Free Republic

Herman Cain Losing Some Steam His troubles began once he vaulted into the top tier of Republican candidates, after introducing his 9-9-9 tax plan and winning a straw poll. Now his blunders on abortion, immigration and foreign policy have left political observers scratching their heads. Herman Cain's blunders have been blamed by his spokesman on fatigue, the fast pace of the campaign and the media taking some answers “out of context.” By Robin Abcarian October 28, 2011 For months, Herman Cain floated under the radar as other candidates for the Republican presidential nomination were poked, prodded and scrutinized by a...

Is this where the Cain fairy tale ends? For all his unscripted authenticity and rough-edged conservative charm, Cain is withering under the scrutiny that attends presidential front-runners. First, he has made unforced errors that suggest a surprising lack of discipline. Discussing a plan to build a fence along the border with Mexico, Cain said the barrier “is going to be electrified, and there’s going to be a sign on the other side saying, ‘It will kill you.’ ” He subsequently apologized “if I offended anyone.” Aiming at Wall Street protesters, Cain’s scattershot fire instead hit 14 million unemployed Americans. “Don’t...

Fundraising figures released over the weekend demonstrate that only two Republican candidates -- Mitt Romney and Rick Perry -- enter the dash to the nomination with both the financial support and the campaign infrastructure that equip them fully to compete. And the Obama campaign -- eager to ensure that no candidates get free rides in the primaries -- has already begun making assumptions about whom President Obama is likely to face in the general election. That means Romney is coming under pressure from both sides, even as he seeks to consolidate Republican support early in the process. Before we get...

WASHINGTON - Among the Republicans angling to move into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. a year from January, Mitt Romney is the closest to achieving his goal. The former Massachusetts governor has reached the decisive phase in his presidential campaign: attempting to consolidate his support and cinch the nomination. (snip) Romney’s most ardent conservative critics have been left to rally around Herman Cain, simultaneously engaged in a book tour and presidential campaign, in a last-ditch effort to prevent his nomination. (snip) ...the Romney staff is focused on what it sees as an inevitable clash with Obama and the Democrats. But with the...

Herman Cain seemed to enjoy his turn auditioning for the role of Mitt Romney’s chief foil Tuesday night. Luxuriating at the center of the table thanks to surging poll numbers, he basked in the attention of his rivals as every exchange seemed to come back to his signature 9-9-9 tax plan. It’s a good thing Cain relished his moment in the spotlight, because it’s almost certainly downhill from here. The pizza magnate’s ascension has been the product of his well-honed outsider’s shtick, his stirring personal story and his charisma. It’s a package that resonates with Tea Party activists who are...