Say what you will about the battle, which in the spring will have unearthed a Republican presidential candidate — at least it’s not dull. Since nobody loves Mitt Romney, the party members are searching eagerly for someone who isn’t him. Hope had been given to Michele Bachmann (too extreme), Rick Perry (until everyone heard him open his mouth) — and now Herman Cain, who is suddenly leading some opinion polls.
Cain is very “American Dream”: born into a poor black family, educated as a mathematician and later CEO for a large pizza chain. He is a first-rate speaker, a cross between an entertainer and a charismatic pastor. “This long shot may not be a long shot any longer,” he declares.
He, of course, takes an anti-abortion and anti-gay marriage stance. However, it is the catchphrase “9-9-9” which is bringing success: 9 percent income tax, 9 percent corporate tax and 9 percent value added tax. Simple to explain and understand, and a nation with no national sales tax could well benefit from it.
Cain predicts dynamic effects on growth that would surely be enough to meet the promise of eliminating the budget deficit within a year. However, the right wing detests the thought of a national sales tax that Washington can raise whenever it chooses. The left points out that low-income earners will pay more in tax. 9-9-9 has an interminable road between slogan and reality.
It’s not Cain’s only problem. He never would allow Muslims into his government because they want to impose Shariah law. He boasts of his poor knowledge of foreign policy. He has advocated a moat filled with alligators along the Mexican border to protect the USA from illegal immigrants — or perhaps a high-voltage electric fence.
In retrospect, he called the latter proposal a jest and wondered what had become of humor in America. But when a rival thought that 9-9-9 sounded like the price of a pizza, everybody laughed, except Cain.
It’s likely that ultimately the Republicans will pick Mitt Romney anyway. He’s boring but doesn’t make a fool of himself, and his campaign chest is full of money. The tea party movement desires a conservative general who leads the charge against the establishment and taxes. However, to oust Barack Obama, the moderate voter must be won over. This will probably be easier for Romney than for Cain.
You do not mention Ron Paul. While his chances are slim, he is of a different mold then the candidates you mention. First, he is consistent with his message. Second, he advocates fiscal responsibility, ending the American empire, and the rule of law rather than the rule of other men. Third, he is sincere, and not a phony like the others: just watch him and you will see. Not all Americans are crass and shallow; some yearn for a return to our true roots as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. The candidacy of Ron Paul is a step in that direction.