A CNBC moderator was loudly booed Wednesday night when he asked GOP candidate Ben Carson to defend his involvement with different companies.
Carson was asked by moderator Carl Quintanilla about his ties to retail giant Costco, described as “gay friendly,” and Mannatech, which produces controversial nutritional supplements.
Carson, who has suggested being gay is a choice, attempted to explain that he is in favor of marriage being exclusive to opposite sex couples, but that it didn’t make him anti-gay.
“This is one of the myths that the left perpetrates on our society,” said Carson, who is leading the GOP field in some national polls. “And this is how they frighten people and get people to shut up. You know, that’s what the [politically correct] culture is all about and it’s destroying this nation.”
Asked about his involvement with Mannatech, Carson said he uses their products and has delivered paid speeches to the company but that he is not officially tied to the company in any way.
“Does that not speak to your vetting process or your judgement in any way?” said Quintanilla, drawing boos from the audience.
Carson shot back, “See, they know.”
