Why Not Ben? Poll Shows Carson Closing Gap on Trump

Dr. Ben Carson, the new face
of the Republican Party?

A new CBS/NY Times poll shows that New York businessman Donald Trump's rise in the polls appears to have stalled while physician Dr. Ben Carson has drawn within the margin of error of Trump's lead.  The poll shows Trump with 27% support of Republican primary voters while Carson is second at 23%.  The next candidates were all single digits, with Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee and Marco Rubio leading the second group each with 6%.

Other recent national polls had shown Trump's support among Republicans creeping above 30%.  Also, this is the first poll in nearly six weeks showing Trump's lead at less than double digits.  While it's difficult to compare polls from different pollsters given that different methodologies are often used, it should be noted that another CBS poll in early August showed Trump ahead of Carson 24-6.  Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was second in that poll at 10%.

I am skeptical of nominating a presidential candidate who doesn't have political experience.  To be successful in politics requires a special set of skills that is not necessarily required in other fields.  But there is a lot to be said about having the calm, conservative demeanor of Dr. Ben Carson as the face of the Republican Party.  Donald Trump, on the other hand, is the Don Rickles of the GOP.  He insults anyone who crosses his path, women generally on their looks and men on the size of their bank accounts.  His speech are bombastic diatribes, devoid of substance.  His sudden shift from liberal to conservative positions should cause concern among anti-Establishment folks who wants an authentic leader who will actually do what he says.  Donald Trump is no better than a snake oil salesman.  My apologies to snake oil salesmen everywhere.

It appears that the GOP establishment is not wanted in this election.  Let's just hope the anti-Establishment folks pick the right anti-Establishment candidate.  I don't know if that person is named Ben or Carly, but I do know one thing.  That candidate's name is not Donald Trump.