Your morning jolt: Herman Cain on tea party and race — ‘Most people have gotten past color’
Lori Geary of Channel 2 Action News landed a Stockbridge sit-down with Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain on Thursday.
Cain dismissed talk of racism within the tea party movement, and embraced his lack of experience in foreign policy:
Cain on the tea party and race:
”People don’t see me as a black guy running for president. They see me as somebody that has a message that resonates with him…..Most people have gotten past color. And they’re looking for content and character.”
On foreign policy:
”There is more about every situation that we’re in around the world that I don’t know, than I do know. And some people don’t like the fact that I’m honest.”
***
Herman Cain, the freshly re-introduced Mitt Romney, and most other GOP presidential candidates — announced or not — today head for Washington D.C., where a revived Ralph Reed will usher them onto the stage of his Faith and Freedom Coalition gathering.
It’s the largest gathering of announced and presumptive candidates so far. With one curious exception. Newt Gingrich will not be there. From ABC News:
“He and Mrs. Gingrich had planned time off early in the campaign, and it coincided with the event,” Rick Tyler, spokesman for Mr. Gingrich, [said].
Instead, Gingrich recorded a video, which will be shown to the social conservatives attending the conference.
“It’s an important event. It brings together an important constituency, many of whom we’ve talked to before,” Tyler said.
***
In today’s Washington Post, Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, the co-chairmen of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, argue that it’s time to focus on the bipartisan deficit reduction talks led by U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Mark Warner, D-Va.:
”We understand that what the Gang of Six is working on is obviously no one’s first choice. Both House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan and President Obama have presented plans — and those plans have certainly pushed the debate forward.
But as the budget votes last week proved — producing a soapbox for heated rhetoric but no progress — those proposals are not going to cut it. Both plans have come under intense criticism from the opposing party, and it is clear that neither can earn the type of broad bipartisan support necessary to enact and sustain a credible fiscal plan.
Meanwhile, we simply cannot afford gridlock and delay as each party stubbornly holds out for its ideal solution.
***
Missed in Thursday’s hoopla over the ACLU’s federal lawsuit challenging Georgia’s new illegal immigration law was a call by activist D.A. King for Gov. Nathan Deal to establish a private defense fund to assume the cost of the defense.
Arizona has one that has raised nearly $4 million, King who included this in a note:
“It’s a no brainer and most people are more than willing to help in the coming fight with the far-left fringe opposing our recent law. It would be a small amount, but put me down as the first donor if the governor decides to heed our respectful advice.”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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88 comments Add your comment
Chief Wiggum
June 3rd, 2011
9:33 am
The whole race things seems much ado about nothing. Folks on the left have been trying to paint the Tea Party as racist the whole time, with no luck. Folks like John Lewis tried to say that he heard racist comments when walking through the Tea Party rally. Yet, no comments were found on any tape…ever.
Did Barack Obama have to answer questions like this when he ran?
jconservative
June 3rd, 2011
9:38 am
“Meanwhile, we simply cannot afford gridlock and delay as each party stubbornly holds out for its ideal solution.”
Both Bowles and Simpson know that there is a presidential election in Novenber 2012. Nothing but maybe a token deal of no consequence will be made until the election is over.
The requirement of 60 votes in the Senate is almost a guaranteed “gridlock”.
khc
June 3rd, 2011
9:40 am
is herman a global warming denier like that da boortz
Ol' Timer
June 3rd, 2011
9:42 am
I’ve been reading the newspapers from up north and, you know, those folks up there in New Hampshire are going to think it’s Halloween when that bunch starts going door-to-door Trick or Treatin’. Looks like there may be more Tricks than Treats in that bunch.
And, then there’s ol’ Ralph Reed who just want go away with his Faith and Freedom folks gettin’ all excited about The Donald making a prime time address. Sure hope he doesn’t drop any “F bombs” or Moth&$@#!@&%# on the church-going crowd.
Jeb
June 3rd, 2011
9:52 am
There is no rasism in the Tea Party.
