The Republican Presidential Debate

Just curious if anyone watched it this evening- I think Ron Paul & Herman Cain did the best, but overall the field is pretty weak.

I was able to catch the first 1/2 hour before other responsibilities pulled me away. My thoughts: I can't stand Santorum. Pawlenty came off as a phony trying for cheap pops from the crowd (SC audience and the Boeing plant). I agree with your assessment that Ron Paul did the best and Cain was the runner-up. I support Ron Paul, but would be intrigued by the possibility of Herman Cain vs Barack Obama. As many people that are tired of career politicians, I wouldn't write Cain off any time soon. If he is able to get his message heard before he runs out of money, I think that he could really resonate with the electorate.

I was able to catch the first 1/2 hour before other responsibilities pulled me away. My thoughts: I can't stand Santorum. Pawlenty came off as a phony trying for cheap pops from the crowd (SC audience and the Boeing plant). I agree with your assessment that Ron Paul did the best and Cain was the runner-up. I support Ron Paul, but would be intrigued by the possibility of Herman Cain vs Barack Obama. As many people that are tired of career politicians, I wouldn't write Cain off any time soon. If he is able to get his message heard before he runs out of money, I think that he could really resonate with the electorate. Originally Posted by jac01

I agree Ron Paul stood firm on many of his beliefs such as legalizing prostitution and drugs and also not giving any foreign aid to countries, but his age and his beliefs on legalizing drugs and prostitution may wow the conservative base but it's a long shot from him winning over independents or mainstream America. However, you dead on with Pawlenty coming off as phony as well as Santorum and Johnson they just sound like tired old politicians- I know very little about Cain but overall he did well, but I have see how he stands on other issues, but he gave great responses and seemed the most "honest" of all those who were in attendance.

I didn't watch the debate, but I have heard Herman Cain state his positions on various issues before - I would compare him with Donald Trump, except Cain doesn't have the building-sized ego or the need for self-promotion. I would like to see him seriously run (he's dabbled in the past with running but never made a full-fledged commitment) - it would be interesting to see what the MSM's reaction would be with a Cain vs. Obama duel.

I read somewhere that Cain has had serious heatlh problems in the pass that that may make him unelectible. Doesn't matter to me, but it could be an issue to others. Especially if he chose a running mate as unqualified as the one McCain did.

I read somewhere that Cain has had serious heatlh problems in the pass that that may make him unelectible. Doesn't matter to me, but it could be an issue to others. Especially if he chose a running mate as unqualified as the one McCain did. Originally Posted by KCJoe

It's way too early to past the torch to Cain- we still haven't heard his views on various issues- and also has zilch politican skills never been a mayor, representative, governor senator and if you think Obama caught grief for being "green" Cain will catch 100 times- also Cain is a virtual unknown-
Obama was know as of 2004. Finally Cain doesn't have Obama's charm and/or swagger so comparing the two is futile.

I read somewhere that Cain has had serious heatlh problems in the pass that that may make him unelectible. Doesn't matter to me, but it could be an issue to others. Especially if he chose a running mate as unqualified as the one McCain did. Originally Posted by KCJoe

Cain is a survivor of colon cancer. I believe it was stage 4 and he had it 5 years ago.

It's way too early to past the torch to Cain- we still haven't heard his views on various issues- and also has zilch politican skills never been a mayor, representative, governor senator and if you think Obama caught grief for being "green" Cain will catch 100 times- also Cain is a virtual unknown-
Obama was know as of 2004. Finally Cain doesn't have Obama's charm and/or swagger so comparing the two is futile. Originally Posted by wellendowed1911

In terms of swagger and charm, every time that I've seen Herman Cain speak he definitely does not come across as meek or timid in what he believes and what he stands for. Also, in the current environment, I think it is a mistake to assume that a career politician will have an advantage. People are tired of politicians. As far as comparing experience, it is true that Obama had more experience in elected office, but Cain has far more executive experience than Obama. Running a Fortune 500 company requires someone to be an effective leader, communicator, delegator of authority, and decision maker. Obama never had any executive experience (he was a legislator in the Illinois state senate and then the U.S. Senate) and never held a job of significance in the private sector (the only brief foray into private sector employment was described in his book as being "behind enemy lines") before he became President. Cain has experience in things that business owners must do daily such as meeting a payroll, serving your customers, controlling expenses, and dealing with the seemingly never-ending flow of new government regulations. Obama has done none of this. I think it would be an interesting debate between the two of them if Cain would be able to get the Republican nomination. Whether or not the Republican party voters are bold enough to make a statement by nominating Herman Cain, I have my doubts. Without question, I would vote for him in a matchup against Obama. If Ron Paul runs as an independent in that scenario, I would have a much more difficult decision to make.

