EXCLUSIVE: One-on-One With Dr. Ben Carson, Potential Candidate for U.S. President

A man who has said he’s considering a run for president visited the Central Valley Friday. Dr. Ben Carson is a conservative commentator and a neurosurgeon who’s made international headlines for his work in medicine. But more recently, his focus has been on politics.

Carson spoke exclusively to KSEE 24 about a potential run for president.

Central Valley conservatives welcomed Dr. Carson to Fresno as the keynote speaker for the 7th annual Sunbird Conservatives Conference.

The 63-year-old is exploring what he could bring as a potential candidate for president.

"Hopefully we can bring a non-politician somebody who makes decisions based on evidence and not on ideology," Carson said. 

He’s a man with many titles–pediatric neurosurgeon, author, political commentator. 

His comments are at times controversial.

Just last month, he told CNN why he believes being gay is a choice.

"A lot of people who go into prison go in the prison straight, and when they come out they’re gay. So, did something happen when they were in there?" Carson said in a CNN interview.

But the doctor’s compelling story brought out the crowds.

Growing up poor in Detroit, the son of a single mother, he says he was considered dumb in school.

But his mom pushed him to excel. He became a world-renowned neurosurgeon who gained international attention for successfully separating twins who were joined at the head.

It’s a story that’s resonated with many.

"I have admired, admired Ben Carson as well as what he has achieved," said Gwen Hansen, a supporter of Carson.

Tulare resident Nathaniel Woommavovah said he wanted to share Dr. Carson’s inspirational story with his 6-year-old son.

"He saw that I was paying attention to Dr. Carson, and he had some questions actually for him," Woommavovah said.

Many know his powerful backstory, but others are weighing whether Dr. Carson can run successfully for president of the United States.

"I think Ben’s a good guy. I don’t know if he could win, but I’m here to see what he has to say," said Chuck Hall, a Fresno resident.

So far, the support has been strong, Carson said.

"Everywhere I go, you know, we have huge enthusiastic crowds. And I go to airports, and people are saying, ‘Oh, you got to run.’ And everywhere I go. But I need to be sure that translates to financial support," Carson said.

And it seems the financial support is there, Carson said. Just last month, he launched a presidential exploratory committee.