DES MOINES — Despite sliding in recent polls, Ben Carson predicted Thursday that caucus-goers and political watchers are going to be “shocked” with his Iowa performance in only 24 days time.
Carson, who was in Iowa for multiple events Thursday, told the Washington Examiner in a phone interview that Iowans will not be wooed with “speeches and rhetoric,” a possible veiled shot at Sen. Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, who continue to lead in the state.
“I think the first four states are important. So we’re going to concentrate on those,” Carson said when asked about Iowa’s importance for the campaign. “One of the very good things about Iowa is that you get a chance to get up close and personal. It’s a very good chance to see who you are, so that will be a very good gauge.”
“I do believe that the people of Iowa, when push comes to shove, three weeks from now, will really start thinking seriously about people,” Carson continued. They will make their determination based on people’s accomplishments and people’s lives, and not based on speeches and rhetoric, and I believe that all of us are going to be shocked the day after the caucus.”
The former neurosurgeon’s support in the state has evaporated over the past two months, going from nearly 30 percent support in late October/early November to only 9 percent, according to RealClearPolitics polling averages. However, Carson is keeping the faith in Iowa, where he continues to spend time with the hopes of a rebound.
“They will begin to look at what we accomplished, the consistency of our message, what kind of people we are, and what kind of leaders they want,” Carson added.
Carson, who was in the Hawkeye State both Wednesday and Thursday, will be back for campaign events in the first-in-the-nation caucus state on Sunday and Monday after a Saturday stop in South Carolina.
