Romney’s competition is NOT Mr. Cain. It is the “moderate” republicans TPaw & Huntsman. Cain’s competition will be Bachmann, Santorum and Palin (if she declares, which is unlikely). Gingrich is pretty much finished with his “right wing social engineering” comment.
Is Huntsman in?
I don’t think there is anyone running who can match Herman in public speaking or in a debate.
Cain has top notch Elite Establishment Credentials. The Fed doesn’t just appoint you Chairman of the Kansas City Fed without their approval. There are plenty of Republicans who look at things like resumes to make their decision, and “2 thumbs up” from the Fed is a very reassuring elite credential.
Cain has the elite resume, and most certainly can compete with Romney for the establishment Republican vote.
Cain is also targeting the Conservative vote with his language, but he has the resume that mainstream establishment Republicans can appreciate. The mainstream Republicans are having problems finding candidates who have appeal.