I have been following with the greatest interest the developments which are slowly taking place and shaping the candidates for the 2016 presidential elections in the United States. While so far the Democratic Party has two declared candidates, Hillary Clinton and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, the race for the Republican Party nomination is wide open with more than 20 expected candidates. Most of these candidates come from the usual political backgrounds, such as governor or senator. There is, however, someone with a more unique background and a very interesting story to tell. Dr. Ben Carson is a medical doctor, specifically a neurosurgeon and a very successful one at that. He is an African-American who rose to fame and success from a humble background. Raised by a divorced single mother, he went to Yale and later worked at John Hopkins Medical Center. As a dedicated son, father and husband, Dr. Carson's success story proved to be very appealing to the conservative Republican Party which traditionally does not attract minorities particularly African-American voters. Dr. Carson's success was not limited to the field of medicine, as he served on the boards of leading corporations, such as Kellogg and Costco. His story was made into a beautiful book titled appropriately “Gifted Hands”, written in direct, simple and warm language that is funny and very moving. It is above all a very inspiring story, a David versus Goliath story, a rags-to-riches story. Everyone is a sucker for such stories and everyone has a very soft and tender spot for a happy ending. However, Dr. Carson's chances in succeeding in the presidential elections are slim. He is a very long shot indeed as he is not a politician and, therefore, lacks political experience. Furthermore, the conventional wisdom, at least for the moment, is that America will not vote twice in a row for an African-American for president. However, set against a very dull and predictable group of candidates, the story of Dr. Carson is refreshing and inspirational. Readers of his life story are left with a true sense of hope and an example of a will to accomplish and achieve. Win or lose, Dr. Ben Carson is already an established winner in the eyes of many. He is a great example of what can be done if devotion and hard work are applied. It is also worth noting that he clearly states that his mother is the sole reason for his success. How beautiful is that!
