It’s always fun to be able to inject Godfather references into a post.
Whenever Herman Cain crosses my mind, I usually think, “Oh yeah, the black guy. Godfather’s Pizza. Their pizza is way too salty. Mmm pizza sounds really good right now.” And that’s the extent of my thoughts on him.
After reading a post on Crooks & Liars, I decided to do a little digging.
He has a very impressive resume. B.A, Mathematics, Morehouse. M.S. Computer Science, Purdue. Worked for the US Navy. Became CEO of Godfather’s Pizza and returned them to profitability in 3 years. I was most impressed with that. I checked his campaign website. His “The Issues” page reads like a Conservative Handbook. A couple examples:
National Security – While diplomacy is a critical tool in solving the complex security issues we face, it must never compromise military might.
Regulation – Eliminating the burdens of cumbersome federal regulations would provide an immediate boost for our weakened economy. It would signal to businesses and investors that the federal government intends to get out of the business of over regulating.
It’s easy to see why the Tea Party is full-on in love with him.
And it’s easy to see why Liberals, like myself, aren’t.
This was a 2006 PAC radio ad where he tries to win the black vote for Republicans. “I know it was you, Herman. You broke my heart. You broke my heart!” Listen:
Yeah, that was real. Um, I don’t think you can win your fellow black voters over by using every stereotype in the book. But that’s just me.
And the Islamophobia. If he were POTUS, he would not appoint a Muslim to his cabinet. Yikes. He swears up and down his words were taken out of context, but here’s the original quote:
I have been upfront, which ruffles some feathers, but remember Bryan, being politically correct is not one of my strong points; I come at it straight from the heart and straight from the way I see it. And the comment that I made the become controversial, and that my staff keeps hoping will die, is that I wouldn’t have Muslims in my administration. And it’s real simple: the Constitution does not have room for Sharia Law. I want people who are going to believe and enforce the Constitution of the United States of America. And so I don’t have time, as President of the United States, to try and screen people based upon their religious beliefs – I really don’t care what your religious beliefs are, but I do know that most of the people of the Muslim faith, they believe in Sharia Law. And to introduce that element as part of an administration when we have all of these other issues, I think I have a right to say that I won’t.
The nail in the coffin for me was Afghanistan.
“The right approach is: the day I’m elected president, I will start on that plan such that the day I was sworn in, I will be able to implement the plan. Let’s go back to the fundamental question. We’ve got to work on the right problem. I think it is disingenuous to tell the American people what I would do when I don’t have the intelligence information. I don’t have all of the factors that are affecting this particular situation. I owe the American people a responsible decision and a responsible plan. And I don’t think any candidate can responsibly say what they would do if they are elected president.”
Good, vague answer. However, even with Obama in 08, I knew his stance. He would focus on Afghanistan and add more troops. He had some kind of plan. I’m sure a smart guy like Cain does too, but it shouldn’t be a surprise. God forbid it would be, “We’re never leaving Afghanistan!” That would be the wrong approach, an irresponsible decision/plan, and the worst Inauguration Day ever.
I don’t know if he’ll get the nod. Romney has a lot of money and the name recognition. However, in Republican polls, Cain is right behind him (tied with Sarah Palin). Who knows? Maybe the GOP will make him an offer he can’t refuse.
Spinny Liberal 
June 3rd, 2011 at 12:09 AM
I knew it would be long before the Left, like a pack of gnarling wolves, went after Herman Cain, my candidate.
Surprise! You turned up absolutely nothing, aside from an obscure quote on Islam.
He learned from Obama.
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:44 AM
I didn’t know he was your candidate.
I also found his radio ad on C&L. I think some people would find it hella messed up and offensive.
I know you’re all protective of your candidate. Admirable. This “snarling wolf” wasn’t going for blood. If I were, I’d use a string of unflattering adjectives to describe him. Instead, I learned more about the guy and shared it from a Liberal POV.
June 3rd, 2011 at 10:26 AM
What makes this an “obscure quote” and why does being obscure invalidate it? It’s clearly something he thinks. Sow a thought, reap an action. It should be heard and investigated for a clear reason.
He seems to think that being on the cabinet means you alone can set the law of the land without due process. (Maybe he hangs our with Eric Cantor). A muslim on a president’s cabinet could no more bring Sharia Law to the US, than a vegan on the cabinet could outlaw meat.
At best he lacks necessary political experience. At worst he doesn’t understand how government works.
June 3rd, 2011 at 5:13 PM
It’s an obscure quote because there is nothing inherent to show he has a problem with Muslims. He simply doesn’t like Sharia law and doesn’t think it has a place in the United States. Instead of going all McCarthy-sque, he alleviates the problem by not involving his administration with Muslims appointees.
You can like or it or dislike it, but it’s not hateful.
He was talking about judicial appointees, too, I would assume. Either way, why take the chance? That’s what he figures.
Like Barack Obama before he was elected president.
Or, perhaps he just doesn’t want to take the chance. Who knows? Regardless, I don’t think a hatred for Muslims, if he has one, is going to hurt his chances. Most people in this country couldn’t care less about Islam.
June 3rd, 2011 at 5:09 PM
Yes. Him and Jon Huntsman, Jr.
I don’t know what ad you’re referring to, but I can say that from my experience, liberals find almost everything offensive that doesn’t jive with their ideology.
You were going for blood, like a gnarling wolf, but came up with nothing but an obscure Muslim comment.
