Can Herman Cain Deliver?

Republican candidate Herman Cain is said to have answered the GOP supporters calling for a candidate to oppose the front-runner, Gov. Mitt Romney, However, Cain has delivered various controversial comments and interviews that have supporters doubting his competence.

In a recent interview, Cain suggested constructing an electrical fence surrounding the U.S. -Mexico border in order to electrify those attempting to illegally immigrate to the United States. He later retracted this statement and explained that is was a “joke” and that “American’s need to get a better sense of humor.” However, is it appropriate, under any circumstances, for a presidential candidate to make such remarks in a public interview?

Perhaps, for a moment, the most attractive policy under Cain’s belt was his “9-9-9” tax code plan. Recently however, due to concerns that the majority of American’s would pay more taxes under this plan, Cain has modified the plan to exclude a number of Americans living under the poverty line that qualify and to allow several deductions (Associated Press- Foxnews). Unfortunately for Cain’s campaign, those who supported his plan appreciated its straightforward approach to revising the tax code and by modifying its simplicity he may have sacrificed some votes.

Cain has also been scrutinized for failing to deliver a strong pro-life agenda despite his assertion that, as president, he would institute anti-abortion policies. After stating to CNN his pro-life stance, Cain commented, “"the government shouldn’t be trying to tell people everything to do, especially when it comes to social decisions that they need to make." This statement clearly does not coincide with an anti-abortion agenda. Recently, Cain, when presented with a hypothetical, has also explained that he would be open to negotiating with terrorists in exchange for captive U.S. soldiers. He later retracted this statement and claimed he “misspoke” due to the pace of the interview (Associated Press). During an economic speech in Detroit, Cain comments, “In a couple of instances ... I misspoke because of the pace of the interview. I don't call it a flip-flop. I'd rather come back and explain to people what I really meant. It doesn't send mixed messages. It just shows that I'm willing to correct myself ... if in fact I need to correct myself for clarity. That's what I'm trying to achieve” (Associated Press- Foxnews).

One 60-year-old Gene Carkeet of Memphis, Tennessee stated after attending a Cain rally, “I'm looking for someone that's electable and right now I don't think he fits into that category” (Associated Press-Foxnews). However, many supporters are quick to overlook Cain’s lack of clarity based on the natural “growing pains” that follow sudden national exposure. Kay Godwin, co-founder of Georgia Conservatives in Action, comments, "Look at Romney and Perry at the last debate. They can't even be civil to each other on a stage in front of a national audience," Godwin said. "At his core, Herman has the heart to save this country” (Associated Press-Foxnews).

Works Cited: Associated Press-Foxnews. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/22/cain-stumbling-under-glare-national-spotlight/#ixzz1bec6Xdnp