Ben Carson mocks 'political class' His remarks seem aimed at GOP establishment figures such as Bush and Romney.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Ben Carson, the pediatric neurosurgeon who has become a conservative darling, on Sunday slammed presidential contenders who hail from the “political class” — an apparent jab at Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney, two of Carson’s potential 2016 rivals.

Carson, who is gleeful about his disdain for political correctness, appeared at the South Carolina Tea Party Coalition Convention here, ascending the stage as audience members waved “Carson 2016” signs.


“Our founders wanted to make sure there was no such thing as a political class,” Carson said. “A select, small group of people out of which we consistently pull our leaders. That hasn’t worked so well for us.”

When a POLITICO reporter sought to clarify to whom he was referring, a friend of Carson’s ushered Carson onto an elevator.

His speech at this grass-roots event comes as Romney, the failed 2012 nominee, weighs a third presidential bid, while Bush — the son and brother of two former presidents — appears to be a favorite among establishment Republicans. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton, the wife of former President Bill Clinton, is the presumptive Democratic front-runner.

“What we need are intelligent people who have common sense, some humility … and faith in God,” Carson said.