My 2012 Pick....Thus Far

                               Herman Cain

 I didn't catch all of the debate, because the babies own the tv. But I enjoyed Cain's responses. I remember a long drive back home to VA from Massachussetts when we visited friends last July 4th, and we were listening to conservative talk radio, when I believe Herman Cain sat in for someone. I immediately asked John who it was. I have been waiting for a candidate that could speak and answer questions without making me nervous (i.e. not Sarah Palin). Herman, at least this far, is that person. He takes stances on everything with self-assured confidence that is unwavering, despite some of their unpopularity.  Last primary, I voted for Mike Huckabee. I still like him, but he's not firm enough. Mitt Romney was my second choice, hey, he's good looking. But the few times I have heard him speak, I never feel passion or pride. I really like Bobby Jindal a few years back, but he's just too young and not sure enough about himself to withstand the barrage of criticism a president, and even a presidential candidate must. Perhaps because of his not having been a politician, Cain is more than willing to state facts and opinions with an equal amount of aplomb and poise.   When asked about his experience and how he has never been elected to office, he responded with: "I believe everyone in Washington has. How's that working out for you?" While he may not have been a politician, he does have a lot of management experience. Which right now, is what we needed over a perpetual campaigner.

He got a degree in mathematics from Morehouse College, and worked for the US Navy when he got his master's degree in computer science from Purdue. He then worked as a business analyst for Coca-Cola, and then for Pillsbury, where he rose to VP within a few years. Next he worked with Burger King (Pillsbury subsidiary) managing 400 Philadelphian stores, bringing them from the least to the most profitable in just 3 years. Pilsbury then named him president and CEO of their Godfather's Pizza chain, which in 14 months he restored to profitability, subsequently landing him president-elect CEO of the National Restaurant Association, while also serving as a Chairman for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

I am sure there might be some odd stances that will come out that I may not agree with, but what I know of him so far I appreciate and I think he could run the country well and cut some of the wasted tax dollars. He spoke of a new tax code last night, which is funny since John was just talking to me about that earlier. It's scary to think about a ~25% tax on everything, but to not have it automatically garnished from your paycheck would be a huge deal. I try not to look at the taxes taken out of paychecks but it is a hefty amount. I suppose it would be better to only be taxed when you are purchasing something rather than when earning it.

Another big reason I like him (an interview with "Focal Point" radio program):

“I absolutely would defund Planned Parenthood — not because I don’t believe in planning parenthood, [but because] Planned Parenthood as an organization is an absolute farce on the American people,” he said.


As I have tried to explain to ignorant people before:

“People who know the history of Margaret Sanger, who started Planned Parenthood, they know that the intention was not to help young women who get pregnant to plan their parenthood. No — it was a sham to be able to kill black babies,” he added.
He told the program that proof of the agenda is seen in the fact that “75 percent of all Planned Parenthood facilities are located in black neighborhoods.”

And finally, for judicial appointments:

“I believe that life begins at conception, period. And that means that I will have to see enough evidence that someone I would appoint shares that same view. I believe that the current Supreme Court is leaning too much to the liberal side,” he said. “I’m a Christian, I’ve been a Christian all my life. I’ve been a believer in the Bible since I was 10 years old. I’m very active in my church, and there is no way I would compromise my religious beliefs about the sanctity of life. And so it starts with, will they have demonstrated in their career, in some of their other rulings, if they come from the federal judge bench, whether or not they also share that.”

Oh the audacity of hope :)