Ben Carson may decide to run for president because of the support he has earned among voters, but he'll be somewhat of a reluctant candidate because, he says, the presidency is a "kind of horrible situation" for a person to be in.
"I'm not sure that anybody wants to put themselves into that kind of horrible, stressful situation. It certainly has not been a goal of mine," said Carson in response to a question from
CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday.
A new
CNN/ORC poll showed Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP nominee, leading with 20 percent support to Carson's 10 percent.
Romney also leads, with 19 percent support, in a
Quinnipiac University poll released last week, followed by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush with 11 percent.
Carson is tied in that poll with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at 8 percent.
It is that support, he says, which is why he continues to consider a presidential run.
"However, I do recognize that the direction of our country is not a good one. And I think millions of Americans resonate with that. And many of those Americans have been indicating that they want me to do it.
"So whether I want to do it or not, I do feel an obligation to at least very seriously consider the possibility," Carson said.
The former neurosurgeon says he will continue building a campaign infrastructure because he believes in "always being prepared," and will have a final decision by May 1.
"I believe in always being prepared. So if you do make that decision, you don't start out behind the eight ball," he said.
Carson also commented on the state of race relations in the wake of the Ferguson riots, saying that while the police are "our friends," it is important for them "to also understand why people have raw feelings. You know, a lot of times it's perception. But still, they need to know that."
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