Herman Cain: ‘Confident’ I Can Beat Obama
EmailABC News’ Rick Klein reports: Talk show host and businessman Herman Cain yesterday announced that he’s forming a presidential exploratory committee, with an eye on challenging for the Republican nomination in 2012. On ABC’s “Top Line” today, Cain – the former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza – said he’s planning to use the coming months to determine his support among voters and donors. He said he’s “confident” that he could defeat President Obama. “Yes. If I didn't think I could — if I didn't think I could win the Republican nomination, No. 1, and if I didn’t think that I could beat, in a political competition, President Obama, I wouldn't be doing this,” Cain told us. “I had a new acquaintance ask me: Was I arrogant enough to be president. And my response was, I am confident enough to be president. So I am confident that — after we go through this exploratory phase where we are going to test the amount of voter support, we're going to test the amount of financial support that I would be able to garner — after I go through this phase and the decision is yes, trust me, I'm running to win. Not for a consolation prize.” Cain had praise for the president’s speech last night in Tucson: “He said the right things, and I think he set the tone,” he said. “That's exactly what you expect a leader to do. It should be a time for all of us to reflect upon the things that are really important, as well as reflect on toning down some of the incendiary rhetoric. So I thought that he did a good job in that respect.” He also outlined some of his ideas for stimulating the economy, including making tax rates permanent, lowering corporate taxes and capital gains, and extending a payroll tax holiday for employees and employers. “We can re-strengthen our national security, we can really get a handle on the immigration problems and we can really do something about cutting federal spending. That's where I'm going to focus on as I go forward in evaluating whether or not I am going to make a final decision to run for president,” Cain said. Watch the full interview with Herman Cain HERE. We also checked in with Susan Davis of National Journal about the president’s speech and the prospects for more cooperation in Congress in the wake of Tucson. Watch that segment of “Top Line” HERE.
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Just what we need, a former pizza delivery guy for president. Whats next the paperboy?
Posted by: MarkD | January 13, 2011, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm
We already. Have a joke for president he will probably be an improvement
Posted by: Steven | January 13, 2011, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
Obama should’ve offered Herman a job in his administration to keep him quiet like he did with Hillary. Too late now.
Posted by: Joe White | January 13, 2011, 3:09 pm 3:09 pm
I don’t see what’s wrong with Mr. Cain starting as a pizza delivery boy. At least he knows how to create a profitable enterprise and how to manage people. I love him when he guests for Neal Boortz. All the libs are going to say we’re just drafting him because you they think we think you need a black guy to beat a black guy. Sarah Palin would be the best nominee if you want another 4 years of Obama, or a nuclear war.
Posted by: Brad | January 13, 2011, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm
Jesus Christ the republicans are really nuts.
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 3:29 pm 3:29 pm
Herman Cain was the. CEO of God father pizza not a delivery driver. The man has morals, strength and good ideas. Why are you running him down?
Posted by: Cecelia | January 13, 2011, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
I agree Sarah Palin would be a wonderful nominee. Every election needs a good laugh.
Posted by: Jeff Brown | January 13, 2011, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
“We can re-strengthen our national security, we can really get a handle on the immigration problems and we can really do something about cutting federal spending. That’s where I’m going to focus on as I go forward in evaluating whether or not I am going to make a final decision to run for president,” Cain said.
.
Wow…this is great. At last, some in-depth thinking on these critical issues. It’s wonderfully reassuring to know we “can strengthen”, “get a handle on” and “really do something.” Please let me know when you decide; I can be reached at Pizza Hut.
Posted by: Mercurious | January 13, 2011, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
tell you what lets start placing some bets on the 2012 race.
hey pizza boy i bet 1 million dollars that you lose.
you have a screw loose.
But the republicans are very stupid anyway.
you know the kind.
the kind that could not make it on the
varsity in sports and make it on
national honor society.
why.
too uncoordinated and too stupid.
when you voted for gw bush look what you
got for your vote.
massive death in the iraq and afghan
war.
massive debt in the economy.
and the same redneck repubs like
limbaugh, beck and palin have now
caused shootings in this country.
stick it to all republicans….
