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

Republican Debate, Las Vegas Nevada

The Republican Debate in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday exhibited the candidates policies regarding hot topics such as immigration, “ObamaCare,” and the much disputed “9-9-9” plan laid out by candidate Herman Cain.
Early in Tuesday’s debate, as expected, Herman Cain’s “9-9-9” plan quickly became a controversial topic of debate. The opposing candidates boldly outlined their standpoints in relation to the plan and expressed their interpretations of a more appropriate tax code plan. The candidates believed Cain’s plan to be a far too simplistic approach to correcting a complex and intricate dilemma. Paul Steinhauser and Peter Hamby of CNN Newsroom recorded several of the candidate’s retorts,

“Herman's well-meaning, and I love his boldness’, said former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania. ‘I give him credit for -- for starting a debate, but it's not good for families.’

"Herman, I love you, brother, but let me tell you something, you don't need to have a big analysis to figure this thing out. Go to New Hampshire, where they don't have a sales tax, and you're fixing to give them one," said Texas Gov. Rick Perry. "Herman. It's not going to fly." said Rep. Ron Paul of Texas.

"It's very, very dangerous. And it will raise more revenues," said Rep. Ron Paul of Texas.

“The analysis I did, person by person, return by return, is that middle-income people see higher taxes under your plan," said former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Cain responded to these claims by claiming that “lobbyists, accountants, and politicians” favor the current tax code and are averted to implementing a “simple and fair” tax code (Paul Steinhauser and Peter Hamby). 

Later in the debate, Gov. Mitt Romney became the subject of scrutiny regarding his health plan, “RomneyCare,” that was passed in Massachusetts during his term. Upon Romney’s assertion that, if elected, he would repeal the nation’s current “ObamaCare” plan, former Senator Rick Santorum called into question Romney’s credibility concerning the national healthcare issue. Santorum vehemently sought to discredit Romney as a hypocrite based on his implementation of “RomneyCare,” which has been regarded by Republicans as the basis of “ObamaCare.” Both candidates became entangled in an unprofessional back-and-forth,


"You can't change the facts," shouted Santorum.
"Rick, you had your chance. Let me speak," fired back Romney.
"You're out of time. You're out of time," responded Santorum (Paul Steinhauser and Peter Hamby).


Mitt Romney also butted heads with Texas Governor Rick Perry in regards to his immigration policy. Romney, for a second time, was referred to as a hypocrite after stating that his administration would strongly stand against illegal immigration. However, Perry rebutted this statement by exclaiming that Romney had hired illegal aliens to work in his home. Romney quickly explained that upon the discovery of these workers as illegal’s they were immediately disbanded. Soon after, a shouting match ensued and Romney stated, "This has been a tough couple of debates for Rick, and I understand that. And so you're going to get testy" (Paul Steinhauser and Peter Hamby).
Works Cited: Paul Steinhauser and Peter Hamby. http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/19/politics/five-things-learned-gop-debate/index.html

Michelle Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Factory in Denver, Colorado

Part of Michelle Obama’s speech regarding the family values that her and her husband Barack Obama share. They also discuss the importance of instilling these values in their children’s lives and the nations youth. A caller also discusses his appreciation for the Obama campaign.

2008 Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Factory in Denver, Colorado

Callers discuss their reactions to Michelle Obama’s speech during the Democratic National Convention. One woman discusses her decision to change her vote to favor Obama after hearing Michelle Obama’s words on his union policy.

2008 Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Factory in Denver, Colorado

Several democratic representatives discuss their reactions to Michelle Obama’s speech during the 2008 Democratic Convention. Monique Davis, a state representative from Illinois, discusses the importance of portraying Barack Obama as a true family man in touch with hard working Americans. Representative Jack Franks discusses the “Clinton-Obama devide,” and expresses his anticipation to unite Democrats after Hilary Clinton’s address during the Convention.

The Unemployed Population: Unexpected Support for Obama

Despite staggeringly high unemployment rates throughout the nation, the Obama Campaign has reported a large number of healthy financial donations from areas strongly effected by the jobs issue. An Associated Press study exhibits the donations received from Obama supporters in regions with high unemployment rates from the second and third quarters of 2011. The reported funds received were larger than that of Obama’s 2007 campaign.

Regions of the United States with high unemployment rates are generally expected to support the Republican Party due to their focus on the unemployment rate as a central issue in the 2012 campaign. Obama’s campaign raised $70 million this quarter, however the Republican Party reported similar donation figures. Although the Democratic Party would prefer to have received larger donations than the Republican Party, these figures demonstrate the regions with high unemployment as supporting their candidate despite the nations current jobs issue.

