DES MOINES–surprised by a poll showing that Ben Carson had pulled even with him among Iowa Republicans, Donald Trump launched a major attack today, questioning Carson’s patriotism, hard work, and intelligence.

“Everyone talks about how smart Ben Carson must be, because he’s a doctor,” said Trump, speaking to a crowd of supporters. “But I hear neurosurgery is, like, the easiest kind of surgery.”

Trump went on to note that Carson claimed not to be “a creature of Washington,” but noted that Carson had “visited the Capitol on a field trip” in the sixth grade.

Carson’s surge comes as the Republican Party looks for an alternative to Trump. The doctor is generally seen as a more reliable champion of standard conservative positions, like considering Obamacare tantamount to a Nazi coup, supporting sexual molestation of women seeking abortions, and preparing to defend Idaho against an invasion by the United Nations.

The latest poll showed Carson and Trump exactly tied in Iowa with 23% support. On a hair-adjusted basis, however, Trump led, 33-18.



“Those glasses probably aren’t even prescription,” said Trump