The Undecided Delegate (backstory on Cain FL straw poll win)

Florida Political Press ^ | September 30, 2011 | Roger Whidden

[visualops]

In the aftermath of Herman Cain’s stunning victory in the Florida Straw Poll, much has been written and spoken by the so-called “experts” trying to explain this unexpected turn of events. Even though none of these “experts” predicted a Cain win, or even considered it a possibility, they feel uniquely qualified to explain an event they never saw coming. Put another way, the “experts” were caught off guard, blind-sided, and were in need of a quick score. I decided to share my experience in the hope of shining some light on what happened, how it happened, and offer an explanation of why it happened. .... Friday was taken up with CPAC and ACU events, opportunities to hear speeches by the candidates, receptions and candidate sponsored meet and greets. By midday, I began to sense (the way animals act before an earthquake) that something was going on. I had written “Undecided” on the back of my CPAC credential, which drew favorable comments from many delegates, but acted as a magnet to staff and ‘designated persuaders’ of the more aggressive campaigns, those campaigns that had booths at the Convention Center and had teams of volunteers with signs, stickers, buttons and handouts spread out in strategic locations throughout all the venues.

[visualops]

"The “must see” events for Friday were the candidate’s big speeches, on the big stage, in the big hall. I arrived back at the Convention Center for the afternoon segment late as usual. Herman Cain had just finished speaking. Delegates were exiting the hall. There was a buzz in the air. Something was definitely going on. Every delegate, even those who were supporting other candidates, told me Herman Cain had just blown the roof off the joint. As I spoke to more and more delegates, trying to gauge just what it was that was going on, it became clear: The beginnings of a palatable, authentic, unorchestrated groundswell of support for Herman Cain. This groundswell was fueled mostly by undecided delegates. Some who had previously supported other candidates, and not just Perry or Romney, jumped on the train. A woman who just resigned as a volunteer for one of the so-called front runners told me, “Herman Cain changed my mind with that speech.” Having missed Cain’s speech, I spoke with as many delegates as I could, trying to read the overall effect of his speech on the convention. I remained undecided, though the more I heard Mr. Cain speak, the more I liked what I heard. The afternoon CPAC events were winding down so I went back to my hotel to get ready for the closing speakers, followed by the VIP Reagan Reception. No matter where I went, the groundswell of Cain support was evident, and growing."

[visualops]

Ping for the Cain Train!

[caper gal 1]

Very well written - I was a delegate, too, and you described it perfectly. I went there thinking I was left to choose between two mediocre candidates but the first time I heard Cain I knew he was the true conservative of the entire group. The man is amazing. I haven’t witnessed this much spontaneous enthusiasm and support for a candidate since I campaigned for Reagan.

[justsaynomore]

Herman Cain’s Presidency 5 speech... http://coalitionoftheswilling.net/?p=16254

[CondiArmy]

Here I am! Rock you like a Herman Cain!

[visualops]

well, I can’t take credit for the article. But it was very very revealing to me. The pundits don’t realize (or maybe they do) that they are demoralizing when they dismiss events out of hand because they don’t care for or didn’t predict the outcome. This is another thing that bothers me about the rush to the primaries, you don’t give the lesser known people a chance. it really favors big $$ and name recognition to have the primaries so early. I realize they are thinking about the general election but they are undermining the very important process of choosing our candidate.

[Waryone]

Thank you for this. It is so encouraging that others see Herman Cain as someone who talks like us and not down to us. He is the only candidate running I can say that he sounds like me.

He is one of us and as the article says, those arrogant supporters of frontrunners, who like saying Cain can’t win, are just hurting their candidate not helping anyone.

But I guess when their candidate has nothing else going for them, that is what they have to resort to in an attempt to win.

[wayoverontheright]

Liberalism has always been a house of cards. Herman Cain, as a black Republican, really shakes the foundation.

They will have to destroy him, or he will destroy them.

I’ve heard Herman on many occasions when subbing for Rush, and he’s the real deal-meaning that he sees that liberalism has harmed black people, and others. What the pundits have missed is that he is not just a business man, with valuable experience that would make him more astute on fiscal issues, he has the proper grasp of the Constitution and the role it plays in our social order.

I believe Herman Cain would be a president of all the people, but it is clear to me he sees himself as the black Moses who will deliver his people from the bonds of liberalism. He said blacks have been “brainwashed”.

Think about that statement, we all know it’s true, but no white candidate could get away with saying it. It’s truly a shot across the bow, in my view directed at the Sharptons and Jesse Jacksons.

Blacks will have to listen to Herman Cain, and if he gains the nomination, for the first time in their lives, they will hear the other side of the argument from someone they simply won’t be able to tune out.

I believe liberals instinctively know Herman Cain is an existential threat. He will get the Sarah Palin treatment and then some. If he can survive and win the Presidency, we have a chance that the whole house of cards could come tumbling down.