One of the most harrowing aspects of American politics is that all politicians lie, making it difficult, if not impossible, to pin them down. So
when I confronted my conservative friends with the idea that Herman Cain wasn’t a serious candidate and was, instead, just hawkin’ books and pushin’ Islamaphobia as a way of enriching himself, I was rebuffed. “He’s a serious candidate” they said. “He’s a principled conservative” they ranted.
Now, as Cain re-emerges with a “Cain Solutions Revolution” tour, his intentions have been unmasked. His campaign has always been about raising his profile in hopes of winning a coveted FOX show or ratcheting up book sales. And he’s not going to give that up just because his campaign imploded. He’s a hustler. He may as well don a zoot suit, a perm, and pinky ring.
“The biggest comment when I ended my candidacy was, ‘Keep 999 alive,’ ” Cain said. “And that’s what this is about. The first solution we’re going to promote actively is ’999: The Revolution.’ ”
Whatever. Plans are designed by serious candidates and elected politicians, and if those folks need input from a campaign drop-out, they can call Cain. No one needs a Cain sideshow but Cain. No one benefits from this spectacle but Cain. Cain is now, and has always been, a man out for himself, country be damned.
And although his new initiative won’t benefit any of us, it has vindicated some of us. For that, Cain has my gratitude.