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm
Lol, as if the republicans would let him win the nomination!!! Lol fat chance.. The good old boys would fight it every step of the way !! As far a Obama being a joke… Really ?… You can say that after Bush ?!? Lol lol lol lol lol.
Posted by: Chris | January 13, 2011, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
So Pizza boy lives in the fantasy world where taxes are low, military is strong, border security is complete and origami money folded in the shape of flowers falls from the sky into everyones wallets. Yay. He’ll surely win the Loughner vote.
Posted by: MarkD | January 13, 2011, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
he just lost some business.
what a total idiot.
do not buy godfather pizza
the owner is an idiot….
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 3:46 pm 3:46 pm
whats the matter.
cant stand the truth.
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 3:51 pm 3:51 pm
big news story.
a pizza owner wants to be president.
just another republican.
i bet he is a friend of republican
senator larry craig of iduho.
you know the republican senator who
likes to discuss republican politics
in a public restroom.
republicans just love corn
maybe thats why they call them
corn
holers….
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 3:54 pm 3:54 pm
america just loves to lie
lie
lie
and lie some more
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 3:58 pm 3:58 pm
the washington post lets you tell the
truth.
not abc
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 3:59 pm 3:59 pm
i would say abc news only had 2
news men that were honest.
Howard K. Smith
Peter Jennings
the rest are cowards
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm
If there is any doubt that thing couldn’t get any nuttier in the republican party—Hermin Cain proves otherwise. The republican party is a joke! From Romney to Palin; Huckabee to Barbour–none of these clowns have a serious chance against Obama.
Posted by: Todd | January 13, 2011, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
Win the Republican nominee spot…maybe. Beat Pres. Obama in the Presidential race…….what world is this guy in? What a joke. Well, what did you expect from a pizza guy?
Posted by: oosolo1 | January 13, 2011, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm
just remember republicans, you are
responsible for your vote.
your vote caused massive death in wars
and massive debt in the economy.
and the people you voted for that
are full of hate like yourselves
caused the shootings in this country.
and dont forget that timothy mcveigh
listened to rush limbaugh and his hate
for government and destroyed lives.
republicans really think their going to
heaven.
none of them can obey the 10
commandments.
and tell me what they have in common
with jesus.
nothing….
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm
Who??? Guess there’s yet another “somebody else” who wants the job. Maybe Ms. Palin doesn’t HAVE to run after all…one can only hope.
Posted by: natFrankie | January 13, 2011, 4:17 pm 4:17 pm
words really do make a difference.
abc news does not believe in the truth.
they are very gutless.
they dont remember Howard K. Smith.
why
because he told the truth like i do..
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 4:18 pm 4:18 pm
what palin, limbaugh, and beck
say on tv or the radio caused
death in this country.
fact….
Posted by: thevarsity1stteam | January 13, 2011, 4:20 pm 4:20 pm
wow just wow
One story about a person with real world experience running for office against career politicians, and the liberals go absolutely over the edge, posting weird and pointless ad homs.
That’s just how it goes.
Herman Cain is a successful business man and the liberals can’t stand it.
Posted by: Joe White | January 13, 2011, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
Reminds me of the Clarence Thomas nomination……….
Posted by: akcoyote | January 13, 2011, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
Who cares who runs for nomination its all about who get nominated. You liberals act like Obama is god but the truth of the matter is he is going to go down as one of the worst presidents ever. The one idiot blaming the right for the tucson murder rampage is just ridiculous. Get your stuff together. Liberals spilled just as much rhetoric when Bush was in office!
Posted by: Chadizzy | January 13, 2011, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
Cain? Never heard of him. Except he has the name of the guy who killed his brother (in the Christian bible.)
Is he related to John McCain? If so, why if, did he remove the Mc?
