Presidential hopeful Dr. Ben Carson stopped in Springfield on Thursday, Oct. 22, to promote “A More Perfect Union,” a book he wrote with his wife, Candy.
About 4,000 people — double the anticipated amount — came to Mardel Christian and Educational Supply store on Battlefield Road for the book signing, according to a Mardel official.
The line began forming at 6 a.m. and stretched around the building and out to the store’s loading docks. Carson began meeting his supporters and signing books at about 6:30 p.m., an hour ahead of schedule.
He also took a few minutes to address the news media on hand.
Here are five highlights from his visit:
1. Upon entering the store and reaching the podium, Carson heard the roar of “Win, Ben, win!” from supporters.
His take on Ozarkers?
“I think they’re terrific people.” Carson then added jokingly: “Do I sound like Donald Trump? Terrific!”
2. On Thursday, a Quinnipiac University poll showed Carson leading rival Donald Trump 28 percent to 20 percent among likely Republican caucus participants. But Carson didn’t read too much into the poll, adding:
“It’s just one poll. We’ll see what’s going on 10 polls later.”
3. Carson briefly touched on Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s appearance on Thursday before a House committee investigating the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya.
“I just hope that we get to the bottom of it,” Carson said. “The issues of honesty, integrity, and what we do with our people overseas is very important. We can’t brush it under the rug.”
4. Since Missouri is one of the states that holds a primary early in the selection process, Carson addressed his campaign strategy:
“[I plan] to talk about what is relevant to the people and the things that will help get our country back on the right track. They’re not so much Democrat or Republican things … they’re American things, and those are the things that are killing us right now.”
5. When Carson was asked why he was insistent on putting Springfield, Missouri, on his book tour route, he answered with a smile:
“Who wouldn’t want to come to Springfield given the chance?”
