Things are changing for Ben Carson, the candidate who for most of the race has been immune to Donald Trump’s attacks. The billionaire lashed out at Carson after the neurosurgeon took the lead in a second national poll, emerging as a serious threat to long-time frontrunner Donald Trump.
According to the most recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll, Carson has surged ahead of Trump with 29% to the Donald’s 23%. Trump’s predictable response was to take a swing at Carson’s experience.
Trump may have restrained himself from attacking Carson last week in Colorado, but all bets are off now that Carson has managed to take the lead in not one, but two national polls. “Ben can’t do the job. I mean there’s no question about it. He can’t do the job. He’s not going to be able to negotiate with China. It’s not his thing…it’s not in his wheelhouse. He’s never done it before.”
Trump also described the former neurosurgeon as “very weak on immigration,” and called his plans for Medicare the “end of his campaign.”
Carson’s popularity surged after viewers were “underwhelmed” by Trump’s performance during last week’s debate. Many believe Carson’s popularity is due to an overall yearning for a leader who isn’t a politician.
According to the political analysts on Fox News’ Strategy Room, Trump has hit the ceiling. “What goes up must come down,” says analyst Brad Blakeman. He suggests that instead of looking at national polls, we focus on individual states like Iowa and New Hampshire. Donald Trump remains in the lead (by double digits) in New Hampshire, the first primary state.
Meanwhile, Trump is pushing a new book called Crippled America. The book is an attempt to convince voters that Donald Trump has what it takes to accomplish things that a traditional politician could not. “The book is designed to give the reader a better understanding of me and my ideas for our future,” wrote Trump. “I’m a really nice guy, but I’m also passionate and determined to make our country great again.”
The same WSJ/NBC poll shows Marco Rubio in third place with 11%, Ted Cruz with 10%, and Jeb Bush with a measly 8%.