>>> Note to Mr Cain: As one of your supporters, I am putting you on notice: Your back-pedaling about whether or not you would put a Muslim on your Cabinet was strike one; this asshattery with regard to saying you “favor” and electrified fence and then turning around and saying it was only a joke — is strike two. >>>
I’ll admit the Muslim issue was a bit of a backpeddle - early in the campaign and I think I know what staffer led him down the wrong way on that —
BUT THIS is not a back peddle at all. This is a full speed forward peddle - and too bad for anyone so tightly wound they can’t understand and follow useful hyperbole to make a point. If you had heard the speeches as given - you would understand. That is, if you really want to understand...
It was more of a clarification.
American laws in American courts, not Shariah
Q: You recently said you would not appoint a Muslim to your Cabinet, expressing concern that “a lot of Muslims are not totally dedicated to this country.”
A: First, the statement was would I be COMFORTABLE with a Muslim in my administration, not that I wouldn’t appoint one. I would not be comfortable because you have peaceful Muslims and then you have militant Muslims, those that are trying to kill us. And so, when I said I wouldn’t be comfortable, I was thinking about the ones that are trying to kil us. Second, yes, I do not believe in Sharia law in American courts. I believe in American laws in American courts, period.
Q: So, a purity test or a loyalty test? Ask a Muslim a few questions that you wouldn’t ask of a Christian or Jew?
CAIN: Sorry. No, you are restating something I did not say, When you interview a person for a job, you are able to get a feeling for how committed that person is to the Constitution, in order for them to work effectively in the administration.
Source: 2011 GOP primary debate in Manchester NH , Jun 13, 2011
I am happy to be shown this was an obvious use of hyperbole. Based on what I had read yesterday, I had not picked up on that. I did not hear the speeches in question.
If it was indeed obvious hyperbole, then great....
.... But was it? Let’s hope so, but — for me, at least — the jury is still out.
I do so much want to see Cain make it, because, as I believe he at this point has the best opportunity of derailing Romney’s “anointing.”