Signed…Meyer Schwartzman, The Nazi Party
Just Wait
June 3rd, 2011
10:00 am
Some of the biggest myths today’s politics, 1) Bipartisan efforts, 2) a budget plan will be worked out, 3) the Tea Party is not racist, 4) Ralph Reed is still important.
joe
June 3rd, 2011
10:02 am
Sounds like ole Jeb’s not a millionaire…but California is the place he otta be…LOL.
Lum
June 3rd, 2011
10:27 am
The issue of race is important only to those who wish to make it so; when a Latino is arrested, it is offten called profiling or “racism.” When an African-American is arrested, or suffers a perceived slight, it is called “racism.” For a European-American, well, you’re just a criminal and good riddance.
Drooly
June 3rd, 2011
10:27 am
A defense fund for citizens to donate money to fight the far left open borders socialists is a GREAT idea! I hope Gov. Deal takes the suggestion!
Centrist
June 3rd, 2011
10:46 am
Cain is right that “most people have gotten past color” – except for political and media race baiting.
Partisan demagoguery will trump deficit reduction talks – until the last minute when typical crisis management using smoke and mirrors always happens.
Does that “far-left fringe” opposing Georgia’s anti ILLEGAL immigration law include most of the AJC staff. I’ll contribute to the defense fund.
Dave
June 3rd, 2011
10:52 am
I find it ironic, but also quite revealing that liberals, who claim to be for equality, are invariably more racist than conservatives. I rarely, if ever hear rhetoric from conservatives that injects race into a discussion that has absolutely nothing to do with religious or ethnic background. Yet liberals never miss an opportunity to cite religion, ethnicity or both as the core motivation for everything from NASA funding to the health effects of eating donuts. Liberals claim their preoccupation with race is a result of their pursuit of equality, but in fact, their tactics simply introduce racism in areas where it doesn’t exist. That doesn’t imply that racism is non-existent, only that the liberals have taken something that’s on the wane and revitalized it.
Robert
June 3rd, 2011
10:58 am
How can Herman Cain’s be the first Black President nominee for the GOP/tea party? What is his “strategy”? Is he a “uncle tom” trying to take advantage of an opportunity to put money in his pockets with no chance to win the GOP nomination? Can he be like Michael Steele, GOP Past President and show great courage in the face of homegrown terrorism displayed by the “tea party’ (klansmen, skinheads, birthers, etc.) whose weapons of choice are hatred, fear and rage/mob mentality against minorities, women, gays & lesbians and Muslims & Jews? Will he represent all the American People or just the GOP/tea party lunatics? It’s time to choose sides. The American People or the homegrown terrorist group(s) known as the “tea party”? What is Herman Cain’s “strategy”?
Mother Jones
June 3rd, 2011
10:58 am
Was Cain asked about his stint at Aquila, during which he screwed employees out of tens of millions of dollars in an Enron-like action?
Last Man Standing
June 3rd, 2011
11:04 am
Jeb:
Please tell me EXACTLY what makes you think the TEA Party is racist?
Bill Orvis White
June 3rd, 2011
11:07 am
Herman is the only one who will stand up to far-left liberal special interest groups who have ballooned our deficit over the past 70 years. This successful businessman will end entitlements as we know them. Once Herman is inaugurated in January 2013, he will drastically cut the spending and limit the budget to defense. More monies will be released into the general public and job$ will be created! Studies have shown that once spending and taxes are cut, loose dollar$ come back to the people to create job$. Herman knows this the best out of this rightful pack of well-qualified presidential candidates.
Amen,
Bill
Bill Orvis White
June 3rd, 2011
11:10 am
@Robert
You’re wrongheaded and naive of course. Herman believes promoting the family unit. You’re like most of the sheepish dolts who voted for Hussein Obama because he looks exotic. You didn’t read the devil in the details. This is the most radical, unqualified president in U.S. History.
Amen,
Bill
Last Man Standing
June 3rd, 2011
11:10 am
Just Wait:
Please tell me EXACTLY what makes you think the TEA Party is racist?
Bill Orvis White
June 3rd, 2011
11:11 am
Those who criticize the TEA Party are racist.