I wonder what how Palin will take it? hahahahahahahahahaha.
Posted by: Moderate American | January 13, 2011, 5:11 pm 5:11 pm
Just imagine: when very sensitivee ambassadors go for dinner at the White House, Cain may give them: pizza , hahahahhahahahahhahahah!! Oh, no even more wars?
Posted by: Moderate American | January 13, 2011, 5:19 pm 5:19 pm
Our brilliant President Obama is doing fine and deserves re-election.
As he said: we need to unite and
understand different viewpoints.
I know the stereotype behavior of millionaires seems to be set. However perhaps some republican moderates
can get it and symphatize with the need of poor Americans. Why not try?
Call me naive if you want; well I used to vote Republican moderate. I no longer do. Now I vote for the person,not the Party. I think I am the better person than I was before.
It took a while, but I finally got
got it :))
Posted by: Moderate American | January 13, 2011, 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
…but some really thought that the President was a “community organizer”, when he could have the pick of the “litter” in corporate America! But anyway, why is all the “misfits” now trying to be President. Cain couldn’t win the Senator’s seat here in Georgia. At any rate, he’ll be the “new” Michael Steele I guess. Hehe. Isn’t it funny how so many of these idiots THINK HATE in our country PAIDS!
Posted by: raven | January 13, 2011, 5:49 pm 5:49 pm
Oh…Hate Doesn’t Paid…Decency Trumps over Hate. Stop unestimating the intelligence of the People in this country because You are living in a “hate box”..this to you Cain as well.
Posted by: raven | January 13, 2011, 5:53 pm 5:53 pm
Two full hours of babble from Mr. varsity
Posted by: LongT | January 13, 2011, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm
Cain = More of the same.
Vote for real change in 2012 -
Ron Paul!
End the Fed and the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, on poverty, and on Americans (the drug war) and end the Department of Homeland Security while we’re at it!
Posted by: Z Carter | January 13, 2011, 6:30 pm 6:30 pm
Godfathers made a good pie. He can’t be worse than Obama! His business experience is a step up from community agitation experience and being mentored by very questionable individuals. Maybe not the best candidate but certainly worth considering.
Posted by: Ed | January 13, 2011, 8:42 pm 8:42 pm
If a peanut farmer can become President, I do not see why a Pizza CEO cannot.
Posted by: kottaras | January 13, 2011, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm
I live in Atlanta and listen to Herman on the radio for a while most nights. He has never struck me as being particularly bright, he constantaly resorts to yelling and name-calling, and he repeats himself constantly. That’s why I never listen to his show for very long.
He is always going on and on about the $800 billion TARP bill, but I have never heard him once acknowledge that about 40% of the cost of the TARP bill was in tax cuts – not once. But he throws that $800 Billion figure around every night.
And he’s a HUGE supporter of the “fair”tax, which is extremely flawed. Bush’s Treasury Dept. did a study of it, and determined that everyone making between $25K – $200K would pay MORE in tax under the “fair”tax, but of course the Hermanator never mentions this either.
He’s just anti-EVERYTHING that dems are for, without offering any viable alternatives to improve our nation. He would be a very divisive leader as hea has NO respect for anyone with different views from him, and strictly adheres to the Party of NO, with no sign of independent thought.
Posted by: Neutron | January 14, 2011, 2:02 am 2:02 am
One more thing: He’s confident he can beat Obama? He couldn’t even win the republican nomination for senate the one time he ran for office! Dream on, Herman!(sorry about all the typos in my earlier post, its late…)
Herman also opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest. Yep, he’s a nutjob.
Posted by: Neutron | January 14, 2011, 2:11 am 2:11 am
Really progressives? That much hate for your fellow man? Herman was hired as CEO for that pizza joint after he was involved in other businesses. He is a good man. He now sits on the Board of Directors for Coca-Cola. Shame on you haters who never even listened to the man.
