Stop me if you've heard this one before: a hilariously unqualified GOP candidate steps into the national spotlight, and isn't exactly a member of the GOP's core demographic. Though this candidate's barnstorming is certainly a hit among certain constituencies of the right, his ignorance quickly begins to reveal him as the tremendously unqualified candidate he is on national TV. Nevertheless, Very Serious People still think he's a strong candidate.
Where will it go from here? Only time will tell. But man, the resemblance is uncanny. More analysis below the fold.
Trained as a mathematician and having waxed his chops as a businessman, Herman Cain has never held elected office. Don't get me wrong; this alone doesn't make one unqualified. But it certainly helps. Most presidents and presidential candidates have had experience either governing or legislating; others have helped shape policy. Cain has no experience in any of these fields. He ran a pizza chain and slammed out some books. This might fly for a freeper, but should be profoundly unsettling to the average voter.
This ignorance and lack of qualifications has become somewhat of a meme on the right; from Palin's unawareness as to what the vice president does to 25-year small businessman Trent Franks calling for Obama's impeachment for applying his constitutionally permitted non-prosecution power to DOMA, the GOP leadership is composed of people who figure they've made their money and now have a right to office. Granted, Cain hasn't exactly been in the spotlight that long, and we haven't gotten to hear him speak that much, but I'm sure we'll hear more in these upcoming months.
Then there's the issue of his outsider status. Not just a political outsider, though; Cain, who would like to remind you that the right has "gotten past race," routinely refers to himself, with a wink, as the "dark horse" candidate. Despite being a multimillionaire and a member of multiple business and a past leader of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Cain would like you to believe that because he doesn't reside inside the beltway, he is just like you. This seems very reminiscent of Palin's message to bring "a little reality from Wasilla Main Street" to Washington. Like the millionaire Cain, her family was quite wealthy, and despite her $75K shopping sprees, Palin, too, would have you believe that she is an outsider.
Can I tell for certain what will happen? No. But I can guess. Maybe he'll go on to be someone's VP candidate, and though I have very strong doubts (given that these are Republican primary voters we're talking about), he may even take the nomination. Barring a DSK-style fiasco, though, Obama will probably win a second term. Either way, Cain, like Palin, will ride this election into the national spotlight, and my guess is, like Palin, he will go on to profit generously from it. What are your thoughts?