MSNBC’s “Hardball” host Chris Matthews wondered whether the rise of Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson in the polls was a return to “basic simpletonism” on Thursday.

Matthews said, while discussing Carson, “I don’t know what to say…I have no idea even how to ask the question because I can’t fathom the answer at this point. I don’t get it. Is this some kind of strange American resort to basics, because we’re facing a world of fundamentalism and zealotry, and so we have to respond –? They always say when you’re fighting a war you end up like your enemy. Are we going back to basic simpletonism as our way of dealing with life now? It’s too complicated. You know, monetary policy, fiscal policy? Too complicated. Climate change? Too complicated. ISIS? Too complicated. Let’s go to basic truths that may not even be truths.”

(h/t Real Clear Politics)

Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett