| Ever since his debate performance in Florida, Herman Cain has been on a roll. The most recent two polls (NBC&WSJ, and Dem-affiliated PPD) have found Cain pulling into a lead. While one might be suspicious of the PPD numbers, they are in sync with WSJ, which is by no measure a left-wing organization. So what the heck has happened?
The GOP race has broken down into Pro & Anti Romney camps. The pro camp favors Romney because of his Reaganesque conservative message, polished delivery and fund-raising ability. It all makes him a formidable candidate.
The anti-Romney camp are suspicious of Romney, who was elected to the most liberal state in the country by implenting a health-care plan that appears to be the model for Obama-care. They don't believe his conservative talk, but haven't settled on a challenger. With the anti-Romney vote divided, Romney has remained the front-runner.
Now that has changed. Many of the conservatives have been found wanting and fell by the wayside. Gingrich & Bachman were too inflamitory. Huntsman was too liberal. Paul was too fringe. Many conservative were waiting in the wings for the ideal candidate arrive: Palin, Christie, or Rubio.
Enter Texas governor Perry, who talks as conservative an anyone. He looks like a winner, but fares poorly in the debates. As conservatives from around the country scrutinize him, they learn he is a former democrat, who sometimes forgets to act like a republican. He fades quickly.
Palin, Christie, and Rubio all insist they are not running.
Cain has emerged as the last conservative standing.
He brings some unique positives: charm, business experience, and a can-do attitude. But his biggest positive may be his biggest negative: He has no Washington experience. Right now the voters are so angry with Washington, this has become a plus. He's not even a politician. And he has even guest-hosted Rush Limbaugh--while Rush does not endorse primary candidates, that still will carry weight among Limbaugh's millions of conservative listeners.
So now the big question remains: as the new front-runner, will he shine or will her stumble? |