November 9, 2011 9:43 PM

Herman Cain's nickname for Pelosi: "Princess Nancy"

By
Lucy Madison
Topics
Campaign 2012

Republican presidential candidate businessman Herman Cain speaks during a Republican Presidential Debate at Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Mich., Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011.

(Credit: AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Updated: 11:39 p.m. ET

In a move that immediately had the Twitter-sphere reeling in apparent disbelief, Herman Cain on Wednesday coined a new nickname for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi: "Princess Nancy."

Cain, speaking at CNBC's Republican presidential debate in Michigan, was referencing a Republican health reform plan that stalled in committee because "Princess Nancy sent it" there.

"The legislation has already been written," Cain said when asked to present an alternative to the Obama health reform bill. "H.R. 3000. In the previous Congress it was H.R. 3400. And what that does -- it has already been written." 

But, he said, "We didn't hear about it in the previous Congress because 'Princess Nancy' sent to it committee and it stayed there. It never came out."

Commenters on Twitter immediately jumped on Cain's use of the term "Princess" - particularly in light of the recent sexual harassment allegations with which the candidate has been charged.

"Cain calls Pelosi "Princess Nancy". Maybe not smartest for a guy trying to fight back against harassment allegations?" Tweeted The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza.

The New Yorker's Ryan Lizza added: "Princess Nancy"! That will be really helpful for Cain's reputation as someone who has utmost respect for women."

Meanwhile, the Huffington Post's Sam Stein wrote: "When you're accused of serial sexual harassment, you should probably stay away from calling the top dem official in the house "princess."

Someone by the Twitter handle of "Princess Pelosi" - who first Tweeted on November 4 - responded to Cain's remark with a sarcastic message: "I love when Herman Cain calls me a #princess it reminds me of my place #cnbcdebate #gopdebate #generalaxelrod".

According to the Washington Post, Cain said on CNBC later that he regretted the phrase.

"That was a statement that I probably shouldn't have made, but I was trying to make a point,"he said.

Cain wasn't the only candidate on the stage to invoke a facetious nickname: Michele Bachmann referred to Obama adviser David Axelrod as "General Axelrod," a moniker she has used several times in recent weeks.

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Add a Comment See all 91 Comments
by Megapril November 12, 2011 8:36 PM EST
I think Cain was just being polite, for anyone with a brain knows that Pelosi thinks of herself as queen... That woman is one of the most horrible people in all of politics. She was in full support of obamacare, yet handed out exemptions to it for all of her favored constituents (ie: Top Donors). I'm disgusted every time I have to hear something that comes out of her warped, botoxed mouth, she does not give a rat's behind about the people she represents and the people told her that when they knocked her down a notch during the last elections, and the people will knock all of her kind, including Obama, and Reid, down and out come November 2012.
Reply to this comment
by winemaster2 November 12, 2011 7:28 PM EST
No doubt Princess Nancy for grandma Pelosi, the politician with all that stupid fanfare may be just right, but Cain is Mabma Cain. Mamba is a Central African slithery and slimy snake and Cain personalty fits the description. In fact all these politicians should have nick name. Mitch McConnell is definitely Dracula, Kerry the Lurch, Orin Hatch the Mormon with his tight angle pant looks like a cut down pine tree. Bachmann is the ding bat, Palin the Mata hari, Jan Brewer of AZ ugly hag, Perry 2.5 cowpoke, Santorum is Mr. Scrotum. Newt is Callista's sugar daddy. Romney Mr. Angle pants.
Reply to this comment
by AvocadoAnnie November 12, 2011 10:07 AM EST
Cain coined a new nickname? People have been referring to her as "Princess Pelosi" for years.
Reply to this comment
by rpgormley November 11, 2011 3:14 PM EST
My respect for Herman Cain has just moved up a notch. Thanks CBS for pointing this out!
Reply to this comment
by rexreddy November 11, 2011 1:38 PM EST
That is a far more dignified moniker for her than 55% of Americans would coin if asked to do so. Not only does Cain indeed have respect for women; he has respect for her kind as well!
The mark of a true gentleman.
Reply to this comment
by Estrien November 11, 2011 2:50 PM EST
I have no respect for anyone that would say this.
"For starters, do you think it's right that Boeing has to close down that plant in South Carolina because it's non-union?"

Pelosi's response? "Yes."
by Adakin_Valorem November 11, 2011 8:00 AM EST
So CBS News, How about reporting on what H.R.-3000 says? If Princess Nancy locked the bill up in committee, why?
Reply to this comment
by actornaught November 11, 2011 1:36 PM EST
You missed the point. Why?
by mcrunch2 November 10, 2011 10:13 PM EST
princess? hah. most people just say witch but he was being nice.
Reply to this comment
by tsigili November 10, 2011 5:02 PM EST
That wasn't nearly as nasty as Democrats calling republicans names......which I hear and see in the news daily......especially on MSNBC!
Reply to this comment
by Magritte08 November 10, 2011 3:03 PM EST
Gosh I hope this cartoon character doesn't quit anytime soon! He provides such great entertainment and his crazy narcissism is so out-of-control it is astounding!
Reply to this comment
by thechooch1 November 10, 2011 2:24 PM EST
This remark continues to show his disdain for women, like the ones he harassed.
Reply to this comment
by Estrien November 11, 2011 2:49 PM EST
Well,If you take those claims at face value.Then you must also believe Larry Sinclair's claim about Obama.
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