A Muslim can run for president and win. So the proper answer is, "Yes a Muslim can run and win, but whether I support him or not depends on his policies." Period. Nothing more and nothing less. This isn't that hard to do.
Now, I realize the press is in hyper gotcha mode if you are a republican, but they should know that and be prepared. Life is not fair and republicans have to be on their feet 24/7. If you are a democrat, answers don't matter at all.
I fully understand what you’re saying...Cruz does give the proper answer.
Ann Coulter’s approach in the last GOP debate was the right one, though: this really, truly, isn’t an issue. The issue was “created” by F. Chuck Todd in that Q&A with Carson. F. Chuck Todd created that issue using the Trump town hall “question” as a catalyst.
The media tried to turn the REAL issue of Islamic terrorists to “Muslims can be our friends, can’t they?”
Carson never EVER said a Muslim can’t run for President. Ever. He said he didn’t think we OUGHT to put a Muslim in the White House. This is the kind of free thinking tolerance EMBRACED by the left for years. Does this sound familiar: “I am Catholic and believe life begins at conception. But I would never force MY point of view on anyone else.”
Carson’s position could be stated thusly: “I would not vote for a Muslim considering the history of Islam as a religion not friendly to freedom. But I would never force MY point of view on the nation.”
The left looooves the nuance on the abortion question, but won’t tolerate it on these other questions.
I hope this makes sense. :)