# Where is the outrage?!! (Ben Carson - Muslims unfit to be POTUS) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 20, 2015, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007 "2015-09-20T20:27:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/121 "2015-09-22T15:02:17Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > Once again, Dr. Carson has been viciously slandered. He did NOT say that a muslim could not be president. what he did say is that someone who believes in sharia law and (rejects the tenets of the US Constitution) should not be president. I’m pretty sure he said “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that,” If he meant to say the sharia law thing and rejecting the Constitution thing, maybe he should have said those things, instead of what he actually said. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/122 "2015-09-22T15:07:38Z")
[The transcript of that “Meet the Press” interview:](http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/09/21/world-view-ben-carsons-statement-about-muslim-president-revives-jfk-catholic-controversy/) > [@](#): > > CHUCK TODD: Let me ask you the question this way: Should a President’s faith matter? Should your faith matter to voters? > > DR. BEN CARSON: Well, I guess it depends on what that faith is. If it’s inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the constitution, no problem. > > CHUCK TODD: So do you believe that Islam is consistent with the constitution? > > DR. BEN CARSON: No, I don’t, I do not. … I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that. > > CHUCK TODD: And would you ever consider voting for a Muslim for Congress? > > DR. BEN CARSON: Congress is a different story, but it depends on who that Muslim is and what their policies are, just as it depends on what anybody else says, you know. And, you know, 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. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/123 "2015-09-22T15:20:01Z")
His problem is that he believes the default position of Islam is contrary to the constitution. That is, anyone who is a Muslim has the added burden of publicly announcing his willingness to put the US Constitution about his religion. JFK had to do that 50 years ago. That should have been the last time it was necessary. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/124 "2015-09-22T15:24:34Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > [The transcript of that “Meet the Press” interview:](http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/09/21/world-view-ben-carsons-statement-about-muslim-president-revives-jfk-catholic-controversy/) nitpick - According to your linked article, it stated, “The following are excerpts from the Meet the Press transcript:”. An “excerpt”, not the entire transcript. When Chuck Todd said: _CHUCK TODD: Let me ask you the question this way:_ it suggests that Todd had already asked a similar question, and was now going to rephrase the question in order to further clarify Carson’s OPINION on the subject matter. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/125 "2015-09-22T15:27:37Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > His problem is that he believes the default position of Islam is contrary to the constitution. That is, anyone who is a Muslim has the added burden of publicly announcing his willingness to put the US Constitution about his religion. JFK had to do that 50 years ago. That should have been the last time it was necessary. Why should the voters be forced to assume a candidates position on any subject matter because you believe, “That should have been the last time it was necessary”? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/126 "2015-09-22T15:31:50Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > nitpick - According to your linked article, it stated, “The following are excerpts from the Meet the Press transcript:”. An “excerpt”, not the entire transcript. When Chuck Todd said: > > _CHUCK TODD: Let me ask you the question this way:_ > > it suggests that Todd had already asked a similar question, and was now going to rephrase the question in order to further clarify Carson’s OPINION on the subject matter. As I recall, the preceding question was about Carson’s faith. By the way, it’s a minor point perhaps, but I was troubled by the way he phrased this (not just the Muslim part) > [@](#): > > I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. The President is not “in charge of this nation.” He or she may be considered _in charge of the government_, but the President is not a ruler who is in charge of all of us. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/127 "2015-09-22T15:34:03Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > nitpick - According to your linked article, it stated, "The following are excerpts from the Meet the Press transcript: [:Shrug:](http://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meet-press-transcript-september-20-2015-n430581) > [@](#): > > CHUCK TODD: > > Let me wrap this up by finally dealing with what’s been going on, Donald Trump, and a deal with a questioner that claimed that the president was Muslim. Let me ask you the question this way: Should a President’s faith matter? Should your faith matter to voters? > > DR. BEN CARSON: > > Well, I guess it depends on what that faith is. If it’s inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the constitution, no problem. > > CHUCK TODD: > > So do you believe that Islam is consistent with the constitution? > > DR. BEN CARSON: > > No, I don’t, I do not. > > CHUCK TODD: > > So you– > > DR. BEN CARSON: > > I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that. > > CHUCK TODD: > > And would you ever consider voting for a Muslim for Congress? > > DR. BEN CARSON: > > Congress is a different story, but it depends on who that Muslim is and what their policies are, just as it depends on what anybody else says, you know. And, you know, 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. > > CHUCK TODD: > > And I take it you believe the president was born in the United States and is a Christian? > > DR. BEN CARSON: > > I believe that he is. I have no reason to doubt what he says. > > CHUCK TODD: > > All right, Dr. Carson I will leave it there, I look forward to speaking with you again soon. > > DR. BEN CARSON: > > All right, thank you very much. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/128 "2015-09-22T15:35:44Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Why should the voters be forced to assume a candidates position on any subject matter because you believe, “That should have been the last time it was necessary”? Maybe I worded that poorly. I don’t think it should have been “necessary” at the time for JFK to have to do that, but a lot of folks thought it was, and there’s no changing the past. We should have learned from that. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/129 "2015-09-22T15:38:04Z")
