Herman Cain, Rick Santorum Tear Up at Iowa Presidential Forum
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(Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo)
ABC News’ Michael Falcone, Amy Walter and Arlette Saenz report:
DES MOINES, Iowa — A gathering of religious conservatives in Iowa Saturday night turned into one of the most emotional moments of the 2012 primary season when two presidential candidates — Herman Cain and Rick Santorum — both fought back tears while telling personal stories about the most challenging moments in their lives.
Cain, whose wife, Gloria, was in the audience, spoke about being diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2006, stopping several times during his re-telling of the story to compose himself.
“I can do this,” Cain said he told his wife moments after getting the cancer diagnosis from his doctor. “She said — ‘we.’”
Fellow candidate Rick Perry, who was seated next to Cain at the forum, which is sponsored by the Christian conservative organization The Family Leader, reached over and touched Cain on the shoulder, consoling him.
Santorum spoke about his three-year-old daughter Bella’s diagnosis with Trisomy 18, a disorder that kills roughly 90 percent of children before or during birth. He shared his struggle dealing with the illness, acknowledging that he thought if he did not love her, it wouldn’t hurt him if she died.
Bella is still alive, but Santorum spoke of a particularly trying time when he thought he was about to lose her: “I prayed that moment, please, please let her live,” Santorum said. “I’ll do everything to commit to her and not just her, but to every child like her.”
Michele Bachmann and Perry both reached out to comfort the former Pennsylvania senator.
Six candidates, including Cain, Perry, Ron Paul, Bachmann, Santorum and Newt Gingrich, used the venue to speak more expansively than ever before about their personal faith journey.
“In every person’s heart, in every person’s soul, there is a hole that can only be filled by the Lord Jesus Christ,” Perry told the audience.
Bachmann also told a touching story about her parents’ divorce, recalling her mother’s words: “It’s hard now, but, it’s going to be OK.” She spoke of her family’s financial woes after her parents’ split up, saying “my mom put all our pretty dishes” on “card tables” to sell them at a yard sale.
Gingrich also shed a tear while speaking about a disabled child he knows. The former House Speaker also opened up about a time in his life when he felt “truly hollow.”
But emotion also gave way to politics. The candidates took the opportunity to attack “Obamacare,” Washington elites, the liberal establishment and Occupy Wall Street protesters. And, all tried to fit in their own campaign talking points. Perry touted the 10th Amendment, Paul defended the importance of the Constitution and Bachmann promised to bring back $2 a gallon gasoline.
The candidates were seated around a large wooden table adorned with pumpkins at the event, billed as the Thanksgiving Family Forum. The two-hour long session, which did not include Mitt Romney who was campaigning in New Hampshire tonight, was moderated by Republican pollster Frank Luntz.
Before the candidates took the stage, prominent Iowa social conservative and political figure Bob Vander Plaats, who heads the Family Leader, predicted that “the next president of the United States will present to you tonight.”
While most people we talked to after the forum said they thought it was a mistake for Romney to skip the forum, at least one Iowa conservative voter said it was a smart move. And, he didn’t mean it as a compliment.
“Best thing for Romney is that he didn’t have to answer these questions,” said Tom Nichols of Klemme, Iowa,” because if he did, he’d have looked bad.”
The forum was held at the First Federated Church in Des Moines roughly a month and a half before Iowans will gather for the presidential caucuses on Jan. 3.
ABC News’ Shushannah Walshe and Elicia Dover contributed reporting from Des Moines.
Best Commencement Speeches of 2012 
Joe Biden Recalls Death of Wife, Daughter
Ron Paul won it.
Posted by: Ed Ward II | November 19, 2011, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm
Every American has a sad story, Can we be president too?
Posted by: Don | November 19, 2011, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm
I feel Herman tears were real but santorum weren’t .
