Ben Carson Formally Endorses Donald Trump
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Republican presidential contender and front-runner Donald Trump announced Friday morning that he picked up the endorsement of former candidate Ben Carson.
"We've buried the hatchet," said Carson. "That was political stuff and that happens in American politics."
Carson said over the past few months, he's gotten to know Trump and he cares about America.
"There are two different Donald Trumps. There's the one you see on the stage and there's the one who's very cerebral, sits there and considers things very carefully."
As to why he picked Trump to endorse, Carson said it just made sense.
"I think any of the 17 candidates that were running would have done a fine job. One of the real factors for me is what will happen if we allow the political operatives to succeed in the endeavor to stop Donald Trump. I think it would fracture the party irreparably, and it would hand the election to the Democrats and they would get two of the four Supreme Court picks and America would be forever changed," said Carson. "That's the big picture. It's not about me, it's not about Mr. Trump, it's about America."
For his part, Trump said everything in the past was just part of the political process.
"It's politics, it's politics, it's tough stuff, it's a tough business. I used to think real estate in Manhattan was tough," said Trump.
Now Trump says he wants to tap into Carson's knowledge and utilize his strengths.
"Ben and I were talking lengthily yesterday and it was an amazing conversation. And one thing I realized is his great love is education," said Trump.
Carson is the second former Republican presidential candidate to endorse the real estate billionaire. Last month, New Jersey Governor Chris Christy gave his support.
Trump is not the only candidate to pick up the endorsement of a former candidate.
On Thursday, Carly Fiorina announced that she was endorsing Senator Ted Cruz.
"I say to you it is time. It is time to take our party back," said Fiorina. "It is time to take our government back. It is time to take our country back and so it is time now to unite behind the one man who can beat Donald Trump, who can beat Hillary Clinton, who can beat the D.C. cartel."
After the debate, Fiorina said its going to come down to two man race between Cruz and Trump, and voters will need to make an important decision.
"They need to think carefully about whether they want a real conservative leader, with tested principles and real substantive proposals, like Ted Cruz who actually has challenged the system or do they want Donald Trump who is the system, who has benefited from the system, and who says everything is a negotiation," said Fiorina.
Also endorsing Cruz is Senator Mike Lee from Utah.
The latest polls show Senator Marco Rubio still trailing Trump in Florida. After the debate, Rubio commented on Trump's lack of knowledge on a variety of subjects - including Cuba.
"He doesn't know anything about Cuba. He doesn't know about the issue. He doesn't know about Social Security either," said Rubio. "I thought tonight was, look, it was obvious to voters that were watching, Donald Trump is not steeped in policy. When it comes to foreign policy, that's a big problem because you have to be Commander in Chief on day number one."
Voters in the winner takes all states of Florida and Ohio will head to the polls on next Tuesday. Voters in Illinois, Missouri, and North Carolina also head to the polls Tuesday. During the debate, Donald Trump said the GOP candidate with the most delegates at the end of primary season, even if it's not a majority, should be the nominee.
