HMM. NEW RESPECT FOR BEN CARSON:

We’re now inclined to think we overstated matters when we began an editorial six weeks ago by asking rhetorically, “How big a problem is it that the two leading Republican candidates for president aren’t actually qualified to be president?” . . .

Consider Ben Carson’s campaign, which suggests organizational and communications skills that would be welcome in the Oval Office. Consider his positions on the issues of the day, which, while not as well-developed as they will have to become, seem basically consistent with a reformist, constitutionalist, American-exceptionalist governing conservatism. . . .

This doesn’t mean Ben Carson should be the Republican nominee or the next president. Most of us at The Weekly Standard, if we had to vote tomorrow, would probably check the box next to the name of someone other than Carson, someone more conventionally qualified for the job.

But there is something heartening about the fact that so many Republican primary voters have rallied to Carson—so many in fact that he’s now the Republican frontrunner. James Webb, another impressive American, found no support and little sympathy in the Democratic party. That Republicans respect Carson, wish him well, and even would like to support him is a sign of the general health of the GOP.

Carson’s not my first pick, though I’d vote for any of the GOP field over Hillary, Bernie or . . . oh, right, O’Malley.