ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) — Republican presidential hopeful Ben Carson says he’s faced more discrimination because he’s a black conservative than because of his race alone.
Carson is the only black candidate among the major Republican and Democratic contenders for 2016.
The retired neurosurgeon was asked in South Carolina on Wednesday whether he’s experienced more prejudice because of his race or his political philosophy.
He answered, “That’s an easy one: conservative ideology by a long shot.”
Carson says in the United States “you are not supposed to be black and be a conservative.” He adds that public figures like him “are fair game for any vile thing, for lies and twisting your words.”
Carson has multiple campaign stops across the state, which hosts a Feb. 20 primary following Iowa and New Hampshire.
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