Posted by: aliquando | January 14, 2011, 2:38 am 2:38 am
I thought Godfathers Pizza shut down – at least they aren’t around this part of NJ anymore. Honestly doubt GOP would let him run anyway – he isn’t cute, perky or “folksy” enough for them. Also, he is not ONE of Them.
Posted by: kay | January 14, 2011, 9:17 am 9:17 am
The best response one can make to some things, like this one, is silence.
Posted by: Candadai Tirumalai | January 14, 2011, 9:21 am 9:21 am
You must be confused or there must be another Herman Cain. BA – Morehouse College, MA – Purdue; Mathmeatician US Navy, Business Analyst – Coca Cola, Vice President – Pillsbury Co., CEO – Godfather Pizza, Deputy Chair and chairman of the Federal Reseve Bank of Kansas City. Sounds better qualified than a community organizer?
Posted by: jamescbuilder | January 14, 2011, 9:55 am 9:55 am
Posted by: jamescbuilder | Jan 14, 2011 9:55:10 AM
Amen, jamescbuilder. Couldn’t have said it better myself. I honestly didn’t know the progressives could be so hate filled!! Are they really that scared of an intelligent, business minded, successful, black man who also happens to be a conservative Republican? It would seem so.
Posted by: Shoe | January 14, 2011, 10:40 am 10:40 am
Bush and the Republicans did cause debt but Obama and the Democrats TRIPLED BUSH’S eight years of spending in a period of ONE YEAR!! By the way, Loughner in Arizona was a big fan of the Communist Manifesto and other left wing books, which are much more similar to Obama than to true Republicans(John McCain is a republican but you wouldn’t know it by his views)
It is funny how the brutal dictator Fidel Castro LOVES OBAMA!! He called to congratualate Obama after strong arming the “healthcare DEFORM”.
Communists are cheering Obama and you Obama trolls can’t even admit that your fool is a commie.
Posted by: Eric | January 14, 2011, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm
Why is ABC hiding a Black man’s picture? Does a minority who challenges their Leader lose their identity?
Posted by: SavageNation | January 14, 2011, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
Uhm, Godfather’s Pizza wasn’t that successful. I used to live up the street from a Godfather’s Pizza and they went out of business in a year and the pizza place that replaced them slice of new york was even worse because they were never open when I tried to get a piece of pizza. If I’m awake at 11 in the morning and I wanted pizza I didn’t go to slice of new york because they were already closed before I woke up
Posted by: wmdwf | January 14, 2011, 9:28 pm 9:28 pm
I would vote for this very intelligent man any day. Time to raise some Cain!!!!!!!
Posted by: Tim | January 14, 2011, 10:06 pm 10:06 pm
Listening to all of the hate here. The republicans and democrats are equally responsible for the shape the country is in. Obama just made Carter “not the worst president we ever had”. Anyone who votes R or D without understanding what their vote means is a fool. Vote for the person with common sense. If we can get someone with common sense to go for the job.
Posted by: JustTheTruth | January 14, 2011, 10:38 pm 10:38 pm
Anyone who blames either party alone for the problems of the country are foolish. Left and Right extremists are both crazy. Anyone who thinks their own party is blameless is also a fool. Both parties are crooked and we need to get all career politicians out of office.
Posted by: JustTheTruth | January 14, 2011, 10:41 pm 10:41 pm
The libs don’t like this guy because he actually knows how to work and excel, BUT mostly and most likely because he’s all black.
Posted by: Vaughn Michael | January 14, 2011, 10:41 pm 10:41 pm
Personally, I think the ‘progressives’ are simply A) jealous of conservative success and — even more — B) bitter that their latest attempt to falsely smear conservatives (the Arizona shooting) has not only fallen flat but actually boomeranged back on them and hurt THEM, politically. Not only have Gallup, Rasmussen and Quinnipac all found that solid majorities of Americans do NOT blame the right for this shooting (which is even stupid to ask them in the first place, since there is no evidence whatesoever that conservatives had anything to do with this attack), but the American majority is now blaming the LEFT for USING this attack to score political points — which obviously means they HAVEN’T scored any. And think of what that’s saying…the left cannot win in the arena of ideas (they’ve been throughly discredited), so they have to hope for murder and mayhem to create pure emotionalism in their favor (like that would even work, anyway).
