Good, but sobering, post.
A lot of Freepers are allowing the MSM/DNC to trash Cain by accepting the doubt that they are sowing. Yet the Duke Lacrosse incident was only a couple of years ago, and Freepers were well informed of how that developed. If informed, intelligent conservatives can be bamboozled, then we are indeed in trouble.
Apparently repeating a lie is an effective technique, and the press has mastered the methods.
You also correctly note that Gingrich and Romney are even more vulnerable than Cain. I will note that there is verifiable proof of character flaws with both Gingrich and Romney.
While Gingrich has shown that he is willing to challenge the press, I believe his baggage is so significant that he may not be able to overcome it.
Thanks and Amen!