Trevor Noah attempted to give Ben Carson the benefit of the doubt. He was sure that given time to reflect, Carson would walk back
his statements about how the Oregon victims allowed themselves to be shot.
"Ben Carson really thinks that he could rally people against a mass shooter," Noah said. "I think he is overestimating how inspiring his presence might be ... In Carson's defense though, he might have been caught off guard. Given time to think I am sure he would clarify what he meant."
Trevor Noah then showed a clip of Carson doubling down on his statement when confronted by a reporter. What was unbelievable was the casual laugh Carson gave as he turned away.
"I don't understand this guy," Noah said. "Chastising victims of a shooting for what you assume was their cowardice is what most normal candidates would consider a gaffe. But I must admit, Ben Carson does practice what he preaches. Because even though the media kept taking shots at him, he kept charging into those interviews."
Noah then showed a Fox News clip in which Megyn Kelly asked Carson about appearing tone deaf and callous in his laughter. He said he was laughing at those asking the questions, and their silliness. Carson then repeated his previous statement: "If you sit there and let him shoot you one by one, you are all going to be dead."
Noah highlighted other rather bizarre suggestions Carson made, like arming kindergarten teachers. Carson said he wanted these teachers trained in diversionary tactics. It's as if he wants teachers to be Marines, too. Read on.
"But there is a reason why Carson thinks it is up to the victims to reduce gun violence," Noah said. "Because for him there is something much scarier than a mass shooting."
Noah then played a clip that displayed an already infamous statement made by Carson that said, "There is no doubt that this senseless violence is breathtaking—but I never saw a body with bullet holes that was more devastating than taking the right to arm ourselves away." Really, Carson?
"It's just shocking that such a smart man," Noah said, "a brain surgeon, could have this kind of perspective."
It is indeed shocking—but expected, from the right wing.