This is Herman Cain
by Herman Cain
Threshold Editions, Simon & Shuster 2011
I find politics to be an endlessly fascinating subject for thought and study. It is convenient for each of us to dismiss politicians, at any level, who we do not agree with or find to be self-serving gasbags. Similarly, it is easy to accept the views of those who we like, whether they are flawed or not.
On the other hand, the process by which we select our political leaders is perhaps the single most critical element of the future of ourselves and our children. One only has to look at any country in the world today, then think about its past, to see the difference that a change in political leaders can make. For example, Vladimir Putin, Hugo Chavez, an Ayatollah in Iran, or Barack Obama.
So why did I read Herman Cain’s book? I am perplexed today trying to put my finger on what Americans want in their next President. We were disenchanted with George W. Bush and seem to have the same perception of President Obama. What are we looking for? Why do the Republican contenders rise and fall so fast?
I find myself wondering about who were the most popular and successful Presidents during my lifetime. I am 65, so can remember John Kennedy forward. I believe the most successful in this period were Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Why were they popular? As a place on the political spectrum for governing, one (Reagan) moved from right to center and the other from left to middle. There was also extended periods of prosperity and limited military engagement.
George W. Bush stood on the right side of the beam throughout his Presidency, becoming became a major spender and war-monger. In other words, he was politically fixed and drove us into debt. Barack Obama is fixed on the left, has wound down the military engagements, and spent at an even a more torrid pace.
Herman’s Cain’s book is interesting to me. It is no better or worse in terms of writing or vision than the political tomes of any of the current crop of political candidates, from President Obama to Ron Paul. He envisioned himself a successful builder of jobs (in the restaurant business) who could focus on rebuilding our economy, as he did in the hamburger and pizza business. His prescription was understandable (“9-9-9”) and direct. He laughed, cajoled, and demanded attention. He was human and not clearly left or right in conviction, though he wrapped himself in the gossamer of conservatism. Each of us could identify with him.
He also disheveled in the face of allegations of indiscretion. His leadership stopped. He could not bring himself to address the issues in a simple and honest manner.
Nonetheless, I find that the elements which made him popular for a time may be the elements that we are looking for in a President for the next 4 years: connection to the issues of the day, humanity, experience, understandable plan, navigational skill to find the common denominator in the electorate, and, hopefully, an ability to confront straight-on his own failings.
I wonder how Messrs. Obama, Romney, Paul, Gingrich, Santorum, and Huntsman will fare if these are fair assessments of what we are looking for? Your and my lives will be significantly impacted by the decisions that we collectively make.
Warms, Cym
AMAZONBarnes & Noble
