Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson stated that Rupert Murdoch is “not a racist by any stretch of the imagination” and that the controversy over his tweet about the president is “much to do about nothing” on Thursday’s “Wolf” on CNN.
Carson, was asked about Murdoch’s tweet that stated, “Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide? And much else.”
He said, “Well, I know Rupert Murdoch. He’s not a racist, by any stretch of the imagination. He’s just expressing his opinion. I think it’s much to do about nothing.”
Carson added, “Everybody’s entitled to their opinion. I believe what he was making reference to was the fact that here was a man who is a black president that the black community was very excited about, who came in, and whose policies have not really elevated the black community, has not been beneficial. There’s more unemployment, more poverty, and I believe that’s what he was really referring to.”
When asked if he believe President Obama is “a real black president” Carson declined to get into the “semantics” of such a discussion, but did say, “he’s the president and he’s black.” He also added that what Murdoch tweeted was taken the wrong way.
Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett
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