What Herman Cain’s 2012 run has already accomplished
If this GOP presidential campaign has taught us anything, it’s not to write any candidate’s political obituary before its time. (Hello, Newt Gingrich.)
So, today I come to praise Herman Cain, not to bury him beneath the opinion polls that show him slipping. No matter how the Georgia businessman’s candidacy turns out, it has done three important things.
As Cain’s popularity surged, there came a stream of allegations that he had sexually harassed women in the past. At first, the charges were vague and anonymous. Later, two women publicly accused Cain.
Depending on your point of view, or your allegiances, the allegations were either part of the vetting process or the lowest kind of character assassination: a he-said, she-said situation in which neither side can definitively prove its case.
While Cain’s poll numbers dipped slightly, donations to his campaign funds also rose. So, ultimately, while voters weighed the stories against what they previously believed about his character, Cain successfully avoided the trap of letting unproven accusations redefine his character or his fitness for the job. That’s one.
Eventually, though, Cain’s fitness for the job came into greater question — due instead to his unfortunate record of stumbling over issues that ought not to be “gotcha” topics for someone who aspires to the White House.
Cain’s line last month about not knowing about “Ubeki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan” grew less funny this past week after he appeared stumped — or unable to remember his lines — when asked about President Barack Obama’s policies toward Libya.
It was of a piece with his earlier confusion about the “right of return” in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; his serial punting when asked what he’d do in Afghanistan; his inability, in Miami, to comment on the “wet foot, dry foot” policy toward Cuban immigrants; and his over-reliance on his 9-9-9 tax plan to explain how he’d improve things at home.
Voters often say they want candidates who aren’t career politicians. That’s particularly true on the right — which is one reason why Rick Perry, who’s held one state office or another in Texas since 1985, bashes Washington; why Mitt Romney, who’s been running (mostly unsuccessfully) for one state or federal office or another for 17 years, talks up his business experience; and why Gingrich, the former speaker of the United States House of Representatives, calls himself a Washington outsider.
But Cain’s occasional slips have revealed the tension between wanting someone who hasn’t spent a lifetime trying to become president, and wanting someone who has spent considerable time thinking about the things presidents have to think about. That’s two.
Finally, Cain’s 9-9-9 plan may be, at once, overly simplistic and more complicated than he lets on. It’s unlikely to become the law of the land, even if he becomes president.
But Cain’s boldness pushed his competitors to produce their own tax plans. Whoever emerges from the primary will have a serious proposal with which to oppose Obama’s mine-mine-mine plan for your money — and will be harder to peg as part of a “party of no” that only opposes Democrats’ policies.
That’s three. Together, those three things helped to make for a better contest.
(What, you thought one of the three would be that Cain proved conservatives could support a black Republican? Nah. Only liberals thought otherwise before.)
– By Kyle Wingfield
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264 comments Add your comment
Welcome to the Occupation
November 20th, 2011
1:23 pm
obozo is a muslim messiah, just sayin…
Nice twitch. You should get that checked out.
Obama is a center right technocrat who’s there to keep progressives in line and throw meat to the rubes.
catlady
November 20th, 2011
1:28 pm
“What, you thought one of the three would be that Cain proved conservatives could support a black Republican? Nah. Only liberals thought otherwise before.”
Now, Kyle, we might think Cain was chosen by conservatives to be a pseudo-candidate, to prove that the Republicans can accept a black candidate, but by choosing one so terribly flawed, they can say they “gave those people a chance” but “what can you do when they aren’t prepared.”
Welcome to the Occupation
November 20th, 2011
1:30 pm
Obama is a cynical Rorschach figure who perfectly serves the interests of the corrupt status quo of politics in America today.
He arouses the hopes of liberals and progressives while carefully keeping them unfulfilled, i.e. indefinitely deferred into the future. And he plays perfectly into the right’s hand’s by playing to the paranoid Manchurian fantasies of the rubes, the embodiment of their ignorant fantasies of a closet Communist, even as he lends cover to the right wing by working behind the scenes to get their agenda through.
Hanna
November 20th, 2011
2:16 pm
HUH????
Alabama Communist
November 20th, 2011
2:52 pm
More Breaking News On Why I Think Herman Is A Great Guy For Running…….A source within the Newt Campaign said today.. All this proves is that 20% of the Republican Base has a IQ level of 45 and will vote fpr anybody including Newt with his 20% base who would waterboard their Sister, if given the chance”
sircharles19
November 20th, 2011
3:43 pm
Those who are in the ring to run for the 2012 President election should know that people want and demand changes. Minister Cain is not the one to bring or even know how to bring changes! Newt agenda is wrong, it is fighting to many demons and wishing to command these United States of America with the “getting back” at someone or even a whole lot of people. You cannot serve self, you cannot have personal agenda verse the people agenda; we as voters knows that the last 8 years of Bush, and the last 4 years with Presdient Obama this country is even moving on a “touch-in-go” schedule where we can’t trust, or know who to trust in thie upcoming election. What we do know is, it has to be that person with the people agenda and our mission is not to be derailed because of money, fame or even name. Minister Cain and Newt, unlikely to be our 2012 presdients non-do we want them to run. Both of them will not run, fuel is expensive and they are not serious to do business for the people, for the people!
