The only Republican presidential candidate who had served in the military gave his rival, Ben Carson, a pass on Friday despite the fact that the retired neurosurgeon had falsely and repeatedly claimed to have been offered a “scholarship” to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who retired from the U.S. Air Force after a 33-year career, said during an appearance on “The Real Story With Gretchen Carlson” that voters should decide if they believe the story.
“Let’s leave that up to the voters. Can anybody deny that he’s one of the most talented people you’ve ever met? The guys is a world renowned neurosurgeon. I can promise you I never got a full scholarship to West Point,” Graham said while chuckling. “The bottom line is that the voters will determine this. That’s why I think Iowa, new Hampshire and South Carolina are so important. Dr. Carson is an accomplished man. He will have to deal with this. Let’s let the voters decide, not pollsters. This will work its way out overtime.”
Watch Graham’s reaction on Fox News below:
And implying both the impossible and a shade of truth to Carson’s lie…
(Wow, President Carson’s Sec. of Defense can talk out of both sides of his mouth and whistle ‘Dixie’.)
Oh, Lindsey, you’re going to make a fine Vice Presidential running mate to Dr. Carson! Now, remember, just because Dr. Carson is a black man does not necessarily mean he’s well-hung. Come on, admit it, Lindsey, you know this crossed your mind … right?
…that’s because you don’t matter, Miz Linz. You’re at the point now where you need to start kissing ass.
Can’t wait for Trump to start in.
But there is no such thing as a “scholarship,” in the traditional sense of that term, to any of the U.S. Military Academies. Once appointed to West Point, or any of the others, Uncle Sam picks up all the costs in return for a commitment to serve at least five years after the graduating cadet is commissioned. Any claim that Carson was offered a scholarship in an informal setting is clearly untrue, since that would be tantamount to an offer of admission to the Academy, which can only be achieved through a rigorous and extensive process.
No, the voters do not need to decide if they believe him. He lied. He admitted to lying, as much as any politician ever admits to anything. The voters need to decide if they care about the truth enough to vote for this particular liar anyway.