© 2026 ABC News

So what makes Ben Carson more forthcoming and plain-spoken than the rest of the pack? He never prepares remarks. But will this change with his increased popularity and with more people watching? His campaign says no.

“I can’t imagine that would be the case. Will there be a time when he actually has prepared remarks? It’s possible. When he has a speech written out in advance? It is possible,” Bass said. “But it certainly won’t change the things that he wants to talk about, his mannerisms or his delivery style.”

And the polls show it’s working: GOP voters picked Carson as the most likable candidate in a new Fox News poll out Sunday. The neurosurgeon led the pack with 19 percent of GOP voters, with Trump close behind. When asked who was the least likable candidate, a plurality of GOP voters chose Trump. How many picked Carson? Less than one percent.

During the first GOP debate, one of Ben Carson’s main jobs was introducing himself to people who were unfamiliar with him. However, after his first question he went 38 minutes with no air time. He later redeemed himself in the final moments of the debate, talking about unity despite racial tensions.

Dr. Ben Carson on race: \"The skin doesn't make them who they are...it's time for us to move beyond that.\" #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/opCXllIrOy

— ABC News (@ABC) August 7, 2015

This tweet from ABC News -- featuring a quote from Carson’s closing statement -- was the most retweeted media tweet of the first GOP debate, according to Twitter.

“When I take someone to the operating room, I’m operating on the thing that makes them who they are,” he said. “The skin doesn’t make them who they are.” He continued: Those that want to divide us, we shouldn’t let them do it.”

And his closing remarks were not prepared. “Some people think that his closing remarks [debate] were prepared. That wasn’t the case. He was waiting for his turn. The Lord kinda told him what to say. It wasn’t at all prepared,” Bass told ABC News. “His performance in the debate certainly introduced him to a larger audience. People were impressed, it was refreshing. It was really a breath of fresh air.”

Despite the minimal airtime, Carson was the second-most talked about candidate on Facebook and Twitter and was the second-most searched candidate on Google -- all behind Donald Trump -- the night of the debate.

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