Al
November 20th, 2011
3:59 pm
“What, you thought one of the three would be that Cain proved conservatives could support a black Republican? Nah. Only liberals thought otherwise before.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Let’s see if he wins the nomination. Republicans will break out the same monkeys and birth certificates bull sheet that they did with Obama. Cain vs. Obama = a Republican nightmare.
Al
November 20th, 2011
4:06 pm
John Huntsman is the ONLY Republican who has a pray against Obama. He would appeal to moderate Democrats, and Independents. But you know what? He won’t get the nomination… Republicans are too stupid.
You’ll never get an argument from anyone when you state that Democrats are REALLY dumb…but Republicans are much dumber.
Sister Sarah
November 20th, 2011
5:00 pm
Enter your comments here
Sister Sarah
November 20th, 2011
5:13 pm
I never EVER imagined that brown face who now “occupies” the White House (which by the way all Presidents have), would bring out so much HATRED and vitriol in people. It really is a shame that people must go to their graves and spend ETERNITY with the knowledge that a “Black” man was President of the United States, and to a degree hasten in their race to the grave with the self-induced (and deserved) stress. That to me is HILARIOUS!!!!
Ivan Cohen
November 20th, 2011
5:39 pm
My eyes have seen………..a Caine wreck.
dixiedemons
November 20th, 2011
5:40 pm
His run has confirmed the GOP is a diverse party suited for minorities……….. 99 % white guys and and Herman……..somebody has got to take the bait…
Bernd
November 20th, 2011
5:49 pm
What, a well reasoned article that does not bash a Republican from a liberal inner city rag like the AJC that is completely out of touch with the greater Atlanta area?
Never would have been written by Cynthia Tucker. Great move getting rid of her.
Regarding Herman Cain I think his biggest contribution to the race was proving that intelligent, accomplished conservative black politicians have something significant to contribute to our political system in general and that it is not pre-ordained that just because you are black that you will vote liberal Democrat.
zeke
November 20th, 2011
6:11 pm
‘He’s a stupid man’s idea of what a smart person sounds like
this said of newt today, but could apply to herman too
MarkV
November 20th, 2011
6:15 pm
I have not the slightest doubt that intelligent, accomplished conservative black politicians have something significant to contribute to our political system. Unfortunately, the candidacy of Herman Cain did not prove it.
Streetracer
November 20th, 2011
6:22 pm
It amazes me how many of the smarter-than-thou Cain bashers can’t even spell his name correctly.
MarkV
November 20th, 2011
6:39 pm
Streetracer @6:22 pm: “It amazes me how many of the smarter-than-thou Cain bashers can’t even spell his name correctly.”
Really? Can you give evidence for this charge?
Marju
November 20th, 2011
6:56 pm
I like Huntsman. Too bad he’s not getting any traction. He has a smart economic plan and knows tons about foreign policy.
zeke
November 20th, 2011
6:58 pm
believe wsj rated huntsman’s econ plan better than others….wonder if they told conservs not following too closely that he was protestant if his stock would go up
Streetracer
November 20th, 2011
7:08 pm
MarkV:
Only abou 6 posts above your last is one example.
MarkV
November 20th, 2011
7:35 pm
Streetracer @7:08 pm
I do not know if you mean the lack of capitalization in one case, or somebody writing (for whatever to me incomprehensible reason) Minister Cain. I any case, neither is evidence for writing as you did: “It amazes me how many of the smarter-than-thou Cain bashers can’t even spell his name correctly.” I bet you cannot find even 5 percent misspellings of Cain’s name in all this blog.
Dusty
November 20th, 2011
7:42 pm
Well, it does look like we have here the invasion of liberals afraid of Herman Cain. He is really giving them a scare. A smart, intelligent black man with a mind of his own who is a Republican. And he will NOT vote for a Democrat, black, white or purple, who is not doing a good job. How ’bout that!
That gives Democrats shivers and palpitations! They are already checking out their weapons and spreading the propaganda.
Take Rahm Emanuel, now mayor of Chicago, if you will. He left the Obama administration in mid tem like a rat leaving a sinking ship. Now he is in Iowa talking about supporting the grand and glorious Obama.
Wonder why he did not stick around and share in the glory? Oh well. Elections coming up. Anything goes.