The left are pretty high and dry, as of now. They have literally nothing. The air’s already come out of this thing, and they’re mad about it, and they have nothing else…no other political recousre, whatsoever.
They’re getting quite desperate. Don’t be surprised if they start staging attacks (with paid-off perps, claiming to be Tea Partiers).
Posted by: Lee | January 14, 2011, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm
When I started reading the comments I thought wow… America is finished. Than I saw what news place I was at… ABC news… LOL. A bunch of far left liberals who hate anyone who can actually make and sustain a business. And as far as his experience he has more than Obama does. What the hell has Obama ever ran? Besides our country straight into the ground with nationalizing the auto industry, socialist healthcare, bailing out everything so he can own the banks. I could go on on… but you liberals still would see Obama as your Messiah. I for one would like to know more about Herman Cain. Do I think hes the perfect choice? No. But since he actually has some experience of running anything he is more qualified than our maybe illegal immigrant president.
Posted by: LiberalsHateMe | January 15, 2011, 12:49 am 12:49 am
You are so local don’t nobody even know you and plus you are a republican so that says a lot. we are not going back to those days. you see what they did to Michael steele, what do you think they will do to you. Hahaha, you think they hate us but love you you have got to be kidding. what do you have to offer a people you hate as much as the other side does. not today or tomorrow will we follow you and you would need us to get to the end. lol
Posted by: jeasnise55 | January 15, 2011, 7:42 am 7:42 am
I can think of only one republican (Romney) who might beat Obama but the far right fringe has taken over the party and will ensure Obama victory in 2012.
Moderates need to retake control of their party. A far right nut cannot win in 2012. To think so is really quite mad.
Posted by: Barb | January 15, 2011, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
Wow, it’s hard to tell if thevarsity1stteam is a) stuck in high school mode, reliving the glory days but not advancing in the use of basic English grammar or b) works at the Varsity and is, therefore, jealous of the “pizza boy” he’s maligning!
Posted by: honorsociety | January 16, 2011, 8:51 am 8:51 am
Sorry folks, your pizza boy has a bachelors degree in mathmatics and a masters degree in computer science. He was a mathmatician for the Dept. of Navy. He was CEO of Godfathers because it was a failing company and he was hired to save it, which he did. He also saved a few other chain restaurants from closing. Mr. Cain is also a columnist and a radio talk show host. He is a fine decent man with morals and a great love for his country. You should listen to him to find out where he is in his political thinking before making judgements and stupid comments. Say what you want, but he has the know how to bring this country back from the brink of bankruptcy. Who cares about a political party if the right person can save this great country.
Posted by: Meg | January 17, 2011, 10:17 pm 10:17 pm
Herman Cain is a smart man and cares about people. If God decides he’s the one, so be it. He worked hard to get where he is today.
Posted by: Angela | February 9, 2011, 9:10 am 9:10 am
Wow…what an upgrade from the yoyo that’s in there now…someone who has actually been in the private sector, achieved success in business, and believes in the Constitution and God…and oh yea….black…he’d kick butt in a debate with Obummer
Posted by: robert glidewell | April 3, 2011, 5:40 pm 5:40 pm
Snake Hunter Sez,
When Herman Cain & Sarah Palin get this much static from the Soros “Progressives”, you know they’re getting nervous!
reb
___ ___
Posted by: Ralph E. | May 10, 2011, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
the democrats hate like no other group I have ever seen except for the extremist muslims . Cain is very smart and has proven his ability’s in all facist’s of life. Is pizza a crime ? does the american public love pizza yes! would they love Herman a big Yes!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: george | May 30, 2011, 10:14 am 10:14 am