Amen,
Bill
Last Man Standing
June 3rd, 2011
11:14 am
Robert:
“homegrown terrorist group(s) known as the “tea party”
That is a very bold and rash statement. What do you have in the way of EVIDENCE to support your wild claim?
Joel
June 3rd, 2011
11:17 am
We shouldn’t judge all of a group by the actions of a few. Unless of course we are talking about conservatives, or Tea Partiers, or white people in general. Then it’s ok to call them all racists. It’s easier to deny their humanity that way.
Justin
June 3rd, 2011
11:23 am
Bill you sound like a racist and I’m white!
“”You’re like most of the sheepish dolts who voted for Hussein Obama because he looks exotic. You didn’t read the devil in the details. This is the most radical, unqualified president in U.S. History.”"
If this is not a racist comment then what is?
gm
June 3rd, 2011
11:26 am
Since you retards on the right love him so much, I can not wait to see how many votes he get in Ky, Al, Miss, Ga.
Cain is dreaming, the world see you right as bigots, look at Obama, you people hate his guts and its has nothing to do with policies, some are the same as Bush, retards going around saying they want their country back, when the fact is the country belongs to the Indians.
The rednecks love the phoney Sara the idiot, the women went to Ny and ate Pizza with a knife and fork, how many red necks and southerners eat like that, this shows the brain of the idiots that follow her.
Hazel
June 3rd, 2011
11:27 am
So I’m guessing that we will soon see the humorous dolls and cartoons about Mr Cain that we saw about Mr. Obama that brought up monkeys, watermelons. and the other quaint “jokes” that always seems to be shared among certain GOP officials. Maybe Mr. Cain should sell them for his campaign, as they were all in good fun when it came to President Obama and I’m sure Herman would enjoy the humor.
gm
June 3rd, 2011
11:30 am
Justin
Yea he is really radical he is so radical that had he not killed bin ladin, thousands of more Americans would have been dead.
I guess saving thousand of jobs in the car indus was radical, this shows the idiots we have in America, lets ship idiots like you, Hannity, Rush, Sara to another country for those real radical people.
Robert
June 3rd, 2011
11:30 am
@Last Man Standing
The whole world saw the hatred and bigotry displayed by the “tea party” during the 2010 midterm elections as well as heard their call to battle (take back my country). The “tea party’ (klansmen, skinheads, birthers, etc.) weapons of choice are hatred, fear and rage/mob mentality against minorities, women, gays & lesbians and Muslims & Jews. I am not comfortable around people who claim to be members of the homegrown terrorist group(s) called the “tea party” who have done more harm to the American People than any foreign terrorist acts or plans. America is more racially divided today because of the terrorist acts (hatred, fear and rage/mob mentality against minorities, women, gays & lesbians and Muslims & Jews) committed by the “tea party”. It’s time to choose sides. The American People or the homegrown terrorist group(s) known as the “tea party”. What side are you on?
Tom
June 3rd, 2011
11:37 am
Not all conservatives are racists, but almost all racists are proud conservatives.
TRUTH
June 3rd, 2011
11:40 am
I wonder how many of the previous bloggers are of color…ANY COLOR? Although I like to believe that this country has moved past race, I would be insane too. Mr. Cain, qualified to run for the Presidency, by standard, is seriously off the mark to think that race will not play in this election cycle. It has, and continues, to be played, sir.