Bullet County
November 20th, 2011
7:55 pm
Oxy-moron # 1 = black republican (Steele, Cain, West, Thomas, Watts)
Oxy-moron # 2 = conservative republican (do the deficit math when they’re in charge)
Oxy-moron # 3 = Governor Perry
Kyle, just what is it that conservatives conserve?
MarkV
November 20th, 2011
7:58 pm
Afraid of Herman Cain? That is a laugh. Cain has shown so much ignorance, he is dropping in the polls of the Republicans like a stone. Democrats would love to have him as Obama’s opponent.
Dusty
November 20th, 2011
8:15 pm
Mark V
If Democrats really want Cain to run why are they fighting against him with tooth and nail?
Rod Hug
November 20th, 2011
8:18 pm
Herman Cain reminds me of Teddy Rosevelt. He is first down to earth and a straight shooter. So he is not a wizzard on Libya, or the right of return. He has the right instincts and plenty of experience running a large business. He has also signaled he would defend America. He loves America. These are the basics of foreign policy.
question
November 20th, 2011
8:23 pm
Mr Cain told me that China was developing Nukes that is scary.
Of wait they haave had it since 1964.
question
November 20th, 2011
8:24 pm
Dusty,
Democrats will be happy if Republicans will Cain.
Give me one concrete info where they are fighting tooth and Nail?
Dusty
November 20th, 2011
8:30 pm
Rod Hug,
Nice post. I ’specially like those three words:”He loves America.”. How I miss hearing those words. Most people are afraid to say them. Not politically correct!
Our president loves this country. But he loves his political ambitions a little more and it shows. Every move seems aimed at inspiring voters, not a worry about the country. Inspiring voters is OK at times but not when this country is bogged down in debt, bad mortgages, unemployment,a fossilized Congress and our troops fighting a war. We need leadership, not political pep speeches..
Dusty
November 20th, 2011
8:37 pm
Question, @ 8:24
Obviously you have not been reading the posts here from liberals. Nor have you been reading Bookman and Dowd in the AJC paper editions. Have you been reading at all?
I cannot do it for you but it is all out there and here. Do not play BlindMan’s bluff with me.
question
November 20th, 2011
8:41 pm
Dusty,
Ploufee has been talking about Romney more than Cain.
Do some research..
Sister Sarah
November 20th, 2011
8:41 pm
How about Dusty just give a shred of concrete info that it is Dems “fighting” Cain AT ALL? He has 7, count SEVEN Republicans that he is competing against and have to get through before even dreaming of standing halfway close to Obama. If you think it makes ANY political sense whatsoever for the DNC to waste $$ on this fool especially at this stage of the game you are an even bigger fool. As for this “intelligent” label simply because he is “Black” and “Republican”…Can I just keep it real? ESPECIALLY “Black” Democrats would love nothing more than to see Cain win the nomination because it would turn everything about the U.S. on its HEAD with such a thing. They are smart enough to know the modern Republican/Conservative movement would barrell us towards Armageddon with the outcome being a guarantee of Black running this country for potentially another EIGHT years straight!?? So this simpleton idea of people being “fearful” or “scared to death” of these moronic lightweights. Puhlease, the truth of the matter is, you are being PLAYED. No..you are playing YOURSELVES (thinking you are playing someone else), and THAT is HILARIOUS!!
question
November 20th, 2011
8:52 pm
Well said Sister Sarah..
Dusty
November 20th, 2011
8:55 pm
Question,
I am not familiar with Ploufee. Ballplayer? Are you familiar with Bookman and Dowd?
Dusty
November 20th, 2011
9:10 pm
Sister Sarah,
If you think Democrats are sitting with their knitting while Republicans made their decisions, you are far behind in the times. They are running down every Republican candidate as fast as they can. And they have a lot of experience. They conspired against George W. Bush his entire two terms, trying to discredit the man while he ran this country like a leader, not a wimpish intellectual who came with little or no experience in running anything of any size.
Because Cain has been leading in the political polls, he is a prime target. His life, family, jobs, education and friends are being researched with a fine comb hoping for smear material.
It is not because Democrats love Cain. They are out to sink any Republican candidate if they can. It is an old game of dirt daubers but easily recognizable.
So don’t tell me the Democrats have turned into the Purity Patrol of Sweetness & Light. They haven’t. Not now. Not ever.
Sister Sarah
November 20th, 2011
9:12 pm
So @Rod Hug what you’re saying is…HE DOESN’T KNOW S***???!! I mean, that’s really what you’re saying…and you are cool with it. THAT is not hilarious; it’s SAD.
