Photos by Wyatt Kostygan: Ben Carson visits fans at Bookstore1Sarasota

Ben Carson technically swung through Sarasota on Wednesday as part of a book tour, but from the throngs of people waving political placards to the media following his steps across the country, it was clear the greatest interest was in the neurosurgeon’s surging presidential campaign more than in his newest bestseller. During a stop at Bookstore1Sarasota, he fielded questions about marijuana and Cuba from national and local press, then sat for hours in the locally-owned shop shaking hands and greeting potential supporters.

Bookstore officials said the event was the largest ever held at the retail shop, and indeed the throngs on Main Street could never have fit in the small store. It wasn’t the typical venue for a candidate who leads all other Republican contenders in the newest Wall Street Journal/NBC poll. But Carson said there is no reason for him to change how he is doing business. “I don’t feel I have to make a lot of changes because I am not a politician,” he said. “Politicians are always putting their finger in the air and saying, ‘Now what do I have to do,’ whereas all I have to do is tell the truth.” 

On that front, Carson fielded questions from press on a variety issues. On relations with Cuba, he told SRQ, “I would like Cuba to be a partner with us, but we are going to have to have some leverage to do that.” When asked about upcoming Florida referenda on legalizing marijuana, he said, “Medical marijuana in an appropriate way is excellent. It works very well for seizure patients. I think general legalization of marijuana is a terrible idea.” But on incarceration of drug addicts, he took the stance, “people who are just taking drugs, putting them into an incarceration situation with violent criminals is not helpful to us.”

Crowds of supporters surrounded the bookstore throughout the morning awaiting Carson’s arrival, but dissenters arrived as well. A dozen protesters highlighted controversial comments Carson has made about Muslims, chanting “Say no to racist fear; Muslims are welcome here.” Fans of Carson’s, though, appreciated the candidate's demeanor and his faith-driven course to the positions he takes, even controversial ones. “He is a godly man,” said Sandra Tracht. “He will run this country with God’s guidance, always.”

Photos by Wyatt Kostygan: Ben Carson visits fans at Bookstore1Sarasota

Check out a full gallery of photos at SRQMag.com