David M Jackson

USA TODAY

CLEVELAND — Ben Carson wanted to get one thing straight right away in his Tuesday speech to Republican convention delegates: "I am not politically correct."

With that out of the way, the retired neurosurgeon and former presidential candidate went on the offensive against "secular progressives," the "political elite," the media, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton — and Saul Alinsky and Lucifer.

Carson told the crowd that one of Clinton's role models, community organizer Alinsky, "acknowledges Lucifer" in one of his books, reflecting the views of secular progressives who would remove God from the nation's life.

Analysis: An embrace for Trump from party leaders. But not too close

"We will not be blessed, and our nation will go down the tubes," Carson said.

As for the prospect of a Clinton presidency, Carson said, "America may never recover from that."

As a result, Carson said he is "proud to support Donald Trump," and he urged the convention delegates to work for his election.

"It's time for us to stand up and shout out about what we believe in," Carson said.

During the speech, a Code Pink protester tried to shout down Carson from the upper deck. Trump backers then sought to drown her out; security later removed the woman.

Latest from #RNCinCLE: Ryan pleads for unity