Trump snags endorsement from neurosurgeon, former GOP rival Ben Carson
Trump said he would be working with Carson on the issues of healthcare and education.
Former GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson endorsed Donald Trump on social media and during a press conference dominated by the front-runner on Friday morning in Florida.
On Twitter prior to the press conference @RealBenCarson wrote, "I endorse @realDonaldTrump. It's time to unite behind the candidate who will beat Hillary Clinton and return government to, 'We the People'"
On Facebook Carson wrote "I endorse Donald Trump for President. I have known Donald for many years. He is a successful businessman who has built a recognizable global brand that no one can question. His experience as a businessman is exactly what we need to move our economic engine in the right direction and empower those who have been left out of the American dream for far too long."
Trump said he would be working with Carson on the issues of healthcare and education.
"I'm going to work with Ben on so many different things," Trump said. "I know all about his views on healthcare, I felt he knew more about it than anyone else on the stage."
Trump said he was most impressed with Carson's views on education.
"He's going to be involved with us, particularly on those two subjects," Trump said.
[Also: Hillary Clinton top pick for healthcare industry pros, survey finds]
Asked if Carson was a potential running mate to Trump, Carson said, "We have not talked specifically about a role other than being involved."
On a question as to whether he would be interested in serving in a Trump administration, Carson said, "I'm interested in saving America."
Carson, a retired neurosurgeon who recently dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination, said he would have abolished Obamacare and replaced it with Health Empowerment Accounts.
Trump recently released his healthcare reform plan that calls for repealing Obamacare, allowing for the sale of health insurance across state lines and making individuals' health insurance premium payments fully tax deductible.
Asked why he didn't endorse candidate Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a conservative, Carson said Trump would do what needs to be done and is the candidate to beat the Democrats.
While Carson was a candidate, Trump said Carson had a pathological temper, comparing it to that of a child molester. Carson said Friday he had forgiven Trump.
Trump was asked if he regretted negative comments he's made in the past about Carson.
[Also: Trump releases plan to replace Obamacare]
"I have such respect for Ben," Trump said, going on to talk about his poll numbers of 49 percent compared to 15 percent for the other candidates after Thursday night's GOP debate. "The one person who kept sneaking up on me was Dr. Ben Carson. One poll where Ben went ahead. I said, 'This guy is unbelievable. He fought back with silence and strength. He's the one person, I couldn't lose him, I couldn't shake him."
Carson returned to the theme of the campaign being about "We the people."
"It requires somebody who's a bit of an iconoclast and who can make wise decisions," he said.
Trump has also received the endorsement of former candidate and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
