Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson says he will "never be a politician," but that's not stopping him from seriously considering a run for the White House. In a Monday interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, the Tea Party darling said the "likelihood is strong" that he will join what also likely will be a long list of Republican candidates vying to become the next president.

Carson said his decision, which he won't publicly announce until next spring, would depend in part on the outcome of the November midterm elections, "because if the people indicate that they truly do want a nation that is for, of and by the people, then I, along with I hope many other people, would be willing to give it everything we possibly have."

The renowned surgeon added that his base would be made up of people who love the nation and do not believe that "the person who has the most to do with what happens to you in life is you."

And although it would be his very first run for elective office, Carson also doesn't envision himself making any rookie mistakes or oops moments, á la Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who had a memorable brain freeze during the 2012 presidential primary debates, when he faces off with the competition.

"You can spend a lot of time worrying about mistakes. I believe in preparation," Carson said. "And that's how my surgical career went. I prepared. And a lot of times, there were situations where people say this has never been done before. So what?"

The Medal of Freedom winner placed third in a presidential straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference last March, coming in ahead of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie but behind Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). He also created a political action committee this month called USA First.

Follow Joyce Jones on Twitter: @BETpolitichick.

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