Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon and Republican presidential candidate recently stated - in an interview with NBC News - that the Muslim faith is not concurrent with the United States constitution, therefore he would not support a Muslim president.
Others, such as Donald Trump, have spoken on the issue as well. This question was prompted by a controversial exchange between Trump and a crowd member, regarding the issue of President Obama's birthplace and religion at a town hall meeting.
During this exchange the audience member alleged Obama was a Muslim and not born in the United States. Following this was backlash from media and onlookers saying that Trump should have defended Obama like John McCain did during a similar event at a town hall meeting.
"No, ma'am. He's a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not [an Arab]," McCcain said in defense of Obama, according to Politico.
Trump has since stated that he "does not have a moral obligation" to defend Obama. Trump describes himself as Christian and does not feel Obama "protects the religious liberty" of his religion. "Christians need support in our country (and around the world), their religious liberty is at stake! Obama has been horrible, I will be great," Trump tweeted.
Christians need support in our country (and around the world), their religious liberty is at stake! Obama has been horrible, I will be great
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 19, 2015
When Carson was given the question of whether he thinks Obama was born in the United States, he said he does. However when asked about a Muslim running for president in the United States, Carson said he would not support the idea. He would however be fine with a Muslim candidate for Congress.
"Congress is a different story, but it depends on who that Muslim is and what they're policies are, just as it depends on what anybody else says, you know," Carson said according to MSN News.
