Ben Carson Says Honesty Is More Important Than Political Experience

Ben Carson's improbable presidential campaign took a big hit on Friday when Politico reported that a key story Carson has long told -- that he was offered a "full scholarship" to the prestigious US Military Academy at West Point after meeting a prominent Army general -- was false. It turns out that Carson never sought admission to West Point. There was no offer of any scholarship. (In fact, there are no scholarships to West Point; cadets attend free). Carson's campaign acknowledged to Politico that his account was inaccurate.

With Carson faring so well in the GOP contest -- especially among evangelical Christians who admire his Christian faith, character, and biography -- how might this news affect his presidential bid? Perhaps when it comes to evaluating this revelation, his supporters and fans should take their cue from Carson.

In a recent email solicitation -- headlined, "I'm not a politician" -- Carson, while asking for donations, explained what he believes are the most important qualifications for the job of president. Political experience (of which he has none) was not at the top of the list. Instead, he prioritized the moral fortitude of the candidate. And he claimed that the success of his campaign showed that a large number of Americans were forming a movement demanding strength of character over policy know-how.