Analysis: Cain held his own, but answers didn't show depth
Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, speaks at the CBS News/National Journal foreign policy debate, Nov. 12, 2011 in Spartanburg, S.C.
/ AP Photo/Richard ShiroNot referencing his 9-9-9 signature tax plan once in the foreign policy debate, Herman Cain may have had the most to lose in tonight's CBS News/National Journal Commander-in-Chief Debate tonight in South Carolina. But for the most part he held his own, did not commit any major gaffes, though he often gave answers that lacked a depth of knowledge or a conviction of policy.
Though standing on stage with the former ambassador to China, the Atlanta businessman who sits atop the most recent CBS News poll of Republican voters, got the first question out the gate, how to handle the growing nuclear threat from Iran.
Cain said that having an American policy of energy independence would put pressure on Iran by changing world oil prices.
"The only way you can stop them is through economic means," he said.
When co-host Major Garrett of National Journal asked Cain if he would support using the military to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon, he said no. But then said the U.S. should move some of its Aegis class warships into the region.
"We have the biggest fleet of those warships in the world, and we could use them strategically in the event that they were able to fire a ballistic missile," he said.
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Later Cain was asked if he thought Pakistan was a friend of a foe.
"We don't know," he said to laughter. "There isn't a clear answer as to whether or not Pakistan is a friend or foe. That relationship must be reevaluated," he said.
Often though, Cain responded to pointed policy questions by saying he would rely on his own experts and military leaders for the answers.
At one point, CBS News' Scott Pelley asked Cain when he would know to overrule his generals? (at left)"The approach to making a critical decision, first make sure that you surround yourself with the right people. And I feel that I'll be able to make that assessment when we put together the cabinet and all of the people from the military, et cetera," he said.
"But ultimately it's up to the commander-in-chief to make that decision," he added.
Later, he was asked about use of enhanced interrogation techniques against terrorist suspects, he answered again saying he'd rely on military leaders.
"I believe that -- following the procedures that have been established by our military. I do not agree with torture. Period. However, I would trust the judgment of our military leaders to determine what is torture and what is not torture. That is the critical consideration," he said. (at left)When asked specifically if waterboarding was torture, Cain said it wasn't and that he would employ it as part of U.S. policy
"I don't see it as torture. I see it as an enhanced interrogation technique," he said.
Going into the debate, many eyes were on Cain because of not only the recent allegations of sexual harassment against him, but also because foreign policy is one of his weaker subjects as his business, non-politician resume, doesn't provide him with any experience in the field.
Some reactions were not overly strong. "Wobbly night for Cain. Every answer one inch deep at best," wrote veteran Republican consultant Mike Murphy in a tweet. Former Bush Administration Press Secretary Ari Fleischer put it this way on Twitter: "Cain not so good 2nite."
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To make it understandable for you on the Left:
Hermain Cain is the Captain
Newt is the Professor
Rick Perry is Gilligan
Princess Nancy is Mrs. Howel
Huntsman is Mr. Howel
Bachman is Mary Ann
And
Obama is Ginger
BTW, I am female....and we don't lie!
I think your slogan is probably written on a full-length mirror in your room.
For this voter, the 9-9-9 plan doesn't wash, the foreign policy is lacking, the candidate's attitude is not one I like, and I cannot support his candidacy.
National Security is next......and I fully expect that to be even less impressive, on the part of Cain.
He was completely ignorant of all U.S. policy, and was consistently on the opposite side of President Bush - until he arrived in the White House.
Obama was clueless then, and still is.
Lets focus on our current president who has created NO JOBS!!!! He inherited 5% unemployment from Bush, and now they're tell us that 9% is the new normal, and this is the guy you want to support?????
His only energy plan is to provide hundreds of millions of dollars to solar panel companies that then file bankruptcy and walk away with our money. While at the same time his people at the EPA and Interior Dept stop all coal and oil production and exploration.
That same oil and coal that CURRENTLY powers our cars and homes, respectively.
Obama backs OWS which is nothing more than class warfare/envy, that's his plan for economic growth, tax the rich. Even if you confiscated every penny of our country's millionaires and billionaires it wouldn't cover the defecit in his proposed budget.
How is it not obvious to you people that The Emperor has NO Clothes!!!
Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." —Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2004