people with knowledge of the upcoming endorsement, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Carson was torn between Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, but opted to support Trump because of a rumor circulated ahead of the Iowa caucuses by the Cruz campaign that Carson had dropped out of the race.

In an interview with Fox News Radio's "John Gibson Show" Thursday, Carson was asked whether he was planning to join the Trump campaign.

"Let's put it this way, I'm certainly leaning," he said, adding that there are "two Donald Trumps" — the one seen on television and the one he's gotten to know behind the scenes.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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