Republican candidates campaigns have raised a total of $52 million this quarter. Among the leading Republican candidates, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney comments on Obama’s jobs record, "Right now, America's in crisis," said Romney at an Oct. 11 Republican debate devoted exclusively to the economy. "You want to have someone who's smart, who has experience, who knows how the financial services sector works, who knows how to protect American jobs -- and I do. I've done it" (Fox News). Despite Mitt Romeny’s claims and Obama’s bumpy track record with tackling the nations’ complex unemployment issue, there have been reports of an increasing number of donations received from both Democratic and Republican leaning counties. In the greater Detroit area, recognized for an extremely high unemployment rate of 14 percent, Democratic supports have made substantially larger number donations this year than in Obama’s 2007 campaign- “albeit in smaller amounts when adjusting for inflation” (Fox News).

Campaign finance records exhibit donor’s within the $200- $2,500 range, which encompasses 40 percent of Obama’s fundraising demographic. Fox news captured some of their personal motivations for lending monetary support to the Democratic Party’s campaign, “’I believe in the ideas that he has for the country,’ said donor Barbara Weeda, a 70-year-old retiree from Joshua Tree, Calif., home to San Bernardino county and its 13 percent jobless rate” (Fox News). Another supporter explains, “’How else is he going to get elected than to just dig in and help as much as you can?’ she said, saddened at what she sees as a lack of cooperation in Washington negotiating a jobs bill” (Fox News).

The Obama campaign released a video stating that the 2012 campaign has received donations from nearly 1 million supporters. Fox news displays his words, "’That's a million people taking ownership of this campaign $5 and $10 at a time. Each one of those people has a story about why they gave,’ he said, noting that he's making personal phone calls to random donors to thank them for their support” (Fox News).

Works Cited. Fox News. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/16/number-donations-to-obama-up-though-in-smaller-increments/?test=latestnews#ixzz1azHCqGUU

Church and State

In last weeks Blog, entitled Values Voter Summit, I outlined Christian Pastor Robert Jeffress controversial speech preceding Texas Governor Rick Perry’s address. Jeffress publically regarded Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith as a “cult.” United States presidential candidates have always been scrutinized based on their religious values and traditions. Granted, ones religious values often mirror their moral principles, which may influence their stance on political issues. However, should religion play a substantial role in the election process within a country where church and state are constitutionally mandated to be separate?

Dr. Dewey Wallace, a professor who specializes in “Christianity and religion in America” at the George Washington University in Washington D.C. explains the inherent subjectivity of deeming a religion as a “cult” (Becky Perlow). Dr. Wallace explains, “They even use the term ‘Cult’ for the Mormons, which is a tricky word to use. In my classes, I define a cult as ‘Someone else’s religion.’ No one ever invites you to ‘Join me in my cult on Sunday morning’” (Becky Perlow).

The nation’s reluctance to elect a presidential nominee to office based on their religious views is not a recent issue. For instance, Thomas Jefferson, recognized as the founder of the “separation of church and state” ideology was criticized during his campaign as an “anti-Christian Diest” (Becky Perlow). Dr. Wallace provides another example, “Ronald Reagan became the darling of the evangelicals, and let me tell you something: He was one of our least church-going presidents. As a president, he went to church only about five or six times. I was here all the time and I counted them,” says the grey-haired professor with a smile. “The paper would report he had gone to church somewhere or other… [But] they loved him because he went down to Oklahoma and told them he was against evolution and teaching evolution in public schools… He did things they liked” (Becky Perlow). In various other cases, presidential candidates have abandoned their religious values in order to secure their seat in office. Both Herbert Hoover and Richard Nixon were technically unable to take the presidential oath of Office due to their Quaker beliefs, however they both disregarded their values to become president (Becky Perlow).

John F. Kennedy’s Catholicism was also questioned during his campaign for presidency. The Catholic candidate re-asserted his competency during a noteworthy speech in Texas, “Contrary to common newspaper usage, I am not the Catholic candidate for president. I am the Democratic Party’s candidate for president, who happens also to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my church on public matters, and the church does not speak for me. There are the real issues, which should decide this campaign, and they are not religious issues. For war, and hunger, and ignorance, and despair know no religious barrier” (Becky Perlow).

Works Cited: CNN Washington News Assistant Becky Perlow. http://whitehouse.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/14/friday-reflections-should-religion-matter/?hpt=po_bn2