Obama re-election ‘my greatest nightmare’

If not for “dirty, gutter politics,” Herman Cain believes voters would be choosing between him and Barack Obama in November’s presidential election.

“If I had not dropped out of the campaign, in all modesty, I would have sewn up the nomination,” Cain, a Republican, told The Daily Citizen on Monday after a fundraising luncheon for U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, at the trade center. “I really believe that. I was the lead candidate for four weeks and every week, my lead was getting bigger and we hadn’t even had a primary yet. Because people were connecting with my message and I was moving away from all of them, that’s why someone dug up the dirty, gutter politics.”

Cain said his campaign gathered momentum early on in the crowded field of Republican presidential hopefuls and “it was unstoppable until you-know-what happened.” Accusations of sexual harassment and a longtime affair forced Cain to end his presidential bid in December 2011. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is the presumptive favorite to win the Republican presidential nomination. Cain described Obama being re-elected as “my greatest nightmare.” He said Romney can defeat Obama, but he qualified that statement with several “ifs.”

First, Romney must be clearer in explaining his solutions for the country’s problems, Cain said. Cain gathered a large following because of his proposed “9-9-9” revamping of the federal tax system.

“I remember during one of the debates, I think I (ticked) him off,” Cain said. “I said, ‘Gov. Romney, do you mind sharing with us the 59 points of your 59-point plan?’ That was the first time Romney looked like he got teed off at me. He couldn’t name the 59 points in the 59-point plan and the American people don’t know what is in his 59-point plan. You’ve got to have clear, bold solutions to put on the table and not just say how bad Obama’s policies are.”

Cain said Romney must also connect with five groups: the conservative base, independents, people of faith, disgruntled Democrats and youth.

Cain attended a political rally with political satirist and television host Stephen Colbert at The College of Charleston. The college has an enrollment of about 12,000 students, but more than 5,000 people attended the rally.

“When I go to college campuses I give them two very simple messages,” Cain said. “No. 1, Washington is broke, and you’ve got to help fix it. No. 2, the United States of America is broke, and if you don’t help do something about it, you are going to be stuck with the tab. They get that. It’s that simple.”

Graves first met Cain in Gordon County in 2004 during a Cain campaign stop for the U.S. Senate. Graves described Cain as “a common sense business leader” who is “bold and outspoken.”

Woody Fletcher, with the Murray County Tea Party Patriots, said he was impressed with Cain’s message and his speaking ability, adding they sat at the same table during lunch.

“I appreciated Herman so much listening to me at the table,” Fletcher said. “I’ve always thought Herman Cain was the best at addressing a crowd than any politician I’ve ever seen because he’s direct. That’s why I’ve always admired Newt Gingrich, they both have the ability to answer questions yes or no.”

Since Romney will probably be the Republican Party’s candidate for president, rumors are already flying about a running mate. Cain offered three suggestions: U.S Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Col. Allen West.

Whoever Romney chooses, his running mate “must drip conservatism” and “bring some likability and excitement,” Cain said.

And who would have been Cain’s vice president choice?

“I don’t know,” Cain said. “I hadn’t gotten that far to be perfectly honest with you. I never ran it through my mind at that point.”

Cain didn’t rule out running for president again.

“I never say never, but right now I’m not looking that far ahead,” Cain said.

Article source: http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x296816257/Cain-I-could-have-won

Herman Cain lends a hand as Josh McKoon announces state Senate re-election bid – Columbus Ledger

On the day state Sen. Josh McKoon announced his re-election campaign in Senate District 29, he was endorsed by his friend Herman Cain, a former Republican presidential candidate from Atlanta.

“Josh is a great young man,” Cain said during McKoon’s noon announcement Thursday on the plaza level of the Columbus Government Center. “He finished his first term in the Georgia Senate, and I’d like to see him go back to the Senate.”

McKoon, 33, has no announced challengers in the July 31 Republican primary. Qualifying is set for May 23-25.

The state senator and local attorney said it’s humbling and exciting to have a candidate serving on the national stage support his campaign.

“I’m thrilled to have his support,” McKoon said.

Late last year, McKoon stood by Cain who was leading in the polls in the Republican nomination for president. He was forced to suspend his presidential campaign in December after struggling to deal with allegations of sexual misconduct.

Cain said McKoon stands for less government, lower taxes, traditional values and ethics in government. The issues were part of his message as a candidate for president and still are part of his message, Cain said.

The former candidate also said McKoon has taken a leadership role in efforts to reform big government.

“I call Washington big government Goliaths,” Cain said. “Josh has been one of the ones to take a leadership role in the reform of ethics.”

In the months ahead in the Republican presidential nomination, Cain said the economy and jobs, energy, national security and immigration will remain big issues. Although former Massachussettes Gov. Mitt Romney is leading by a wide margin, former House speaker Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul are still in the race for the nomination.

Candidates are going to be tempted to get distracted on other stuff but Cain said he has advised Romney to stay focused on the issues.

He also noted that his 9-9-9 tax plan is still alive. A book will be released soon titled “9-9-9 of Davids.”

