The end of Herman Cain?

Megan Covington
School of Engineering
Class of 2014 

Two months ago Herman Cain was on the rise, making a quick leap to number two in the polls and leading many to speculate that the nomination would largely be a showdown between the former pizza CEO and front-runner Mitt Romney. With primary season approaching, Cain has lost his momentum, his reputation, and much of his support.  Cain told campaign staff via conference call this morning that he was “reassessing” his presidential campaign.

The largest blow to his presidential run is the string of sexual allegations brought against Cain, including 4 accusations of sexual assault and misconduct beginning last month and yesterday’s claim by Ginger White of a 13-year long affair.  Cain has denied the allegations, even boasting that he would be willing to take – if he had to –  a lie detector test, but as one accusation turned into five, Cain has become harder to believe.  Understandably, he has fallen sharply out of favor with female voters in particular.  Candidates have suffered from accusations of sexual misconduct before, but perhaps none have been as believable and extensive as those against Cain.

But the sexual scandal is hardly the only controversy surrounding Herman Cain.  A series of gaffes during speeches and interviews – - have left many doubting his ability to make informed decisions while in office or to even handle the stress that comes with being leader of the free world.  If at this point in the race he can’t handle telling Libya apart from Pakistan when it comes to foreign policy or bother knowing anything about “Ubeki-Beki-Beki-Stan-Stan” then he seems grossly incompetent to be president – and that’s without considering his use of Donna Summer lyrics.

And in recent weeks Herman Cain’s decline has made way for Newt Gingrich, who now holds the spot as Romney alternative for the Republicans.  Gingrich is no stranger to personal scandal, and baggage from being former Speaker of the House  seems like the biggest obstacle holding him back.  If Cain does announce an end to his presidential bid, Gingrich stands to gain the most, especially with Rick Perry’s disappointing debate performances and poll numbers.

Even if Cain doesn’t drop out of the race just yet, his chances of being the Republican presidential nominee look decidedly slim.

View article: Cain Reassessing Candidacy Amid New Allegations
Photo courtesy: CNN