I recall my wife and I being in Washington, D.C. on my birthday in September 2009. We decided to go to the National Black Family Reunion celebration on the National Mall. On the opposite end of the mall, by the capitol, a Tea Party rally was being held. We saw the “true” Americans (as they were being touted) with placards showing President Obama as an African native, monkey, Buckwheat, to go along with Hitler, and other villans of the world. We saw very racist comments ranging from “N..” to “Jungle Bu…” I saw it with my own eyes. My wife saw it. Other African Americans, White, Asian, European, East Indians, ALL saw it. Too include our children, all of our children. As infuriating and hurtful as the scene was, I reached out to a “Tea Partier,” an older gentleman from New Jersey, sporting a “Don’t Tread on Me” Tee-Shirt, carrying a sign of Mr. Obama in the form of a monkey, with the caption that read “Monkeys belong in the Zoo, not in the Oval office…” and asked him his thoughts. I needed to understand the why of all this. He was very congenial and quite friendly, he didn’t see anything wrong with the verbiage on his shirt or sign, nor the depictions on them. He told me he was bussed in along with several of his friends by some citizens outfit (Freedomworks as I discovered after I read some of the materials he had, they were all over the ground). My point here is Racism is very much alive and well in the country. It is a fear that continues to be played by both sides to control them. The gentleman from New Jersey was oblivious to his contribution to its Racist promotion because he felt he was defending his country from the take over by Liberals who was being led by a man of color. I’ve come to realize that this line between Racism and ignorance is ever so delicate and if swayed to either extreme (this goes for any race), the masses can be led to believe that their actions are for the good of the country and be completely honest in its defense where the root of their actions are entrenched in Racism. The media refuses to cover that point of the story and remain loudly absent from honestly reporting on that debate. They have adopted the “If I don’t report on it, it will go away…” approach to the news. Further, white America does not want to hear it, for if its not reported on, it did not happen. I think Black America is ready for this discussion, why, because we are the subjects of the hate.
Last point, my brother, whom by now you should understand to be African American, is a member of the Tea Party. I love him to death, as he is my family, and is totally entitled to his own viewpoint, felt that the Tea Party was not bigoted in any way (of course he and I had that debate), had a rude awakening in Texas a few months ago. He told me how he and his wife rode to a rally in San Antonio. Upon arriving and walking towards the rally, members of group made an assumption that he was a plant, because, as my brother realized, he was the only person of color as far as his eyes could see. It took them both by compleste surprise. She, by the way, is caucasian and had to set those “true” Americans straight. Needless to say, my brother and his wife were devasted. His beliefs were to a “group” that did not include him.
Mr. Cain is appreciated by most on this blog because he is a Georgia based candidate. He is viewed as a counter point to President Obama, but, lacks any political knowledge to lead a nation, foreign affairs, etc. I applaud him for ackowledging those facts. It is refreshing to say I don’t know, particularly on subjects as important as this. Certainly not saying that he can’t staff excellent personnel, but he is being viewed as a contender in a field of Republican and Tea Party nobodies. His color will come into play, obviously not through the media, certainly not publicly by those who may make headlines, but more by those “true” Americans who harbor and yearn for the old days when African Americans were “in their place.”
That’s a sad and very honest truth. We all have to be better. For each other and our country.
Last Man Standing
June 3rd, 2011
11:42 am
Robert:
You used a lot of words, but said nothing. I want you to point to a SPECIFIC incident that makes you think they are “homegrown terrorists”. I want you to point to specific acts “(hatred, fear and rage/mob mentality against minorities, women, gays & lesbians and Muslims & Jews) committed” by the TEA Party. Be sure and include evidence (references to vail sources of information) of such acts.
I suspect that you can’t provide what I’ve asked for, and that you are merely spouting “talking points” initiated by Obama’s thought merchants.
DannyX
June 3rd, 2011
11:48 am
Hey Centrist, would you mind filling us all in on what exactly the “far-left fringe” position on immigration is. While your at it break it down further.
What is the immigration position of
Far left fringe
Leftists
Centrist
Rightists
Far right fringe
Then please explain how your views fit the “centrist” position.
DannyX
June 3rd, 2011
11:51 am
Last Man Standing, would you consider your position on illegal immigrants to be racist? Remember this, you wrote it on May 26 @ 4:36…
“Yeah, I can stand to watch them starve, live under bridges and die from lack of medical care.”
“Fence the border, and patrol the fence with armed personnel instructed to shoot to kill and illegal immigrant defying an order to halt.”
Or is it just plain hate? Please explain.
Ol' Timer
June 3rd, 2011
11:57 am
I have to agree with Cain when he says race doesn’t factor into his campaign. But his ignorance of geopolitics and his adherence to that stupid tax plan does and that’s why he won’t make it to first base.
