Using your example, Perot destroyed his own campaign by being an inexperienced campaigner. Polls don’t transfer to votes. People don’t give too much thought when asked who they support in a poll, but they do try to be serious when they vote. If Cain is serious about holding public office, he should run for Congress, for Mayor, or something to prove he can win an election. No political party will take a chance on an unproven candidate for President no matter how good they sound.
Obama was inexperienced and unaccomplished but he had proven that he could win elections. To beat him we need a candidate who also can win elections and has proven it.
But the GOP Nominee will necessarily have won a string of hard fought, bitter primary elections state by state. That will make whomever the nominee is, “experienced”, and enough campaign savvy and knowledge to take on the Kenyan and kick his royal butt in November 2012.