Herman Cain: Debate boosted interest in my 2012 bid

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Republicans ,; Campaign 2012

Former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain, the long shot GOP presidential candidate who wowed a Fox News focus group with his performance at last night's debate, told CBS News following the debate that "a lot of people are now saying, 'hmm, who is this Herman Cain guy?'"

Cain's claim that people are wondering about him appear to be true: His name has been among the top Google trends since the debate took place.

Herman Cain makes splash at first 2012 GOP debate

CBS News Political Correspondent Jan Crawford asked Cain if he was really in the race to win in light of the perception that he does not have a chance to win the GOP nomination. Cain pointed to his experience with Godfather's Pizza, which he said was on the verge of bankruptcy when he took it over in 1986.

"I take a look at a situation not thinking and listening to the analysts who are saying that it can't be done, I take a look at a situation...[and say] what can we do," he said. "And if we do these things, what's our probability for success. So I find it rather amusing that the analysts continue to say I'm such a long shot. That doesn't discourage me."

"I hope they continue to call me a long shot until I take the oath of office in the White House," he added, smiling.

Cain also discussed his immigration plan in his interview with Crawford and talked about how he believes his ability to break down the issue resonates with people. Watch the full interview above.

At first GOP debate, substance and Obama bashing

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
Follow on Twitter »

35 Comments +

Add a Comment

See all 35 Comments


by WeHappyFew May 7, 2011 10:21 AM EDT: Please arrange these words into a well known phrase or saying,

GUY, TOKEN, BLACK.

They guy could walk on water, cure the sick, and find an as yet undiscovered stash of bullion valued at $15 trillion. Republicans will not vote for him .; Reply to this comment

by simpleconservative May 7, 2011 1:36 AM EDT

Long shots work out well for a good marksman. Cain has a legitimate chance to succeed if America learns more about him. In addition he is Obama's worst nightmare. What would the President and his fellow Democrats do without the "Race card" in the deck?

Reply to this comment


by user000049586849302948603 May 7, 2011 4:06 AM EDT: Come on. Rank and file Republicons are NOT turning out to vote for anyone any darker than Wonder Bread. Southern Republicons might get confused and spontaneously lynch him.


by tonyatq May 7, 2011 9:16 AM EDT: He doesn't have a snow balls chance in Hell at the GOP nomination.

by bradkt1 May 6, 2011 9:30 PM EDT

When your most impressive candidate (of the ones present at this cattle call) is Herman Cain, the Republicans should be very, very worried. Pawlenty isn't catching on with anyone and has the charisma of a rag doll. Bachmann is a joke.

The rest don't even rate a mention. Granted, Romney and Newt didn't show, but this is not an encouraging sign for the GOP. The right wants anyone but Romney and the rest of the GOP wants anyone but Newt. "None of the above" leads all candidates. Huckaby (a Southern regional conservative candidate with high name recognition) won't run and everyone knows that Palin will energize the far right, chase the moderates and independents over to the Democrats and lead the GOP off of a cliff.

GOP politicians are running as fast as they can away from the much-ballyhooed Medicare reform offered by Congressman Ryan.

Nobody is getting any traction with the public yet. It's still early, but this can't be encouraging for the GOP. President Obama is vulnerable on the economy, but so far, the GOP hasn't been able to take advantage of this fact or put forth a candidate that excites the public.

Reply to this comment


by democracy5 May 7, 2011 1:55 PM EDT: 100% SPOT ON!


by 1pheasant1 May 6, 2011 8:09 PM EDT: by reluctantzealot May 6, 2011 5:52 PM EDT "
There's a terrorist element out there that I would not hire," Cain said. "I'm not going to hire Jihadists and I'm not going to hire Muslim terrorists." But, Cain said he would hire other, non-extreme Muslims if he were assured, "they would put the Constitution of the United States of America first."

=====================

Sarah will never get a cabinet position with Herman at the helm.; Reply to this comment


by 1pheasant1 May 6, 2011 8:01 PM EDT: He will be the only one out of the five hopefuls that the GOP will demand a birth certificate!; Reply to this comment

by livinlikerome May 6, 2011 7:49 PM EDT

Cain has it right...business is what creates jobs...without the private sector wealth creation there can be no Public Sector folly funding!

Reply to this comment


by catmomtx May 6, 2011 11:57 PM EDT: Then what are they waiting for? Businesses are sitting on record profits but continue to beg. When is it time for them to show some loyalty to the people in this country whose tax dollars are going to provide them with tax breaks and incentives?


by democracy5 May 7, 2011 1:15 PM EDT: Spending by the middle class is what TRULY creates jobs! If businesses don't have customers, they have no profit. If they have no profit, they won't hire.

Basic common sense that it's in businesses' best interest to keep the middle class reasonably employed. But noooooo, they'd rather lay off the average Joe and pay the upper management obscene salaries and bonuses. Sheer, short-sighted stupidity!!!

by HAZELET May 6, 2011 7:19 PM EDT

You posters are sooooooooo entertaining. I'll be back when u grow up.

Reply to this comment


by 1pheasant1 May 6, 2011 8:16 PM EDT: Don't go! Mr. B and Missy need help with Sport, and Smiley just made a boo-boo.

by meboard May 6, 2011 3:54 PM EDT

Pizza Hutt is better than Godfather's Pizza...

Reply to this comment


by user000049586849302948603 May 6, 2011 4:58 PM EDT: My state has two Godfather's Pizzas and they're both on military bases (i.e. lowest bidder contracts.)

by user000049586849302948603 May 6, 2011 3:40 PM EDT

by DJisBack May 6, 2011 2:31 PM EDT
User, why are you such a racist? Why? Do you honestly think anyone believes you? Don't call anyone a racist again

__________________________________________________________________

I guess only time will tell. If Republicons get confused and lynch Cain then we'll know.

Reply to this comment


by meboard May 6, 2011 3:52 PM EDT: Or DJonCrack will...? (Fill in the blank.)


by HAZELET May 6, 2011 4:36 PM EDT: Oh you are on a roll today. U get paid to do this? Hope not.


by user000049586849302948603 May 6, 2011 3:30 PM EDT: Southern Republicans are confused, wondering whether those forwarding Cain's name want him nominated or lynched.; Reply to this comment