Newt Gingrich won
Posted by: steve | November 19, 2011, 8:49 pm 8:49 pm
Gingrich also shed a tear while speaking about a disabled child he knows. The former House Speaker also opened up about a time in his life when he felt “truly hollow.”
But now he’s truly shallow.
Posted by: blind spot | November 19, 2011, 8:53 pm 8:53 pm
I saw the event on hotair. Gov. Perry was the elephant in the room. He did great. The other candidates really look so insignificant when you have a giant like Perry, a commander in chief already, sitting among them. He is the only one who is running on his successful record , of being a 3 terms governor of a gigantic state that has created 40% of total jobs in the entire USA since 2009.
Posted by: nancy | November 19, 2011, 8:56 pm 8:56 pm
That’s great but elected officials have a full pension for life after serving for two years, and full health care paid for by the taxpayers. What about the tears of millions of Americans who have no retirement, will have no social sec or health care with them? We are called “crybabies” I guess.
Hypocrites
Posted by: chris | November 19, 2011, 9:02 pm 9:02 pm
Ok, but they get their health benefits paid for courtesy of the taxpayer, for life, along with pensions. Yet if other Americans are sick and cannot go to the doctor, and have no pension or Social sec under their plans, they call them crybabies. Hypocrites. I am not impressed with the tears drama.
Posted by: mathman | November 19, 2011, 9:05 pm 9:05 pm
Maybe Mitt was hesitant to go to a forum of Christian conservatives when other Christian conservative forums have questioned the legitimacy of Mormonism. Just a thought.
Is it just me, or does it seem a little inappropriate for political candidates to gather in a sanctified building to trash “Obamacare”? Maybe that’s what Jefferson was referring to when he talked about a “wall of separation between Church and State”. There seems to be something a little unholy about the idea of using His House for that purpose – like you’re implying that since these people are God-fearing, He would sanctify repealing a law designed to help provide for the sick and injured because it costs too much and restricts the freedom of Americans to choose not to be covered. Wasn’t it Jesus who said, “Render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar’s, and render unto God what is God’s”? I think maybe all of the people on that stage tonight need to reread 2 Timothy 3. Don’t hold your money too dearly, folks, God is watching.
Posted by: Tony | November 19, 2011, 9:29 pm 9:29 pm
Excuse me but these faith and family people would be like the Pharisees criticizing Jesus. I never heard Jesus complain about feeding the five thousand (they weren’t rich people). I never heard him tell the leper that “leprosy is not covered by your HMO” or say to the woman who was hemorrhaging,
“I’m sorry but I can’t treat pre-existing conditions” or to the blind man, “Well, you should have planned ahead. It is your fault that you are out of work. Blame yourself if you have no health insurance.” They make me sick.
Posted by: GOPsInWolvesClothing | November 19, 2011, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
AMEN, Tony.
Rock on!
Posted by: christisrisen | November 19, 2011, 9:38 pm 9:38 pm
I’m a Mormon and I’m not feeling the Christian love by those who should know better. The Christian right is very wrong to treat Mormons the way they do. I’m glad that Romney stood up to those hypocrites. They preach against us and constantly bear false witness.
Cain is phoney. I heard him take a hit at Romney tonight for not being there….”Mitt who?” Romney showed a whole lot more class when he was asked at one of the more recent debates to weigh-in on Cain. at the height of his harassment problems if he would hire Cain as a CEO. Romney refused to disc him and gave a genuine and thoughtful response and didn’t take the time to hit him when he was down. The same with Perry when he had his oohps moment Romney was gracious by saying everyone messes up and Romney even tried to help Perry out during those long embarrassing moments by trying to help him remember.
There are some very fine Christians who have no problems with Mormons and I honor and respect them. The rest, they will have to answer for their less then Christian ways.
Posted by: Hannah Rebekah | November 19, 2011, 9:59 pm 9:59 pm
Paul,Bachmann,Santorum,Gingrich,Perry, have bad baggage,or is not electable.
No sense wishing for a candidate that has no chance.
