October 19, 2011 11:53 PM

Cain regrets no-Muslims-in-Cabinet remark

By
Lindsey Boerma
Topics
Campaign 2012

Herman Cain walked back comments on Muslims and an electrified border fence in television appearances Wednesday - and the Republican presidential contender named names when it came to whom he admires and doesn't among his rivals.

In an interview on CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight, Cain expressed regret for saying earlier this year that he would not appoint Muslims to his Cabinet.

"This is an example of where I spoke too quick, because I'm thinking about extremists, not all Muslims," Cain said. "I do recognize there are peaceful Muslims and there are extremists. At the moment that I was asked that question, I wasn't thinking about peaceful Muslims."

Appearing later on Fox News's On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Cain defended but softened his statement at a weekend rally in Tennessee that his border security plan would include an "electrocuted--electrified fence" with a sign that greeted violators: "It will kill you."

"I did it more in jest," he told Van Susteren, but added that his "real solution" would include a fence that's part technology and part boots on the ground.

Morgan asked Cain which of his fellow presidential candidates he most admired.

"I would say that Speaker [Newt] Gingrich and Gov. [Mitt] Romney are the two that I have the greatest amount of respect for, that I would feel comfortable with if I did not get it," Cain said, adding, "But I'm looking pretty good right now. But I have a lot of confidence in the type of job they would do." Pressed on who among his rivals he does not respect, Cain told Morgan: "I don't believe Rep. Ron Paul would be a good president."

Special Section: Campaign 2012

  • Lindsey Boerma

    Lindsey Boerma covers the 2012 presidential campaign for CBS News and National Journal.

Add a Comment See all 20 Comments
by Oblablah October 20, 2011 3:47 PM EDT
Thats too bad Cain- you should not trust Muslims and with good reason. Wish you would not have backed off to the PC left wingers that are the problem with this country.

But then again you are not looked at as really Black either because you are a Republican- so says the brain washed Dems- which again is a very true and valid statement on your part. At least you have ideas and are not afraid to express them- 999 is a lot better then 000 which is what the other candidates have given us as a plan for the economy.
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by myth1958 October 20, 2011 10:32 AM EDT
Boerma takes a break from the stalled-but-noble Huntsman campaign to give us yet another reason Herm Cain is going back to shucking pizzas after the primaries. His ridiculous posturing on the 'killer fence' whirls electrically back and forth as if hovering around an issue could decide it. The big-laughs winner today, however, is his tepid retraction of his pledge to take 'no muslims into his cabinet' in the unlikely event he should win the election. He'd have time better spent working on a new promotion for Godfather's Pizzas - but even they must be getting tired of the negative publicity this under-educated politician brings to the table. Domino's got any openings?
Reply to this comment
by Goofer-Buddy October 20, 2011 10:15 AM EDT
Political Requirement for Modern Cabinet:

1) Illegal Mexican
2) Open Homosexual
3) Muslim
4) Several woman
5) Southern Sheriff
6) Tax Evader
7) Occupy Wall street protester
8) Wounded soldier
9) Gun-walker Salesman
10) Solyndra X employee
11) Retired Government worker with triple dip pension

I know Obama already has filled some cabinet seats with the above requirements, but he still has a little ways to go.
Reply to this comment
by Progress4USA October 20, 2011 10:19 AM EDT
I didn't know it was illegal to be a Mexican. Go figure...?
by Progress4USA October 20, 2011 9:54 AM EDT
Herman...you wont need to worry your little head about Muslims in your cabinet. I grantee it... You won't need to worry about ANYONE in your cabinet!!!!!
Reply to this comment
by Progress4USA October 20, 2011 9:17 AM EDT
by Goofer-Buddy October 20, 2011 9:09 AM EDT
Yes, but this country may need a loose cannon, with lots of ammunition.
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A loose cannon with a nuclear arsenal...interesting. America, what do you think; do we need a loose cannon in charge of our ICBMs????? Thoughts anyone?????
Reply to this comment
by starving1968-3 October 20, 2011 9:46 AM EDT
We had a "loose cannon" with "lots of ammunition" in George Bush.

The end result is 4,600 dead Americans in Iraq, trillions spent "ousting a dictator", and a corrupt "democratic" government to replace the corrupt "dictatorial" government.
by Goofer-Buddy October 20, 2011 9:56 AM EDT
I guess I should just comment on how stupid we really are. If we released 1/20th of our nuclear arsenal it would end the world 10 times over.... Our historic mentality is the stuff of comic books.
by Lindag10 October 20, 2011 9:07 AM EDT
This dude is a loose cannon. I can't keep up with his position on the border fence. Serious, joke, serious, high tech, etc. what is his REAL position? He comes across as a big phony.
Reply to this comment
by Goofer-Buddy October 20, 2011 9:09 AM EDT
Yes, but this country may need a loose cannon, with lots of ammunition.
by Skruffy1 October 20, 2011 8:50 AM EDT
Cain apparently says a lot of things he later has to walk back. ABC is running a story "Is Herman Cain Pro-Choice?", in which he is quoted saying "no abortions ever for any reason" but then he says "it's not government's role to make that decision". Does he think that talking out of both sides of his mouth is going to garner support? Of whom? I happen to agree strongly with his latter view, but I sure as hell wouldn't vote for him.
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by Oblablah October 20, 2011 3:48 PM EDT
Hmm sounds like a Politician? Obama sure stuck to his guns and his word
by Progress4USA October 20, 2011 8:43 AM EDT
"This is an example of where I spoke too quick, because I'm thinking about extremists, not all Muslims," Cain said.
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Wow...that really begs the question: Does his exclusion of "extremists" now include Southern Baptists?????
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by Goofer-Buddy October 20, 2011 8:41 AM EDT
Herman, It's ok to slip up once in a while. Remember we are at war with Muslim Terrorist, not Muslims. Our soldiers in the field of battle cannot tell the difference until they strike. You won't be able to either. Your just taking your chances. That's all.
Reply to this comment
by Lawyers-Guns-n-Money06 October 20, 2011 8:41 AM EDT
"I don't believe Rep. Ron Paul would be a good president."
=====================================

RR's 11th commandment -- "Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican."
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