Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson takes the lead in the Republican presidential race -- edging out real estate tycoon Donald Trump. Carson now claims 26 percent of the vote with Trump coming in at 22 according to a New York Times/CBS News poll released Tuesday. (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DR. BEN CARSON, SAYING: "I would rather be on top rather than at the bottom of the polls." Trump is not giving it the silent treatment. (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DONALD TRUMP, SAYING: "By the way, Carson is lower energy than Bush, I don't get it." And Carson is not taking it lying down. (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DR. BEN CARSON, SAYING: "I would like to see him stand up for 18 hours and operate on somebody and keep their concentration." The national poll showed Trump trailing Carson for the first time. Republican candidates vying for the White House will meet on the debate stage Wednesday night in Colorado-- for the third time.