Posted by: EngineerScott | November 19, 2011, 10:06 pm 10:06 pm
He is the only one who is running on his successful record , of being a 3 terms governor of a
gigantic state that has created 40% of total jobs in the entire USA since 2009. POSTED BY:
NANCY ******** Golly Gee, 3 terms and not once did he have a debate with his opponent !!!
Looking how pathetic he has performed, I’m willing to bet, if he did debate at that time, he wouldn’t
have been elected Governor. Governor of a gigantic state??? Hmmmmm Palin has a state
that is over twice the size. Look where that got her in the polls. LOL !!!!
Created 40% employment? As they used to say at Wendy’s “where’s the beef?” A extremely
large employer in Texas is OUR own military, so OUR Government is subsidizing a huge
portion of the Texas economy. Sorry for bursting your little bubble..
Posted by: michael | November 19, 2011, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm
What a bunch of crap. More crying Republicans. It’s their victims who should be crying.
Posted by: David Riker | November 19, 2011, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
bla bla bla sad doesn’t get you elected, money does; where is my vote money?!?!?!
Posted by: oldwolf49 | November 19, 2011, 11:21 pm 11:21 pm
Tears, they are sick
This makes me SICK, the Republicans have shown over and over they do NOT care about the American people. We have heard them say let them die, boo an American soldier and say people should starve if they can’t find work and this is just a short list. They cried for what, themselves. I hope the American people can see through the Republicans and how they have kept America on its knees for nothing more than gain hoping we are all so stupid not to see if the economy and jobs did not get better they could take over in 2012. Lets not forget they put us in this mess and are keeping us in it. Unless you’re rich they do not care about you. Polls show most middle class republicans want taxes raised on the wealthy but then they are not the wealthy republicans so they have no say so. CRIED, they make me sick.
Posted by: joe Damico | November 19, 2011, 11:25 pm 11:25 pm
One day we’ll see a Republican crying for someone other than himself.
I live in hope.
Posted by: Martin8 | November 19, 2011, 11:38 pm 11:38 pm
The GOP knows they will lose next year’s election based on their obstruction of economic and jobs plans….so they are desperate to get a bogus plan passed to give them life in the elections. They know that their completely brain dead candidates won’t stand a chance against Obama next year if the economy improves and so they won’t to kill as many jobs as possible, while not increasing taxes on the rich whose taxes are at all time lows (and they are NOT creating jobs). The GOP’s recalcitrance will be good for Obama next year.
Posted by: usa8888 | November 19, 2011, 11:51 pm 11:51 pm
They demonize everybody that isn’t republican and only seem to cry when they talk about themselves. Somebody ask Herman what he would have done if he had not had insurance.
Posted by: lexingtonlady | November 20, 2011, 12:09 am 12:09 am
Whenever these Republicans weep I am reminded of “The Walrus and the Carpenter”
“It seems a shame,” the Walrus said,
“To play them such a trick,
After we’ve brought them out so far,
And made them trot so quick!”
The Carpenter said nothing but
“The butter’s spread too thick!”
“I weep for you,” the Walrus said:
“I deeply sympathize.”
With sobs and tears he sorted out
Those of the largest size,
Holding his pocket-handkerchief
Before his streaming eyes.
“O Oysters,” said the Carpenter,
“You’ve had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?’
But answer came there none–
And this was scarcely odd, because
They’d eaten every one.
Posted by: Vox Populus | November 20, 2011, 1:33 am 1:33 am
Republicans are blocking jobs plans? Not quite! Obama has delayed the oil pipeline from Canada which will mean a loss of 25,000 jobs and possibly the access to oil from an ally if Canada decides to sell it to China. The administration has also shut down fracking in Ohio, a loss of up to 250,000 jobs. This also means higher energy prices, higher food prices and less national security due to less energy independence. We can’t afford to throw these jobs away………what is this President thinking?