“I’m going to work hard and try replacing the tax code as part of the Republican agenda, keeping people engaged in the process,” he said.

Cain endorsed Gingrich, a Baker High graduate, for the Republican nomination but his campaign has still faded in the polls.

“He has not shared with me why he is staying in,” Cain said. “Everything is in his mind why he is staying in. He will have to make that decision.”

Since taking office in 2011, McKoon said he is proud of his efforts to streamline filings in the Secretary of State’s Office and require the government to perform DNA tests on convicted felons. He also tried to get ethics reform but couldn’t get a debate or vote on the subject.

If he is re-elected to the Senate, McKoon said he will focus again on ethics reform, reducing $4-a-gallon gasoline and introducing a bill to phase out the state income tax.

Currently, McKoon said a lobbyist could walk up to him, hand him the keys to a new car and it would be perfectly legal under Georgia law.

“Demanding honesty in government is not a Republican value or Democratic value,” he said. “It is an American value.”

To reduce $4 a gallon gas, the state senator said he wants the fleet of state vehicles to use compressed natural gas.

“It will reduce demand for gasoline,” he said.

If the state could phase out its 6 percent state income tax, McKoon said it would help hundreds of business owners. If re-elected, he plans to join forces with another lawmaker to change the law. State income tax generates about $9 billion per year but could be reduced in phases.

“I will put the state income tax where it belongs, in the history books,” McKoon said.

Article source: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2012/04/19/2018535/herman-cain-lends-a-hand-as-josh.html

Jimmy Carter 2.0? President Obama approaching unwanted feat

This is a rush transcript from “Hannity,” April 10, 2012. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.

SEAN HANNITY, HOST: The Obama administration continues to claim there is no easy fix when it comes to the skyrocketing price of gas. And now there is something else the White House should start worrying about besides not having any real solutions. The president is about to become one of Jimmy Carter’s greatest achievements and surpass it.

Here is how. During the oil crisis in the 1970s, under the Carter administration, the price of gas increased a staggering 107 percent. And new numbers indicate that President Obama is not far behind. Now, under the current administration’s watchful eye, Americans have been subjected to a 90.2 percent increase in the average retail price of gas.

So how is team Obama going to spin this one? I’m sure they will going to say, it’s maybe not George W. Bush’s fault. And joining me with reaction, former presidential candidate, the one and only, 9-9-9. How are you?

HERMAN CAIN, R-FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I feel alive.

HANNITY: Look, how many members now do you have of your new pack?

CAIN: About 420,000 people that are now members of Cain Solutions Revolution at Cainconnections.com or HermanCain.com.

HANNITY: Yes.

CAIN: There were 400,000 people because they want to see me and my team continue to promote 9-9-9. And I got to tell you, it’s going great. We have a big event coming up on April the 15th and 16th.

HANNITY: It’s going to be in D.C., right?

CAIN: It’s going to be in D.C., Washington, D.C., Monday morning is going to be what we call a Patriots Summit. These are the people who are going to go to their representatives and say adopt 9-9-9. And then a big rally in the afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00, your buddy Boortz is going to be speaking, one of my headliners as I understand.

HANNITY: I want to come.

CAIN: I know, I know you have restrictions, but I got to tell you, and I just gave a speech at Columbia University. By the way, they told me to tell you that they love you.

HANNITY: Columbia?

CAIN: Columbia.

HANNITY: They did not say that.

CAIN: They did.

HANNITY: The school of journalism? They hate me.

CAIN: No, they have a Columbia college Republicans.

HANNITY: OK. There were seven people there, I’m sure.

CAIN: Three hundred students showed up. Are you kidding me? They said, make sure you give us a shout out on “Hannity.” We love Hannity.

HANNITY: All right. Price of gas. I go to Armonk, New York, with my kids, with my family, on a weekend. I look at the price of gas. I have a hybrid Escalade. And I have to put premium in. Five dollars, and seven or nine cents a gallon. And so, I take a picture. I tweet it. They would only give me $100 worth of gas. It was only about three-quarters of the way full.

CAIN: Right.

HANNITY: And people see that and they’re like reacting, they’re angry. The average price is $4 a gallon. The president inherited $1.80 gas. You know?

CAIN: I hate to say this to people, but $4 is just the beginning of how high it’s going to go. Because of what this president didn’t do three years ago that he could have done. And things that he is doing now. He is actually discouraging the price of gas to go up through the price of oil.

For example, gasoline is almost $4 a gallon on average across this country. He wants to impose another tax on the oil companies. He is still trying to demagogue the oil companies when it is a function of decisions he could have made three years ago in terms of putting together a serious energy independence plan.

HANNITY: All right. Let me ask you. You ran for president. You had a good campaign. You had a good run. Rick Santorum bows out today. If you did win, what do you think the most effective way that you would develop strategy, tactics to defeat Obama? How would you do it?

CAIN: First, I would focus on three things primarily. And not allow the media or the Obama administration to get me distracted.

HANNITY: Not allow the media?

