This week the Sift’s 2016 speech series gets to Ben Carson, who might be the most interesting of the Republican candidates. Without much attention from the mainstream media (but plenty of attention from conservative and Christian talk radio), he has moved into a solid second place in the polls behind Donald Trump. Like some 21st-century revision of the famous Teddy Roosevelt dictum, he speaks softly but says wild things. He embodies the conservative fantasy that government doesn’t require any special knowledge or skill, but only common sense and a good heart. If Trump implodes, he might be the one to pick up the pieces.
The Carson article should be out around 9 EDT. The weekly summary will discuss the Iran deal’s survival in the Senate, the 9-11 anniversary, Mitch McConnell’s attempt to sabotage the Paris climate summit, the Jeb! tax plan, and Kim Davis’ prospects for staying out of jail. It should appear around 11.
The Weekly Sift 
Comments
I noticed your use of “if” Trump implodes rather than “when.” I’ve been wondering if you changed your mind about his motivations as a serious candidate. I personally expect he will ride the pony until it falls down beneath him, even if that means putting money into a real campaign and going all the way. What his motivations are, I’m not sure, but I agree with you that he doesn’t want to be president. I’m nearly convinced he’s doing this for Hillary somehow. Or just because he can.