In terms of swagger and charm, every time that I've seen Herman Cain speak he definitely does not come across as meek or timid in what he believes and what he stands for. Also, in the current environment, I think it is a mistake to assume that a career politician will have an advantage. People are tired of politicians. As far as comparing experience, it is true that Obama had more experience in elected office, but Cain has far more executive experience than Obama. Running a Fortune 500 company requires someone to be an effective leader, communicator, delegator of authority, and decision maker. Obama never had any executive experience (he was a legislator in the Illinois state senate and then the U.S. Senate) and never held a job of significance in the private sector (the only brief foray into private sector employment was described in his book as being "behind enemy lines") before he became President. Cain has experience in things that business owners must do daily such as meeting a payroll, serving your customers, controlling expenses, and dealing with the seemingly never-ending flow of new government regulations. Obama has done none of this. I think it would be an interesting debate between the two of them if Cain would be able to get the Republican nomination. Whether or not the Republican party voters are bold enough to make a statement by nominating Herman Cain, I have my doubts. Without question, I would vote for him in a matchup against Obama. If Ron Paul runs as an independent in that scenario, I would have a much more difficult decision to make. Originally Posted by jac01

I don't think running a business is the same as running the government- those are two entirely different entities hence that's I reason why I laugh when people say oh Trump is a billionaire businessman so he can run the govt... However, Cain is very business savvy and has a past record to prove it- he honestly needs to be on some Presidential economic panel as the chairperson. However, he did very well and didn't come off as a "politician" and also unlike Alan Keyes I think Cain could garner a huge minority following, but sadly I don't think the GOP would every push an African American to the forefront of their party- I think Richard Steele was a counteract to Obama and really wasn't meant to be a genuine Chairperson of that party- just my opinion.

I watched the debate and was intrigued by Cain. I enjoyed listening to his responses and thought he expressed his ideas in a very direct and sincere way. So now I just want to learn more about him and hear what he has to say as the debates continue. I liked him, but I do not have any real expectation that he'll gain enough traction to be a viable candidate. Crazier things have happened though, and after what I saw, I think he's worth keeping an eye on.

The only issue I really had strong disagreement with him on was the Fair Tax. He stated that he favors it, and I believe it would be a total catastrophe if we implemented it. I don't see us moving away from an income tax system anytime soon though, so this is not an issue that would really impact my vote one way or another.

If the Republicans shy away from a qualified candidate simply because he is black, then they are bigger idiots than even I think they are. Herman Cain has passed my #1 litmus test, support for the FairTax. I don't expect to support either major party candidate in the next election, but I absolutely will not support anyone who doesn't support the FairTax. IMHO, it is the most crucial change this country can make if we want to turn the tide on our economy. Stacy, unlike some of the others here, you probably have some intelligent things to say on the subject. That would be fun to discuss sometime, but not here.

PM me and we'll chat about the Fair Tax

I watched the second half and I impressed by Herman Cain. I find Ron Paul a little too libertarian on some issues and I remember him blaming the US for what happened on 9/11.
As for health issues; Cain has been sick in the past and Joe Biden had brain surgery to repair an aneurysm. What don't know about Obama's health except that his personal physician came out and gave us a big thumbs up. Once again, we never saw any detailed records on Obama though we saw thousands of pages on McCain. So I won't hold anything like that against Cain.

Cain's answers were short and to the point. He is not a politician. I only hope he is not co-opted. For reference check out the movie "Man of the People" with Spencer Tracey, Katherine Hepburn, and Van Johnson.

I watched the second half and I impressed by Herman Cain. I find Ron Paul a little too libertarian on some issues and I remember him blaming the US for what happened on 9/11.
As for health issues; Cain has been sick in the past and Joe Biden had brain surgery to repair an aneurysm. What don't know about Obama's health except that his personal physician came out and gave us a big thumbs up. Once again, we never saw any detailed records on Obama though we saw thousands of pages on McCain. So I won't hold anything like that against Cain.

Cain's answers were short and to the point. He is not a politician. I only hope he is not co-opted. For reference check out the movie "Man of the People" with Spencer Tracey, Katherine Hepburn, and Van Johnson. Originally Posted by john_galt

Here we go again- why is it that Obama has to go through extra measures to prove anything??? You say McCain had thousands of pages released about his health? Do you forget Mccain is nearly 25 years elder than Obama and obviously nowhere near as good of shape as Obama. Also, McCain has had numerous of cancer surgeries so obviously his health would have been a big factor if you take in his age and numerous operations. So what is it- Obama's MD's word is not good enough or are they trying to cover something up?

"why is it that Obama has to go through EXTRA measures to prove anything?" There is your answer wellendowed. Obama has not even matched what McCain did let alone done extra.