Posted by: Gary | November 20, 2011, 1:36 am 1:36 am
“the next president of the United States will present to you tonight.”
God. I hope the Republicans can come up with something better than these clowns by 2016.
Posted by: CHronos | November 20, 2011, 1:37 am 1:37 am
Oh please, who actually believed any of that crap? Come on, there is no way ANY politician can truely believe they are followers of God, because they lie, cheat, steal their way to winning.
Posted by: Vicki | November 20, 2011, 1:55 am 1:55 am
For the Record, not supporting Obamacare does not mean you want people to die, ..nor does the separation of Church and State mean for the Church to stay out of the Government. Also for the record if scriptures from the bible are going to be used they as well as any reference to Jesus should be used correctly instead of out of context. And because Christians and Mormons have different religions -naturally they have different viewpoints as do Democrats and Republicans but that doesn’t mean Republicans don’t like Democrats or visa versa – they just disagree. Please print this , at least its more honest
Posted by: maureen | November 20, 2011, 2:01 am 2:01 am
Not supporting “healthcare reform” while offering no alternative does indeed mean some could care less if people are covered. Let’s be honest. They’re paid to be against this.
Posted by: lexingtonlady | November 20, 2011, 2:06 am 2:06 am
Better than these clowns? The Republicans hopefuls are a governor, a former speaker of the house and business consultant, a congresswoman and tax attorney, accomplished businessman with several degrees and superior achievements in the business world. ALL of them have more experience than the current president when he ran for office. Any of them would make a better president.
Posted by: Gary | November 20, 2011, 2:08 am 2:08 am
Lexington Lady, numerous polls have shown the majority of the American people are against Obamacare and have been ever since it was passed. No one is paid to be against it. It’s a horrible bill. There are alternatives that have been offered.
I had a Canadian nurse tell me the other day that women are delivering babies in lounge chairs in the hallways of Canadian hospitals because there are no beds for them and then the new moms and babes are sent home in a few hours. Gov’t health care is not the answer!
Posted by: Gary | November 20, 2011, 2:19 am 2:19 am
Geez! What a bunch of car salesmen. How slimy!
Posted by: tom | November 20, 2011, 2:48 am 2:48 am
“I had a Canadian nurse tell me the other day that women are delivering babies in lounge chairs in the hallways of Canadian hospitals because there are no beds for them and then the new moms and babes are sent home in a few hours.” I spot a lie.
Posted by: Maple leaf | November 20, 2011, 5:12 am 5:12 am
“Any of them would make a better president.” Not buying it. We’ve seen how you guys behave in Congress. Short term political gain, and screw the American people.
Posted by: Congress watch | November 20, 2011, 5:15 am 5:15 am
Did Newt yalk about divorcing his wife at the same time she was diagnosed with cancer??
Shame on the American people to allow such drivel to influence their political views.
Posted by: Bill | November 20, 2011, 5:22 am 5:22 am
What’s funny is that both Cain and Herman talk about their family medical problems, and yet both of them oppose the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will insure 32 million CURRENTLY UNINSURED Americans by 2019. … LOL! …. Of course, when you’re covered by your Corporate Exec (Cain) health care plan, or by your tax-payer subsidized Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan (Santorum)…. your sob-story always ends up with a happy ending, and why should you care about the 32 million Americans, who if faced with similar situations, would just have to take the death route instead.
Posted by: Republicans Remind Me of a BUNCH of Forrest Gumps | November 20, 2011, 7:46 am 7:46 am
Gary | November 20, 2011, 2:19 AM:
“I had a Canadian nurse tell me the other day that women are delivering babies in lounge chairs…”
===============================
LMAO! …. It’s always funny how shallow-headed right-whiners always hear about the “terrible Canadian system” from someone else. What else would you expect? Most of them have never traveled nor lived outside of their states, let alone the USA.