From what I see, ol’ Herm is a good man and one I’d enjoy Striking a Blow for Liberty with, but he needs to go back on the radio where spewing hot air is rewarded and being provocative pays the rent.
Ol' Timer
June 3rd, 2011
11:59 am
@DannyX — You’re wasting your time with LMS. The most you can say about that ol’ boy is that he’s flatulent and enjoys hearing himself make the noise.
MiltonMan
June 3rd, 2011
12:09 pm
John Lewis is a moron. He never came forward with proof that he was spat upon. This is the same guy who ran a radio ad for John Eaves when John ran for Fulton County Commish stating that if John is defeated the people in North Fulton would turn on the water hoses & release the dogs on Atlanta residents.
Gang of six = Gang of five. Tom Coburn left.
Alabama Communist
June 3rd, 2011
12:12 pm
More Breaking News On Herman being a White Republican……….Over 10 thousand Georgia Redneck Republican Tea Party Cain Supporters took a oath today that they would submit themselver to a color change operation to prove they were not secret Klan members…..
Real Athens
June 3rd, 2011
12:15 pm
What has happened to the Party of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Nixon, Goldwater, et. al.?
Ralph Reed? Marching out GOP Presidential Candidates to his Faith and Freedom Coalition? Why does anyone pay homage to this life-long charlatan?
really?
June 3rd, 2011
12:16 pm
Sorry that is a bold faced lie! Racism in America has never left, it only resurfaced from under the covers. Nothing changed since the 50’s and 60’s the only thing is that you can’t lynch anybody and it can’t be done outright anymore
Majority of these political motivations are about race in one way or another. Just because you don’t say the word doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
freddy
June 3rd, 2011
12:24 pm
didn’t Herman mention something about him being nervous or concerned when he found out one of his surgeons was of Arabic descent? He also said he would not appoint any Muslims to cabinets? This guy is a clown, and Godfather Pizza really sucked!!
gm
June 3rd, 2011
12:24 pm
MiltonMan
Another idiot who have no clue of history: go watch freedom riders, and watch John Lewis get his head ponded in by white so called loving christians.
John Lewis earned his stripes have you earned yours?
Just Passing Through
June 3rd, 2011
12:30 pm
“I wonder how many of the previous bloggers are of color…ANY COLOR?”
I didn’t even have to read any further to know that you are a racist. Long post though, wonder if anyone actually read any of it? Sure it probably goes something along the lines of “all white people is racist and my president is black blah blah blah.” You are one of the biggest problems in this country. You have nothing intelligent to bring to any conversation, so all you can do is call white people racist. Did glance down a little further and I must say, you got any proof of these “Racist debbil” Tea party people?
/Not a Tea Party guy, just hate racist morons.
Just Passing Through
June 3rd, 2011
12:33 pm
“Sorry that is a bold faced lie! Racism in America has never left, it only resurfaced from under the covers. Nothing changed since the 50’s and 60’s the only thing is that you can’t lynch anybody and it can’t be done outright anymore”
Couldn’t be more right with this, except that you have that backwards. White people moved on a long time ago, black people just seem to not be able to let it go though. You have firmly taken over the most racist group title. You all must be proud.
History Will Teach Us if We Will Learn
June 3rd, 2011
12:35 pm
Mr Cain is a good man that personifies the Founding Fathers idea that any citizen meeting age and citizenship requirements could qualify to be President. His lineage or race doesnt matter, whether he owns property doesnt matter, an ordination from God doesnt matter. His ideas and agenda for his presidency dont have to make sense to anyone beyond those he hopes to pursuade to vote for him. Mr. Cain’s problem along with other serious candidates is that his ideas take too long to explain for a sound bite or a 30 second in depth profile on Fox News. His real problem is also that he trys not to sound stupid when he speaks so he’s boring.
