CNN/Salem GOP Debate: on Principles & Values

Ben Carson: America designed for citizen-statesman as commander-in-chief

CARSON: You should see the eyes of some of those children when I say "we're going to have to open your head up." They're not happy about it. Later on, they realize what's going on. And by the same token, you have to be able to look at the big picture and understand that it's actually merciful if you go ahead and finish the job, rather than death by 1,000 pricks.

Q: So you could be ruthless in prosecuting war?

CARSON: Ruthless is not necessarily the word I would use, but tough, resolute, understanding the problems, and understanding that the job of the president is to do what is necessary in order to get it done.

Q: Does neurosurgery prepare you to command troops?

CARSON: There's a false narrative that only the political class has the wisdom and the ability to be commander-in- chief. But if you go back and you study the design of our country, it was really designed for the citizen statesman.