Posted by: Republicans Remind Me of a BUNCH of Forrest Gumps | November 20, 2011, 7:53 am 7:53 am
Here we go the poor canidates stories of lifes problems.You must be able to handle persoal crisis and the country. these guys cant . Not that they can handle any thing that would make them think about two things a once
Posted by: Jim Carter | November 20, 2011, 8:27 am 8:27 am
I can’t watch the puke fest that is the republican party. Because of this party there are going to be a hell of a lot more people ‘selling their pretty dishes on card tables”. Cry me a river. There isn’t one among you fit to lead anything except the rest of the lemmings over the cliff. DUH
Posted by: Jo in Minneapolis | November 20, 2011, 9:13 am 9:13 am
Untold numbers of babies in the USA have been born in lounge chairs & in waiting rooms. What’s your point Gary. Spouting off about some you don’t know about? Or are you one of those yahoo’s who thinks the USA has the best HC in the world? We have some of the best technology, we have some of the most educated HC workers, but we have no where near the best HC in the world. Example, the USA ranks 41st among industrialized nations for infant mortality. That’s near the bottom.
Posted by: raggmopp | November 20, 2011, 9:29 am 9:29 am
Article 6 section 3 of the Constitution, there shall be no religious test for any public office. It is apparent that the religious fanatics are disregarding the Constitution of the USA.
Organized religion is organized crime.
Posted by: raggmopp | November 20, 2011, 9:36 am 9:36 am
Maureen – as you define separation of church and state and then mention that the church does not have to stay out of govt, then TAX THE CHURCH! The USA is a secular republic, religion does not belong in govt. The reasoning is two-fold. 1) To prevent corruption of the church from influencing the govt, and 2) to prevent corruption of the govt from influencing the church.
The tax exempt status of the church is dependent on the church staying out of politics. If the church wants to participate in politics, then the church must be taxed.
Posted by: raggmopp | November 20, 2011, 9:53 am 9:53 am
Calling the religious right, Christians, is a sick joke.
Posted by: W | November 20, 2011, 10:45 am 10:45 am
Lexington Lady, numerous polls have shown the majority of the American people are against Obamacare and have been ever since it was passed. No one is paid to be against it. It’s a horrible bill. There are alternatives that have been offered.
I had a Canadian nurse tell me the other day that women are delivering babies in lounge chairs in the hallways of Canadian hospitals because there are no beds for them and then the new moms and babes are sent home in a few hours. Gov’t health care is not the answer!
Posted by: Gary | November 20, 2011, 2:19 am 2:19 am
*****************************************************************************************************************
I lived in Toronto and the fact that you even compare our bill to the Canadian system shows who knows more on this topic. I can run down the issues with both systems. But HCR is in no way remotely Canadian. Not even close.
Posted by: lexingtonlady | November 20, 2011, 10:52 am 10:52 am
I had a Canadian nurse tell me the other day that women are delivering babies in lounge chairs in the hallways of Canadian hospitals because there are no beds for them and then the new moms and babes are sent home in a few hours. Posted by: Gary | November 20, 2011, 2:19 am.
Bullspit. I think you’re lying.
Posted by: Searambler | November 20, 2011, 11:29 am 11:29 am
so our churches have become this? mouthpieces for power & control & spread fear not truth? They should pay taxes like everyone else. too bad , again the gop has nothing but either old ideas that got us here or new radical bad ideas that would flush us down the toilet just twice as fast. all of these guys are not well balanced minds…too radical. america what’s wrong with your judgement in character. Obama has the best character, all the while gop has been trying to just drag him down with all their weight.
Posted by: ajole | November 20, 2011, 11:37 am 11:37 am
Newborn babies and their mothers in the USA are sent home just hours after delivery as well. Assuming no complications. Both of my kids were discharged within 5 hours after delivery. Total time spent in the hospital for the birth of both kids, less than 10 hours.
This is not a result of govt HC. This is a result of insurance companies refusing to pay.
Posted by: raggmopp | November 20, 2011, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
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