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… Read more »