The exit of former front runner Herman Cain and the suspension of his campaign for Republican Presidential nominee is hugely disappointing. Cain was a unique candidate and a refreshing change from the traditional names spouting the same talking points while struggling to appear more capable than the next guy. Cain was the real deal from his smile and personality to his solid track record in business. He achieved likeability just by showing up.
Cain’s departure is not only disappointing to his supporters; it is a loss for every American. At a time when good role models are in short supply, Herman Cain was the best example of many positive traits. To watch Cain was to see decency, drive and determination in action. Listening to him speak opened one up to ideas that were sensible, possible and desperately needed in a country having already mastered financial ruin.
Herman Cain was a likeable candidate with a fatal flaw. It was not just sexual harassment charges or a claimed affair that did him in. Cain’s Achilles heel was his naiveté in the blood sport of politics.
If there was any doubt about how dirty the political game is you need only look at the undoing of Herman Cain. Without one shred of evidence a few women stepped out from the shadows, did their dirty work and scurried back into well deserved oblivion. There are no corroborating witnesses for any of this baseless dirt on Cain. There is not one photograph presented as evidence of a thirteen year affair, no hotel receipts, airplane tickets, nothing. Still, people who see themselves as at least somewhat intelligent, bought into the setup and turned on Cain dropping him faster than dog crap. The first group to leave were Republican women, level headed thinkers each and everyone. The second and most damaging hit came from financial backers whose sensibilities were so offended their check books slammed shut, on their own, in seconds flat. So much for solid support and innocent until proven guilty.
And what about the black community? I would have thought that with high unemployment, the lack of education, high crime rates, drug involvement and single mothers having multiple babies, there would have been a rallying around a good man like Herman Cain. Maybe his history of personal responsibility, hard work and good character wasn’t inspiring enough for the brothers. Too bad. Cain’s style and message is a thousand times better than anything else coming from the ‘hood. Cain’s choices grew character. That is worth supporting.
There is one point on which I disagree with my favorite former candidate. During his campaign suspension speech on Saturday Mr. Cain promised he is not going away. He promised to continue fighting for what he believes in and to complete the job from the outside, Plan B he called it. That speaks to relevancy but Cain made a decision to exit the stage. Unlike Sara Palin who established herself as a governor first, then ran in an actual presidential campaign, Cain was still new to the American voter, an up and comer at best. His decision to leave a position where headlines are made and to do so after really just greeting the American people, means that unless Fox News has a spot for him, he is likely to be far less relevant than he hopes. That’s a pity.
So long Herman. I enjoyed the Cain train. It’s a shame the ride did not last longer.
Kaye Richard - When I Write I'm Right 
I am very interested in who you are going to endorse now?
I like Newt. He is brilliant with history and the Constitution and is not intimidated by Obama. Michelle Bachman is a strong conservative who would be tougher than Obama and would re-establish respect for America globally. Those are my two front runners at this time. I don’t see Trump getting back in but I have to admit I liked his postion on “take the oil”, drilling at home and on sending the toughest negotiators to deal with the Chinese.
I’m sure that the people that smeared President Clinton knew how to attack a man’s credibility. Cain did indeed seem like a decent guy. But, I must say that when he revealed he had not talked with his wife regarding the allegations. I knew that something was amiss. Hillary stood up for her man, and in spite of his flaws continued a kind of unwavering support. Too bad Cain’s wife couldn’t show the same support for him. It’s likely true that because both are so new to politics, they just couldn’t handle the heat. He’s far more solid than Omama, perhaps they smeared him because he was a real threat. Democracy should foster a sense of opposition but not personal attack. Too bad.
Good article.
Some great thoughts there Sue.
I would take issue with the belief that Clinton was smeared. Monica’s semen stained dress was the smoking gun eventually turned over to Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr then investigating the Clintons over their Whitewater real estate investments and loans controversy. On the advice of author and friend Lucianne Goldberg, Linda Tripp taped phone conversations with her friend Monica Lewinsky when the latter confided about her affair with Clinton. Tripp convinced Lewinsky to keep the blue dress with Clinton’s DNA intact. The dress furthered the case for impeachment. Clinton was a serial womanizer (Geniffer Flowers – her released phone tapes forced the Clintons to admit to marital problems, Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey – she and her husband knew the Clintons) He admitted his “improper physical relationship” with Lewinsky in taped Grand Jury testimony in August 1998. Other names associated with Clinton include Elizabeth Ward Gracen, Sally Perdue & Dolly Kyle Browning.
I agree that Herman Cain should have kept his wife in the loop if he was helping out another woman financially.
Gloria Cain is not a fan of the spotlight but her presence could have gone a long way. As you point out Hilary stood by Bill (regardless of motivation) and it was well received. You are correct. I don’t think either of them was prepared for the brutality of the attack.
You are also spot on re the reason Cain was taken out. He was a threat. The voters would have tuned in with huge numbers for a Cain/Obama debate and Obama is not up for that challenge. Now he is in a worse position having to face Gingrich or maybe even Bachman.
Also, I didn’t refer to if he was helping out someone financially, I was referring to the scandal, of telling her that he was being accused of what he was being accused of.
I knew about the Lewinsky matter, I was referring to the questionable investments. However, the public liked Clinton, just as they did a similarly popular president(JFK) and were willing to still like him.
Thanks for your comments back.
No question about it. Many Americans do have an affinity for Clinton and always will. He’s the type of guy you’d love to have a beer with knowing he will regale you with story after story from behind the scenes.