Herman Cain
How could he have avoided losing support for his campaign?
Cain has won over supporters with his direct, no nonsense approach to reforming government. His plan for creating a fair, flat tax for businesses and individuals, however, has come under fire by critics for being unclear and for potentially placing a greater tax burden on lower-income Americans. His sense of humor has also landed in political hot water for making jokes about building a electrical fence on the U.S. border. Cain also made a notable foreign policy gaff when he said that he could not name the president of Uzbekistan was and "knowing who is the head of some of these small insignificant states around the world" was not as important as focusing on domestic issues. Despite these missteps, he became one of the candidates to watch as the race for the Republican presidential nomination heats up
What could he have done to show the American people that he was ready to become President of the United States of America?
Cain emerged on the national political stage in the mid-1990s. As the head of the National Restaurant Association, he challenged President Bill Clinton on healthcare at a television event. Known to be blunt and outspoken, Cain publicly criticized First Lady Hillary Clinton's plans for healthcare reform. He thought the suggested reforms would have a negative impact on business.
In 2004, Cain sought political office for the first time. He failed in his bid to win one of Georgia's Senate seats. Undeterred, Cain has thrown himself into the race for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. He originally appeared to be a long shot for the nomination, but he has picked up some momentum during the campaign. In August 2011, Cain came in fourth in the Iowa Straw Poll, beating out such better known candidates as Rick Perry and Mitt Romney. He won the Florida Straw Poll a month later.