Former neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson has formally established a presidential exploratory committee, announcing the step towards a possible run for the GOP nomination with a new web site and video.
"With the launch of this web site, I formally establish what is called a presidential exploratory committee to examine whether I should become a candidate for president of the United States," he says in the video. "In so doing, I very much need and look forward to your feedback and help."
"If I run for president, it will be because I know what it's like to grow up in a tough neighborhood and feel marginalized," adds Carson, who is African-American and grew up in inner-city Detroit. "If I run, it will be because I know firsthand that quality education is the ladder to climb out of poverty and dependence."
The site includes the tagline: "Unite Heal Thrive."
Carson has enjoyed relatively good positions in polls of early primary states. An NBC/Marist poll last month showed him garnering the support of 10 percent of South Carolina Republican primary voters.
He placed fourth in last weekend's straw poll of attendees at the CPAC conservative conference near Washington D.C.