That said, yes, it’s entirely valid and necessary to question a candidate who seems to put his religious beliefs above the Constitution he’d be sworn to uphold. That includes Carson, but probably would not include Keith Ellison. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/130 "2015-09-22T15:46:46Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Maybe I worded that poorly. I don’t think it should have been “necessary” at the time for JFK to have to do that, but a lot of folks thought it was, and there’s no changing the past. We should have learned from that. It’s better/safer to have a political candidate clearly state their positions than for everyone to assume they know where a candidate stands. We the voters have been known to make different assumptions concerning the same actions and issues. If we’ve learned anything, it’s best to find out where a politician stands “before” they take office. Kennedy’s religion and religious beliefs were only a few of the questions that JFK had to clarify before he truly became electable. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/131 "2015-09-22T15:55:53Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > That said, yes, it’s entirely valid and necessary to question a candidate who seems to put his religious beliefs above the Constitution he’d be sworn to uphold. Which is why both Carson and Huckleberry are not qualified for the office. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/132 "2015-09-22T16:00:36Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > As I recall, the preceding question was about Carson’s faith. > > By the way, it’s a minor point perhaps, but I was troubled by the way he phrased this (not just the Muslim part) > The President is not “in charge of this nation.” He or she may be considered _in charge of the government_, but the President is not a ruler who is in charge of all of us. The POTUS is also referred to as the “leader of the free world”. A post that they were never elected to. Life goes on. _DR. BEN CARSON: I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that._ Why doesn’t Carson advocate putting a Muslim in charge of this nation? \*DR. BEN CARSON: Well, I guess it depends on what that faith is. If it’s inconsistent with the values and principles of America, then of course it should matter. But if it fits within the realm of America and consistent with the constitution, no problem. CHUCK TODD: So do you believe that Islam is consistent with the constitution? DR. BEN CARSON: No, I don’t, I do not.\* Apparently, Carson has no problem supporting a Muslim for POTUS if that Muslim candidate supports, among other items, the Bill Of Rights. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/133 "2015-09-22T16:11:05Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Apparently, Carson has no problem supporting a Muslim for POTUS if that Muslim candidate supports, among other items, the Bill Of Rights. Can a person follow a faith that is inconsistent with the Constitution, AND support the Constitution at the same time? ---
**Author:** ![Abe\_Babe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3ab097/32.png) [@Abe\_Babe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abe_Babe)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/134 "2015-09-22T16:23:17Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > CHUCK TODD: > So do you believe that Islam is consistent with the constitution? > > DR. BEN CARSON: > No, I don’t, I do not.\* > > Apparently, Carson has no problem supporting a Muslim for POTUS if that Muslim candidate supports, among other items, the Bill Of Rights. Did you read what you posted? Carson said Islam is not compatible with the constitution, but you say he would support a Muslim who supports the Bill of Rights. He would support a Muslim who doesn’t follow Islam? ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/135 "2015-09-22T16:29:28Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Hillary [responds](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hillary-clinton-ben-carson-muslim-president_56002c4ae4b08820d9196626) pretty definitively – yes, a Muslim can be president. This does not fit in with **adaher** ’s preconceived notions, so he will not only ignore it, but it will not penetrate his neutronium thick skull plates. He literally will not be able to see your post. Things that disagree with his warped sense of the world do not actually get into his optic nerves. They are blocked at the source. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/136 "2015-09-22T16:32:50Z")
> [@Abe\_Babe](#): > > He would support a Muslim who doesn’t follow Islam? _His view_ of Islam is that it requires absolute submissiveness to the dictates of Sharia law (about which I suspect he actually knows nothing), although I doubt his view of Catholicism and canon law is similar. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/137 "2015-09-22T16:36:27Z")
> [@andros](#): > > That’s simply false. His own words are very clear, and they’re quoted just a couple posts up. > > God_damn_, would you try just once to say something that’s not completely fucking ignorant? Educate yourself, fool. Can you refrain from saying totally ignorant things? educate YOURSELF.:smack: ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/138 "2015-09-22T16:37:46Z")
> [@Abe\_Babe](#): > > Did you read what you posted? Carson said Islam is not compatible with the constitution, but you say he would support a Muslim who supports the Bill of Rights. > > He would support a Muslim who doesn’t follow Islam? Would you advocate for a Muslim candidate who choses radical, fanatical, or violent, Islam over a candidate who believes in the BOR? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/139 "2015-09-22T16:52:14Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > I have no problem with this. Islam and its belief in theocratic government is not compatible with the US Constitution. that is what he was saying. [QUOTE=Mike Huckabee] “I have opponents in this race who do not want to change the Constitution. But I believe it’s a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living God. And thats what we need to do is amend the Constitution so it’s in God’s standards rather than trying to change God’s standards so it lines up with some contemporary view of how we treat each other and how we treat the family.” [/QUOTE] So, is Huckabee wrong? ---
**Author:** ![Truman\_Burbank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@Truman\_Burbank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truman_Burbank)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2015, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007/140 "2015-09-22T16:54:12Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Would you advocate for a Muslim candidate who choses radical, fanatical, or violent, Islam over a candidate who believes in the BOR? Well \*of course \*most us would, we’re liberals! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-outrage-ben-carson-muslims-unfit-to-be-potus/732007.md?page=8)