Ben Carson Kicks Off CPAC 2015 By Tackling Race And Poverty

Dr. Ben Carson kicked off the 2015 Conservative Political Action Conference Thursday in National Harbor, Maryland, which invoked more rumors about a 2016 run for president.

Walking out on stage to a standing ovation and “Life is a Highway” blaring in the speakers, Carson said, “I started to talk about all of the failures of the current administration but I figured that was too depressing.” The audience responded with laughter.

The retired neurosurgeon and conservative icon spoke on the issue of race.

“If you’re white and you oppose a progressive black person, you’re a racist,” he said, “but if you’re black and you oppose the progressive agenda, then you’re crazy,” he said mocking leftists.

He continued by tackling the core conservative issues of political correctness, Obamacare, and welfare programs.

“I’m not interested in getting rid of a safety net, I’m interested in getting rid of dependency.” He continued, “I’m ready for leadership on the world stage and not just sitting around and waiting to see what other people do.”

Watch his full remarks above.