GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain continues to garner the attention and support of various factions of the Republican Party. But why? What exactly is it about the inexperienced businessman with no foreign policy expertise that has pushed him to the front of the line of Republican presidential candidates?
The answer is simple and may actually surprise you. Herman Cain is a black Republican — which comes with a unique set of “perks.” As a black man, Cain has a built-in protection to make certain statements about minority groups that many white candidates wish they could say, but never could.
For example, Cain recently made the statement that African-Americans are brainwashed in their blind support of the Democratic Party. Cain could successfully say that without much recourse. But for Rick Perry or Michele Bachmann, it would have been political suicide. The same goes for Cain’s controversial statement regarding an “electrified” fence along the U.S./Mexico border, that Cain “joked” would kill Mexicans if they dared try to cross it. Although Cain took a lot of flack for his words, him being a member of a minority group gave him all the protection and cover he needed to make that statement and keep on rolling. Some white Republicans have been itching to speak about a deadly border fence, but wisely realized the political risk. But Cain could get away with saying it, without barely a scratch.
Cain has also been able to take those “cutesy” racial shots at himself and African-Americans that no other Republican dare could. For example, Cain recently said when he’s elected president, his secret service code name will be “Corn Bread.” African-Americans instantly recoiled and considered it “cooning” when Cain fell right into the old stereotype trap. But many within the GOP chuckled and cheered that Cain could get away with such a joke that would have been seen as crossing the line for a white Republican.
Republicans have recognized Herman Cain’s unique position of being a black Republican, with the ability to say things others never could. Some also see him as a bit of a puppet — willing to march to the beat of the Republican drum and say or do whatever he’s told. Therefore, Herman Cain has become the reckless “voice” of his party, with the ability to say what other Republicans could only privately think. And for the GOP, that is a huge plus.
Herman Cain will never get the Republican nomination for president. But at least for now, the GOP can successfully use him as their protective bull horn.
Well DJ, I certainly agree with your point that Cain is served well by the fact that he's "a black Republican — which comes with a unique set of "perks. As a black man, Cain has a built-in protection to make certain statements about minority groups that many white candidates wish they could say, but never could."And boy is he ever creating a serious "dilemma" not only for the other GOP candidates!…but also for the GOP "establishment" and (to a lesser degree) the political media, quite frankly.Politico: "GOP field's dilemma: How to handle Hermain Cain?"Read: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/66411.h…But I think there's another Equal…if not MORE significant_reason for Cain's appeal. The GOP "base" DESPISES Mitt almost as much as they Despise the President. SEE: a rather sizeable chunk of the right-wing blogosphere. And SEE their reaction to ALL of the GOP debates thus far.That group supports WHOEVER they believe can "Take.Mitt.Out." IF it's Perry? "Praise the Lord." If it's Cain? "Cool. Pass the pizza." As long as Mitt is taken down. I've checked out several popular right-wing sites, over the past year. The intense ANGER expressed towards Romney (AND towards the GOP "establishment for that matter) cannot be overstated. The political media can continue pushing any narrative it wants. It does NOT matter. The "base" will REJECT it. But I digress. I think Cain is as suprised as everyone else at where he finds himself today…in a virtual 3-way tie for the GOP nomination!?! And No doubt, had Perry NOT shown himself to be such a disaster, thus far (how anyone didn't see THAT coming is beyond me?? But okay)…Perry would be sitting in the cat-bird seat right now pretty much the sole beneficiary of "base" support beating the patuki outta Mitt……..and Cain would still be a "Who?"
<span>For anyone interested in polls…THIS one was conducted AFTER Tuesday evening's debate. </span><span></span><span>2012 Iowa Republican Caucus: Thursday, October 20, 2011 Iowa: Cain 28% Romney 21% Paul 10% </span><span></span><span>Reflecting <span>national trends</span>, businessman Herman Cain has now jumped to the front of the Republican pack in Iowa. </span><span></span><span>A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Iowa caucus-goers shows that Cain is in front with 28% followed by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney at 21%. Congressman Ron Paul is a distant third at 10% followed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 9%, Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann at 8%, and Texas Governor Rick Perry at 7%. The sixth place finish for Perry is a sharp decline from early September when Perry was the frontrunner both nationally and <span>in Iowa</span>. Former Senator Rick Santorum picks up 4% of the vote and former Governor Jon Huntsman is at 2%. Another 4% would prefer some other candidate and 8% are not sure. Only one-third of the caucus-goers (32%) are certain of their vote and don’t expect to change their mind. Among these voters, 30% prefer Cain, 22% Romney, and 17% Paul. Among those absolutely certain they will show up and participate in the caucus, Cain leads Romney 31% to 18%. Many have criticized the Cain campaign for not having a strong organization in Iowa which is seen as essential to turning out the vote. According to such conventional analysis, Cain might be at risk of raising expectations too high and then underperforming. [….]</span><span></span><span></span><span>Source: Rasmussen Report</span>