CAIN: Not allow the media.

HANNITY: Not allow the media.

CAIN: That’s right, you know.

HANNITY: Good luck.

CAIN: Number one, you got to talk about how you’re going to boost economy and grow jobs.

HANNITY: Right.

CAIN: Right now, it looks like Mitt Romney is going to be their nominee. The numbers are on his side. And I am going to give him the same advice. How are you going to grow the economy? With all due respect, Mitt, a 59-point plan isn’t going to work.

Secondly, energy independence. If we have a serious energy independence strategy, it will cause speculators to stop speculating up. And it will also cause the people in the Middle East to stop gouging us in terms of reducing production when they want the price to go up. And then the third thing, National Security. As you know, Sean, I’m still out speaking to a lot of groups, Tea Party groups, colleges and universities. Those are the three hot buttons, those are the three things that people care about. Now, Governor Romney has not only has to do a good job of articulating the failure of the Obama administration, but he’s also got to do a good job saying, what is he going to do specifically relative to each one of those things.

HANNITY: Are you confident this election is winnable? Are you confident?

CAIN: Yes.

Article source: http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/hannity/2012/04/11/jimmy-carter-20-president-obama-approaching-unwanted-feat

Herman Cain willing to ‘talk’ about being VP

Former GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain said Wednesday he would be willing to consider becoming the vice presidential nominee. 

“I would say: ‘Let’s talk,’ ” he told “Fox and Friends” when asked how he would react to a request. “It’s not a slam-dunk.”

Cain has speculated in the past about who should be the second name on the GOP ticket this year. Cain’s own suggested shortlist consists of two Florida Republicans: Rep. Allen West and Sen. Marco Rubio. Rubio has said he does not want to be on the ticket, while West has expressed more openness.

Cain rejected several other names under public discussion as likely vice presidential nominees, including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — who he said was too similar to Romney, as a Northeastern governor — and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

“It’s just too soon for another Bush,” he said. “Unfortunately perception is everything in politics.”

Cain said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), whom he has endorsed as the presidential nominee, could “step into the role” of vice president but expressed doubt that he could be Romney’s running mate.

“I believe that is 50 percent of the decision. The other 50 percent: who is going to bring some excitement to the ticket,” Cain said. “With all due respect, I don’t think Newt would bring that excitement, because he has been one of the candidates and because of where he is right now.”

Cain, who acknowledged that Romney looks to be the inevitable Republican nominee now that Rick Santorum has dropped his White House bid, went on to urge the former Massachusetts governor to integrate some of the ideas of the former GOP candidates into his platform in order to help rally the conservative base. 

Cain has toured the country since dropping out of the race late last year, advocating his own tax reform plan.

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Article source: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/220897-herman-cain-willing-to-talk-about-being-vp

Herman Cain Sides With Christie On Entitlements

“We’re not only becoming this perpetual nanny state, the government is encouraging people to come to the government trough,” he said on “The Kudlow Report.”

“This is exactly where we’re going, and I agree with Gov. Christie 100 percent,” he added.

On Tuesday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie touched on the national economy with a pessimistic outlook for Americans.

“It’s because government’s now telling them, ‘Stop dreaming, stop striving. We’ll take care of you.’ We’re turning into a paternalistic entitlement society. That will not just bankrupt us financially, it will bankrupt us morally.

“When the American people no longer believe that this is a place where only their willingness to work hard and to act with honor and integrity and ingenuity determines their success in life, then we’ll have a bunch of people sitting on a couch waiting for their next government check.”

Christie made the comments at a day-long tax policy conference in New York.

On Wednesday, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown took the opposite position.

“That’s just rhetoric geared up for the fall election,” he said, taking the opportunity to defend the Affordable Care Act.

“First and foremost, Obamacare is an absolute necessity. Almost every president since, I guess Roosevelt, has tried to do something about health care,” Brown said, adding that President Obama instituted “exactly what Romney had done in Massachusetts.”

Brown also touched upon the ‘Buffett Rule,’ which would ensure people making more than $100 million a year paid a tax rate similar to what middle class families paid.

“Finally, Warren Buffett is correct,” he said. “There is no way in the world somebody who makes as much money as he makes should be paying less taxes than his secretary.”

The average tax rate paid by the top 0.1 percent declined from more than 50 percent in 1960 to below 30 percent by 2010, according to a White House chart.

Cain responded with his proposed solution: “Throw out the tax code and put in 9-9-9.”

The plan, which the Godfather’s Pizza CEO floated during his failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination, involved instituting a 9 percent income tax, a 9 percent business transactions tax and a new 9 percent federal sales tax.

Under the tax scheme, Cain said, Buffett would be taxed more fairly.

“He would be paying $200 million just based on what Berkshire Hathaway did last year,” he said. “That’s how you fix the ‘Buffett Rule.’”

Host Larry Kudlow let Cain have the final word.

“The safety net is too large and too high, and it’s growing too fast under this administration,” Cain said.

Tune in:

“The Kudlow Report” airs weeknights at 7 p.m. ET.