Herman Cain Could Transform Lifetime of Effort into Political Capital

COMMENTARY | As the political landscape tilts toward 2012, speculation of which Republican candidate might stand the best chance against Barack Obama remains fluid. By the end of the first GOP presidential debate in South Carolina, only one name emerged with solid promise: Herman Cain.

While Cain was relatively unknown in the political arena, he became famous in the food service industry. In 1988, Cain purchased Godfather's Pizza. By 1995, under his skillful guidance, Godfather's went from the verge of utter failure to become the fifth-largest pizza chain in America. Still, even as his managerial office skills helped him climb the success ladder, he never considered himself above the equally necessary task of cleaning bathroom toilets.

While Cain has never occupied elected office, Open Secrets reports he's no stranger to politics. In 1996, he served as senior adviser in the presidential campaign of Republicans Bob Dole and Jack Kemp. He also operates his own political action committee, called the Hermanator PAC.

In 2004, Cain entered his first political campaign to challenge Johnny Isakson for a U.S. Senate seat for the state of Georgia. "I'm not a professional politician," Cain said back then, according to NPR. "I'm a professional problem solver." However, the only problem Cain could not overcome was that of his political anonymity. He lost the election and all but vanished from the political landscape.

In the days since Cain's return to the political stage, the excitement he stirred is growing. There are three reasons why his challengers should be afraid.

First, Cain's positions regarding the highly unpopular policies of the current administration have grabbed the attention of weary Americans. Those who long to hear their voice reflected, not ignored, by Washington's efforts are encouraged by his determination to repeal Obamacare and his opposition to amnesty for illegal immigrants.

Second, regarding the economic chaos that our current leaders cannot seem to solve, Cain is a savvy businessman who turned a financial failure into a success. His plans to implement a Fair Tax system to jump-start business and reverse staggering unemployment numbers is being met with enthusiastic support. As rising gas prices are adding additional stress to an already struggling American populace, his plans to achieve true energy independence by drilling our own resources has inspired much-needed optimism about powering our own future.

The greatest advantage held by Cain is what the political elite see as his downfall. In this era of America's disdain for pompous, ineffective career politicians, they may want to re-evaluate such seriously misguided confidence. Right now, a "political outsider" who will clean a toilet himself rather than passing the buck is precisely what makes him so refreshing.

In 2006, Herman Cain was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. He was given a 30 percent chance of survival. So why is he still around? According to Cain, "God said, 'Not yet, Herman.' God said, 'Not yet - I got something else for you to do, and it might be to become president of the United States of America."

Sources:

Matt Lewis, "Frank Luntz focus group: Herman Cain won debate", The Daily Caller

"Herman Cain", Answers.com

"Hermanator PAC" OpenSecrets.org

Kathy Lohr, "Herman Cain: A Political Outsider, And Proud Of It", NPR

Ken Timmerman, "Herman Cain: Japan Disaster Worst Since World War II", NewsMax

"Herman Cain", Numbers USA