The future of Candidate Cain

Herman Cain, even under attack, remains the fringe frontrunner – although he continues to perpetuate his reputation for asininity in attacking Rick Perry, remaining insistent that the whole affair is merely a smear tactic orchestrated by the Governor's campaign. Overall, the news coverage of Cain's candidacy resembles the annals of political fumbles: least of which being the emergence of an embarrassing video, one in which Cain is seen groaning a pizza promotion to the tune of 'Imagine'. But not even this is of relative significance. Perhaps most concerning is his uneasy grasp on foreign policy (thank God, for him, no one in the GOP seems to care about that anymore), and his not-so-promising history as – let's face it – a motivational speaker.

It's simply embarrassing that this person, in no position to be president, should be taken so seriously. Of all the people you could possibly promote to the position of GOP frontrunner, how is it that the pizza man is winning? He seems to make Palin look suitable. It's just odd. And now, this? Come on. 

In fact, it makes one wonder exactly what Herman Cain's motivations are in actually running for president in the first place. Is the future in his mind that of 'President Cain', or 'conservative icon Herman Cain'? (Both of which being equally possible at this stage: with much time to go, but not nearly enough for the comfort of those who find the former notion alarming.) Jonathan Chait, convinced that Cain's candidacy is merely a play for greater influence, argues that the scandal won't hurt him one bit:

Cain is executing a business plan. It’s an excellent plan. The plan involves Cain raising his profile as a conservative personality, which he can monetize through motivational speaking, book sales, talk shows, and other media. Cain’s selling point is that he’s a black conservative who can capitalize on the sense of white racial victimization that has mushroomed during the Obama era. Accordingly, Cain assures conservatives that they are not racist, as proven by their support for him. Indeed, it is the liberals who are racist, as evidenced by their opposition to Cain. If Cain were campaigning to be president, the scandal would hurt him. Since he is instead campaigning to boost his profile, it will help him.

It's disturbing, but I'm inclined to agree.

(Image: "Herman Cain talked with reporters Wednesday after speaking to a doctors' group in Virginia." Philip Scott Andrews/The New York Times)