Insiders and political pros never recognize a superstar when they see one. Herman Cain is just such a star. Now that Rick Perry has been unmasked as a weak debater and an even weaker opponent of illegal immigration conservatives are turning their lonely eyes to Cain. A stellar debate performance on Fox News led to a smashing victory in the President5 straw poll in Florida and a strong third place finish -- behind Romney and Perry -- in the Michigan straw poll. Both Michigan and Florida are likely among the seven states that will hold primaries or caucuses in February (and they are the two biggest of the seven).
Here is a man who offers an alternative to Obamas class warfare. His life story shows that Obamas route to the top -- through affirmative action community organizing and a climb up the political ladder -- is not the only one available to minorities. His combination of hard work in the private sector entrepreneurial initiative and managerial skill can also get you there. He embraces the successful as role models not as objects of envy. He does not hate rich people. He wants us all to become rich.
In a sense Cains rise and Mitt Romneys are parallel trajectories. Each has based his appeal on the idea that life in the private sector is better than a career in government service to equip one to solve Americas economic problems. Both say that their hands on experience at job creation qualify them to be president in a way that Perrys lifelong political immersion does not.
Now as Perry fades and Romney rises Herman Cain is on the cusp of front tier status in the Republican nominating contest.
Cain has a grip on the Tea Party grassroots. No matter how diligently the establishment tries to ignore him he keeps popping up impelled by his charisma oratory issue positions and broad based appeal.
Insiders and political pros never recognize a superstar when they see one. Herman Cain is just such a star. Now that Rick Perry has been unmasked as a weak debater and an even weaker opponent of illegal immigration conservatives are turning their lonely eyes to Cain. A stellar debate performance on Fox News led to a smashing victory in the President5 straw poll in Florida and a strong third place finish -- behind Romney and Perry -- in the Michigan straw poll. Both Michigan and Florida are likely among the seven states that will hold primaries or caucuses in February (and they are the two biggest of the seven).
Here is a man who offers an alternative to Obamas class warfare. His life story shows that Obamas route to the top -- through affirmative action community organizing and a climb up the political ladder -- is not the only one available to minorities. His combination of hard work in the private sector entrepreneurial initiative and managerial skill can also get you there. He embraces the successful as role models not as objects of envy. He does not hate rich people. He wants us all to become rich.
In a sense Cains rise and Mitt Romneys are parallel trajectories. Each has based his appeal on the idea that life in the private sector is better than a career in government service to equip one to solve Americas economic problems. Both say that their hands on experience at job creation qualify them to be president in a way that Perrys lifelong political immersion does not.
Now as Perry fades and Romney rises Herman Cain is on the cusp of front tier status in the Republican nominating contest.
Cain has a grip on the Tea Party grassroots. No matter how diligently the establishment tries to ignore him he keeps popping up impelled by his charisma oratory issue positions and broad based appeal.
