Herman Cain supports a strong national defense, opposes abortion, backs replacing the federal income tax with a national sales tax and favors a return to the gold standard.

that is strong, powerful, relevant – and, in direct opposition to Barack Obama (and, his plans for this country).

but, he probably won’t be our next President.

that bodes well for us all. but, probably not the way you are thinking.

Cain has never held elected office, losing a three-way Republican U.S. Senate primary bid in Georgia in 2004 with one-quarter of the vote. he did grab our, collective, imagination and hearts seventeen years ago when he stumped former president Bill Clinton at a National Restaurant Association convention:

“On behalf of all of those business owners that are in a situation similar to mine,” asked Cain, “my question is, quite simply, if I’m forced to do this what will I tell those people whose jobs I will have to eliminate?”

Cain had been a turnaround specialist at Pillsbury, working with Burger King, and in 1986 he’d been put in command of the failing Godfather’s Pizza franchise. he saved it with triage, closing two hundred and fifty (250) of eight hundred (800) stores, before leading an investor group that bought the franchise, and put him in charge (he currently serves on the board of directors for Hallmark, Whirlpool and AGCO) by the time he met Clinton, Cain had been elected president of the National Restaurant Association. this explained much of his confidence, and moxy, as he lit into his president.

in any event, Mr. Cain made a solid impression Thursday when he announced his bid for the presidency. but, no matter how bright Cain might shine, he has little chance of winning the nomination. while he has some personal money, based on being a successful businessman and radio personality, he doesn’t have nearly enough cash to fund his own campaign. and fundraising could be tough for him in such a crowded field with lots of better known candidates running. in fact, his “Hermanator” political action committee has taken in just over $16,000 this year.

it should also be noted that Cain wears hats. and, some how they don’t come across as silly. he also uses pocket squares in his jacket, and carries that off with eye-twinkling panache. but, if things get real serious, as part of my campaign contribution, I am going to enlist Mark Fonseca to work with Cain.

what I really like about Cain is that he probably can’t win, but he will keep everyone else’s campaigns honest and on-point. as rude as this is going to read, he will call a “spade-a-spade”.

and, that certainly won’t bode well for Barack Obama.

the race card doesn’t work with Cain. I don’t think he cares about being black. I do believe he cares about making good decisions that are founded in common sense. he has been a genuine businessman with a very thick accent. and, people listen to him because his mission is all about best practices.

the GOP candidate that ultimately makes their stand against Obama will have Cain’s hand on their shoulder.

that’s good for everybody.

more later.

peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

brian patrick cork