Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, now the vice president-elect, campaigns with Donald Trump. (AP File Photo)

(CNSNews.com) - Dr. Ben Carson is a "brilliant man who has incredible personal faith, an incredible story and character," and he is "absolutely qualified" to run the department of Housing and Urban Development, Vice President-elect Mike Pence told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Tuesday.



"And more than that, he (Carson) is going to bring to life the president-elect's vision of really bringing real renewal to urban America. Remember that? One of the most compelling messages that the president-elect delivered on campaign trail is, what do you have to lose, particularly to minority Americans and African-Americans.





"He is absolutely committed to restoring law and order to the streets of our cities, to creating educational opportunities, expanding educational choice, creating jobs and opportunities that for too many Americans in our cities have just not been the reality now for generations."

Pence said Trump says the same thing in private as he has in public:



"I'm telling you, when the doors are closed, when the lights are on, the message is the same, the passion is the same. Donald Trump is committed to bringing prosperity and growth and enhanced security and safety to every American."

Pence told MSNBC that Trump's visit on Monday with climate change activist Al Gore does not signal a different attitude on Trump's part toward that issue. "I think he’s made his position very clear on that," Pence said.

"I think what you see happening with former Vice President Al Gore and others -- and I know that former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger will be in meetings with the team today, is what our president-elect is doing is bringing together a very broad range of men and women, and he's asking questions, gaining the insights necessary to really begin to move the country forward for every American."



Pence call it "inspiring" to be there, "shoulder to shoulder as it's coming together."



As far as the cabinet positions go, Trump is "taking his time" on every one of them, Pence said. "But I think we all recognize that the role of secretary of state, the person that's going to be representing the administration and representing the president overseas and with countries around the world, is a unique role, it's a unique role historically, and he's taking his time.



“More names may well be added to the list. There's distinguished Americans on the list today. But I know at just the right time he's going to pick, as he often says to me, the person who is best for the country and will best represent his administration in the world.”