 -- Ben Carson says Donald Trump is “probably not” a "straight-down-the-line" conservative.

But the former Republican presidential candidate and retired neurosurgeon, who endorsed Trump after suspending his own presidential campaign, doesn’t see that as a problem and says he’s not “necessarily a conservative either.”

“Are all of his beliefs straight-down-the-line conservative? Probably not,” Carson said during an interview on ABC News’ “Powerhouse Politics" podcast Thursday. “But the way I kind of look it at it is anyone who is a thinking individual really shouldn’t be straight-down-the-line anything.”

Using himself as an example, Carson said life experience and not a party platform should be the guiding principle for one’s policy positions.

“I always tell people I’m not necessarily a conservative either, what I am is a person who believes in common sense, so some of the things I talk about are not necessarily big on the conservative agenda,” Carson said.

He pointed to Trump’s position on healthcare as an area where the Republican frontrunner departs from the traditional conservative line.

“He’s extremely interested in healthcare and in making it available for everybody and making it truly affordable,” he said.

As for Trump walking back his comments yesterday that women should be punished for having illegal abortions, Carson said “I think he cleaned it up pretty well.”

Carson said Trump’s reversal on the issue shows he’s willing to admit to his mistakes and change course accordingly.

“Many people have said that Donald Trump is inflexible and think that’s he’s always right and what this shows is that he recognizes that he’s prone to making mistakes and will listen to others and will quickly amend his position,” Carson said.

Carson, who endorsed Trump seven days after ending his own campaign earlier this month, said he is not looking for a job in a hypothetical Trump administration but would instead hope to offer advice to the next president as “an independent citizen," joking that he’s enjoyed no longer being a candidate.

“Believe me, I have really enjoyed not being in that fun,” Carson said jokingly.

While ruling himself out as a potential vice presidential pick, Carson said Trump should consider both of his remaining competitors for the job: Ted Cruz and John Kasich.

“If I were him I would consider them, yeah,” Carson said.

Carson further advised that Trump should look for a vice president who can take on “substantial responsibility” and suggested a “co-presidency” approach to governing.

“He should be looking for someone who can help him, not somebody who’s just a figurehead or who’s just the president of the Senate, but somebody who can take on substantial responsibility in the government,” Carson said. “If you could have almost a co-presidency here you’re in better shape.”

Check out this week's full "Powerhouse Politics" podcast for a conversation about the upcoming Wisconsin primary with the state's prominent conservative radio host Charlie Sykes and an interview with Mike Murphy, the man who led Jeb Bush's Super PAC.