Bryan
November 20th, 2011
9:13 pm
Thanks for the honest observation. I wish more authors were interested in this type of enlightened observation. Its too bad the comment sections have become filled with shallow and uninformed opinions. Keep up the good work Kyle. We are very fortunate in these times to have men & women such as Herman putting themselves out there in the fight. Just a thought on the other comments that have been made here. Whats with all the hate? Shouldn’t we try to build on positives rather than wallowing in the squalor. Is it really that impossible for you all to say something that adds to, rather then destroy? Herman in my estimation, is trying to help our nation in the way he can, using his God given talents. What have any of you done, why do you feel so superior, what makes you great to speak down to someone in the manner you have?Folks we have little time to get out of this mess, use it wisely would be my advice to all of you. Our nation can fail when people who don’t care have control over it. Use you minds!
zeke
November 20th, 2011
9:21 pm
huntsman could run rings around herman….so could pawlenty
Sister Sarah
November 20th, 2011
9:34 pm
You know Dusty, you appear to have not a shred of commn sense or (political) intellect really. “Conspired against George Bush…” Dusty really? You see Dusty… you cannot separate media coverage of the fiasco ($$$) that was Iraq and Afghanistan (all based on trumped up claims of WMD) and AlQaeda links from the DNC. Why? Because radio and TV jocks shape your view of world politics. The media covers events; politicians shape, make and enforce policy. Another keep it real moment for you, the Democrats KNOW who they are running against. It is ROMNEY! I will say it again, ROMNEY!!! Smart people know that politics is a filthy sport, and with that diversions are put into place to gain advantage. All this crap going on on the Republican side is nothing more than opportunists jockeying to sell more books and command speaking fees. Much like what happened on the Democratic side back in 2008. Many knew they had no chance… except one thing happened that surprised everyone. Barack Obama decided he REALLY wanted to be President and thrashed Hilary Clinton’s “inevitability”, by yes…OUTSMARTING and REVOLUTIONALIZING how to run a Presidential campaign! Finally, you can continue to live in your hyperbolic alternate universe all you want, much of this country is still pretty smart. Regardless of any statistic you can quote, we now what has transpired over the past 3 years with foreign policy SUCCESSES (don’t make me name them) as well as ground gained (albeit small) on the home front, We know what we were spared from. You on tne other hand expect that what has taken a DECADE to destroy would have been restored in a year or two…or three even. And THAT is LAUGHABLE!
JDW
November 20th, 2011
9:57 pm
@Kyle, hope you caught Grover on Sixty Minutes…I really don’t know how a rational person could watch that and still think Republicans today are doing what is right for the country instead of currying favor for re-election.
Luke
November 20th, 2011
10:08 pm
Cain can AND WILL beat Obama!
He will put the right people around him to make the best decisions for our nation!
Cain 2012!!!!
Jenny Dene Hotchkiss
November 20th, 2011
10:40 pm
I had a guy at work hit on me once that looked like Herman Cain.
Jenny Dene Hotchkiss
North Carolina
Barack Obama
November 20th, 2011
10:49 pm
Ladies and gentlemen, there is zero chance of me losing in 2012…the GOP candidates are the biggest jokes I’ve ever seen, and the American people agree. Republicans ruined this country, and we can’t trust them again.
THIS PATRIOT’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE!
Satan
November 20th, 2011
10:51 pm
Herman Cain is my son…enjoy.
Chris
November 20th, 2011
11:16 pm
Cain is the ONLY candidate who can beat Obama. That is why they are trying so hard to take him down. A Cain presidency would destroy the democrats as their number 1 fallback tactic is to play the race card. A Cain presidency = buh bye guaranteed 11% of the electorate every election.
Michael H. Smith
November 20th, 2011
11:25 pm
Not going to let my comment post?
Michael H. Smith
November 20th, 2011
11:29 pm
Okay I’ll try it another way…
No need to ask why democrats attack xyz Republican candidate when you look at the obumer negative baggage.
They have to go extremely negative. Now, why ask why?
Dusty
November 20th, 2011
11:30 pm
MY, how the children do play here. (Satan, go get a lollipop. Your nurse is calling.)
Sister Sarah, your indepth knowledge of Democratic maneuvers reminds me so much of cheer leader trials in high school. Whomever could cut the cutest cartwheels and twist and turn would be selected. You win, honey. You are top cheerleader.
When your team fails, don’t cry. You did your part. You were just performing for the losing team. .
Au revoir, poor girl. I hope you learn the truth sometimes. You don’t recognize it now.
Satan
November 20th, 2011
11:57 pm
Dusty – you keep fighting the “good”fight there pal…after all, they’re depending on ignorant rednecks like yourself. The truth hurts sometimes.
Rich people pay Fox people to make middle-class people blame poor people. You’re a sheep.
The Truth
November 21st, 2011
12:10 am
Herman Cain is nothing more than a moronic puppet who is pushing some back door, Koch brothers agenda, and cannot be taken seriously as someone who could lead this nation. He’s a farce and anyone who subscribes to his reckless rhetoric is a fool, and should seek professional help.
It literally scares me that anyone, in their right mind, would vote for this imposter. He stole his 999 plan from a video game (Sim City) for christs sake!