Armstrong Williams: Carson Only 'Authentic Christian' in Race

Ben Carson is the only true Christian in the Republican race for president, his adviser Armstrong Williams said Thursday on CNN.

Williams was on "The Lead with Jake Tapper" to discuss the shakeup in Carson's campaign staff when he said, "Dr. Carson in my opinion is the only true authentic evangelical Christian in the race."

Carson is "very sincere, he's very real," Williams said. "There are a lot of people who talk about their faith, including Mr. Trump and Mr. Cruz. Dr. Carson lives it."

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's father is an evangelical pastor, and Cruz often cites Scripture in his campaign. Trump has held up a Bible given to him as a child by his mother while campaigning in Iowa and noting that he is "a Protestant – a Presbyterian."

Addressing the resignations earlier Thursday of Carson Campaign Manager Barry Bennett and Communications Director Doug Watts, Williams said Carson has finally had a "major burden lifted" and can now move on.

"Dr. Carson announced a week ago today that there would be major shakeups in his operation,  and every position is on the table," Williams said. "So Dr. Carson remains in charge. … He took time to examine carefully where changes need to be made. But Mr. Bennett and Mr. Watts, who we have tremendous respect for and appreciation for their contributions, decided to resign."

Bennett and others in the campaign have blamed interference from Williams, a longtime Carson friend and confidante, for causing problems. Williams himself has mentioned conflict within Carson's team of advisers, but said Thursday that the candidate himself wants an array of opinions.

"Dr. Carson has always said among a multitude of counselors you find the best direction, the best leadership, the best advice," Williams said. "Dr. Carson is an outsider. All of his advisers are not going to be within the campaign structure. There are people on the outside, including me and others. We all come together and advise him. But in the end he's in charge and he makes the decision."

Related Stories:

• Carson Campaign Raises $23 Million in Latest Quarter
• Ben Carson: Bill Clinton's Record 'Fair Game'