Posted on 06/15/2011 10:07:05 AM PDT by EricTheRed_VocalMinority
I have to admit, I've been a little worried about Cain since the last CC post. One week ago Gallup had him at 40% recognition rating -- among the lowest of the GOP hopefuls -- and a 25 positive intensity (P.I.) score -- the highest by far of all the candidates.
A lot has changed since then. First, last week on CBS News Cain said that homosexuality is a "sin" and a "choice". Even as a staunch conservative, I don't agree with either description and can't condone those statements. And that's going to bite him in the butt politically because it's going to repel the independents (that's my unprofessional opinion).
Cain is also still taking heat from his comments on requiring a loyalty oath to the Constitution (not the Koran) from Muslims seeking positions in his administration. I understand where he's coming from on this, but on the flip side can see how it could rub potential voters the wrong way.
Even among the right Cain is getting criticism for alleged deficincies. Jonathan Tobin at Commentary is thoroughly unimpressed with his foreign policy knowledge, such as the Palestinian "right of return" issue. I don't hold that against Cain (or any candidate for that matter). I really don't expect non-Jews to know what "right of return" is any more than a Jew might know about, say, the intricacies of the papacy. Barack Obama had no foreign policy knowledge prior to the presidency -- and he still doesn't in my opinion -- but that didn't stop hoardes of gaga Americans from supporting him.
Why am I airing all this dirty laundry? Because for one, even though I wear my politics on my sleeve I try to be realistic and intellectually honest. And secondly, we're all human and a candidate isn't going to succeed at being all things to all people. Is Herman Cain perfect? Of course not. But I still firmly believe he is one of the best candidates in the GOP right now.
There's a third reason why I bring all this up. It appears that despite these flaws, the latest Gallup poll nevertheless has Cain at a 41% recognition rating (surprisingly just a blip up from last week) but a huge jump in P.I. from 25 to 29. This is still the highest of all the Republican candidates including Romney and Bachmann, whose P.I. scores Gallup has at just below 20:
Notice that this is before Monday the 13th's debate in New Hampshire, at which Michelle Bachmann publicly announced her candidacy, and at which I believe Cain didn't particularly wow the crowd, but didn't underwhelm either; he was basically right down the middle, I'd say.
So we'll see what people continue to say about Herman Cain in the week to come. For now, he is still my #1 pick. He's a strong, smart, (usually) eloquent, passionate, and patriotic problem solver. Exactly who we need in this White House.
Eric,
Sweet, pretty kitty. If Lizzie sees her like that, she may back off a little.
Remarkable resemblance.
Well, he came close enough for many others to see it the same way I did - as supportive of something other than concluding it is anything but a choice or by extension a bad one (in this case particularly - a sin).
Either you are conservative or you aren’t - social mores included.
I have some respect for you and have read many of your posts. I’m not trying to get into an argument with you about this, just trying to explain why I said what I did (apparently not to your satisfaction). We can agree to disagree if you prefer...
I have no problem with you, and I can understand how others can come to the same conclusion that you did. He disagrees that homosexuality is a choice or a sin. I believe that the act of homosexuality IS a sin.
I do not believe that homosexual attraction is a choice.
I did not make a choice to be straight, I just am. I am no psychologist so I am assuming that it’s the same for everyone, and yes I know what it means to “assume.” I guess since I made no choice, I am just straight....I figured it was the same for everyone else.
To this day I have never met a gay person (and I’ve met damned few) that chose their attraction. They DID however choose to engage in sinful acts. IMO and only my opinion, having those attractions and not acting upon them does not make one straight, it makes them celibate.
yeah, I can see your side of it based on your experience. Regardless, it’s been a good discussion, thanks.
Let's Get this thread off the Homosex. discussion and onto some Links for Herman Cain Name Recognition Buttons, Bumper Stickers, etc.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.