Unlike some of his fellow almost candidates who dont mind not having any clue about what they are commenting on. From the Daily Kos and Sarah Palin, she is at least entertaining: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/06/02/981563/-Update:-Oh-Dear-Lord-Palin-mangles-Paul-Revere?detail=hide
Real Athens
June 3rd, 2011
12:40 pm
JPT:
I hope that is satire.
Obvious
June 3rd, 2011
12:45 pm
SORRY TO INTERRUPT!!!
Just wanted to say: “FOUR MORE YEARS!!!!!!”
You may now go back to your regularly scheduled complaining and moaning!
DannyX
June 3rd, 2011
12:48 pm
Just passing, stay a little longer! Explain…
How the heck do you get racism out of this? ““Sorry that is a bold faced lie! Racism in America has never left, it only resurfaced from under the covers. Nothing changed since the 50’s and 60’s the only thing is that you can’t lynch anybody and it can’t be done outright anymore”
Compared to the writings of our resident bigot, Last Man Standing…”"Yeah, I can stand to watch them starve, live under bridges and die from lack of medical care.”
“Fence the border, and patrol the fence with armed personnel instructed to shoot to kill and illegal immigrant defying an order to halt.””
Last Man Standing then goes on to say this after being called out…
“Regardless of that, I merely say what many others think but do not verbalize, or write.”
So true Last Man Standing…So true. That last sentence you got right.
Last Man Standing
June 3rd, 2011
12:49 pm
DannyX;
It is neither racist nor hatred. I have asked many, many times if anyone could name a nation or civilization that long endured which did not guard its’ borders. I have yet to get an answer becuase one CAN’T be provided. If what I wrote is the ONLY solution, then it must be implemented if we are to survive as a nation.
Last Man Standing
June 3rd, 2011
1:00 pm
Robert:
” I am not comfortable around people who claim to be members of the homegrown terrorist”
Does the name William Ayers ring a bell with you? It was in Ayers’ home that Obama announced he would seek the Presidency. Ayers, a member of the Weather Underground, participated in the bombings of government buildings. Would you be comfortable associating with Obama and his friend, Bill Ayers?
Last Man Standing
June 3rd, 2011
1:03 pm
Ol’ Timer:
“that ol’ boy is that he’s flatulent and enjoys hearing himself make the noise.”
No, I can imagine your voice as I read your words. It is an exact substitute.
Real Athens
June 3rd, 2011
1:11 pm
LMS: You’ve answered your own question. Hmmm, you say the U.S. border is “unguarded” yet we’ve endured as a nation officially for 235 years. The Canadian-American border has often been referred to as the longest unfortified border in the world.
DannyX
June 3rd, 2011
1:15 pm
A prayer at the Ralph Reed, Faith and Freedom Coalition event?
Please God cure our great nation of the evils of the Christian immigrants that dare cross our borders, let us watch them starve, live under bridges and die from lack of medical care. Let us fence the border, and patrol the fence with armed personnel instructed to shoot to kill any Christian immigrant defying an order to halt.
Can I get an Amen???
Another Cynic
June 3rd, 2011
1:15 pm
@ Freddy you are correct…. and as a father figure Mr. Cain SHOULD be ashamed.
Herman Cain PUBLICLY acknowledged that he has little knowledge of the Muslim faith, yet even with his limited knowledge he WOULD NOT appoint a Muslim to his administration. HUH? Really? Mr. Cain, don’t you think it would be wise to educate yourself about something you don’t know about before making a blanket statement to the public like that? Racism, prejudice and xenophobia are all born out of complete ignorance…. which he clearly has displayed and PUBLICLY admitted! (I guess his words were taken out of context…)
Personally, I have little faith and respect for ANY person that would be so shortsighted…. and don’t give me the typical Muslim terrorist and 9/11 excuse… we have radicals in all religions and nationalities.
I have NEVER been approached or threatened by a Muslim who wanted to convert me to his/her faith… unlike the Catholics, Mormons, Protestants, Baptists and Jehovah’s Witnesses that have approached me and/or knocked on my door over the years.
Mr. Cain would be wise to stick to the core issues that are important to this country and stop pandering to the extremists within his party!