There is nothing in his background that anyone is aware of that you folks can use to your political advantage, and that worries you.
Prop 8. in California proved that African-American communities are largely socially conservative, and with Cain as Obama’s opponent, their goes the trump card. The Left is worried.
June 3rd, 2011 at 7:12 PM
The radio ad is in the post, which means you didn’t listen to it. And didn’t really pay attention to me being impressed with his resume. Instead, you got defensive. Understandable since he’s your candidate.
That’s your opinion on my motivation. Not true, but if you insist. I can’t stop you dear. 🙂
June 3rd, 2011 at 7:47 PM
No, I didn’t listen to it the first time because I didn’t think it was important. After listening to it, it’s still not important. It’s not offensive to anyone but liberals.
I read it. I’m glad you think he’s smart.
Yes. Because you’re making a mountain out of a mole hill with this whole Muslim thing.
Yes, that is my opinion. I used to be a liberal, so I know how you guys operate. You slyly attempt to squeeze blood out of a turnip, and when you can’t, you make mountains out of mole hills, like you did. It’s O.K. Many on the Right do it, too. That’s what they were doing with Weiner, and I called them on it. But I expected better out of you, dearest.
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:12 PM
Honestly, that wasn’t my intention. I gave reasons why he is a perfect Conservative candidate and what Liberals like myself would not like. You may think you know exactly what is in my head because you were a Liberal, but it’s erroneous. *shrug*
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:39 AM
Cain has more to say than most of the other GOP candidates….the more popular he gets the more stuff will be manufactured….it is NO different than the stuff used against us “snarling wolves”…..politics is a game and it has never changed from the beginning….
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:45 AM
From the very beginning.
June 3rd, 2011 at 5:16 PM
I said “gnarling wolves,” not “snarling.” It means the same thing, except “gnarling” has become obsolete, but I have a special place in my heart for Old English.
June 3rd, 2011 at 4:47 AM
1) When seeing the title, I thought the post was about Don Cornelius.
2) I don’t like salty pizza.
3) Herman Cain has no chance of getting my vote – thus little chance even getting any of my time.
June 3rd, 2011 at 8:52 AM
Hahaha.
1). And when I read Don Cornelius, I heard “Soooooooooul Train” in my head. 🙂
2). Me neither.
3). Yep. I checked out your On Early GOP Handicapping post again when I was looking around for Herman Cain stuff.
June 3rd, 2011 at 10:28 AM
That he made Godfather Pizza profitable – Admirable.
That he makes salty pizza – Unforgivable. 🙂
“Don’t ever let anyone outside the family know what you’re thinking again!”
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:44 PM
Amen on the salty. Just ruins it!
“I swear on the lives of my children. Give me one last chance to redeem myself, and I will sin no more.”
June 3rd, 2011 at 12:41 PM
All I can say is that his pizza put me in the hospital with food poisoning. It completely ruined my vacation to Myrtle Beach. I’m not voting for a guy who can’t even put out a safe pizza.
There’s that whole extreme conservatism ideology as well, so yeah, two strikes and he’s out!
June 3rd, 2011 at 1:45 PM
I’m not voting for a guy who can’t even put out a safe pizza.
That is a great policy!
June 3rd, 2011 at 6:48 PM
If you want good pizza the next time you’re in Myrtle Beach, try Anthony’s……..great pizza, great Italian food, great people, great atmosphere!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anthonys-Pizza-and-Pan-Pasta/309634812650?sk=info
June 3rd, 2011 at 7:14 PM
Nice! Do you live near Myrtle Beach? I heard it’s really pretty there.
June 4th, 2011 at 2:19 PM
I doubt if I go back to Myrtle Beach. I’ve been there twice already. I think I’ve become spoiled with taking cruises 🙂
June 4th, 2011 at 4:35 PM
Ew you are spoiled. Haha. Do you go to the Caribbean from there?
June 3rd, 2011 at 5:17 PM
I have never had their pizza. There is no Godfather’s Pizza around here. Not anywhere within 200 miles of me, that I’m aware of. The closest we have is Goodtime Pizza.
June 3rd, 2011 at 7:43 PM
The ones I’ve been to have been in mall food courts.
June 4th, 2011 at 1:54 AM
never had his pizza, and i never will. i won’t go to domino’s either, because the original owner is a religious zealot, and i won’t put money in his pocket.
June 4th, 2011 at 11:46 AM
I heard that in college *ahem* way back in the day. But the founder is building a Catholic community in Florida to be called “Ave Maria, Florida.” It’s under development now.
June 4th, 2011 at 1:54 PM
I’m not certain that makes any sense – at all. You won’t patron a business because the owner is religious? That sounds an awful lot like bigotry and liberal hypocrisy to me.
June 4th, 2011 at 2:23 PM
She didn’t say she won’t buy Domino’s because the former owner is religious. She said she won’t buy their pizza because he’s a religious zealot. There is a difference.
June 4th, 2011 at 3:12 PM
The difference is relative. Why, exactly, is the guy a religious zealot? That’s what I want to know.
June 4th, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Spinny,
For you and this post!
June 4th, 2011 at 12:12 PM
😀 Wow thanks Frank! You took me back. The soul train line. Run DMC was one of my favorites back in the day. I think my cassette is still in my mom’s house. Haha. When I saw the audience, I thought, “Where’s that Asian chick with the super long hair?” Hahaha.
Good times. Thanks!!