Is Cain's 9-9-9 Plan Over After Withdrawing His Candidacy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Herman Cain's withdrawal from the presidential candidacy and its implications for his proposed 9-9-9 tax plan. Participants explore the significance of the term "suspend" in the context of his campaign, as well as broader critiques of Cain's qualifications and the media's role in his candidacy.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about Cain's qualifications for presidency, suggesting he was unfit for the role.
  • There is a question about the meaning of "suspend" in relation to his campaign, with some wondering if it is merely a euphemism for quitting or if it has deeper implications regarding campaign funds.
  • Concerns are raised about the 9-9-9 plan, including its potential impact on fixed incomes and the contradiction in claims about revenue neutrality.
  • Critiques mention Cain's lack of substantial foreign policy proposals and vague responses to related questions.
  • Some participants speculate about the media's influence on Cain's rise and fall, suggesting he was used as a temporary figure in the political landscape.
  • There are comments on the moral implications of Cain's personal life and how it affects public perception.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express disagreement on the effectiveness and viability of Cain's candidacy and policies, with multiple competing views on his qualifications and the implications of his withdrawal. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the significance of "suspend" and the future of his 9-9-9 plan.

Contextual Notes

Some points raised involve assumptions about the political landscape and the motivations behind campaign strategies, which remain unexamined and unresolved in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in political strategy, campaign dynamics, and the implications of tax policy proposals may find this discussion relevant.

Jimmy Snyder
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I guess this turns his whole 9-9-9 thing upside down.

Cain says he is not able.
 
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I have been trying to think of all the reasons why I would NEVER have voted for Cain for President had he become the Republican nominee. The first, most important reason is that he seemed to be totally and absolutely unqualified.
 
Would anybody like to (attempt to) explain the use of "suspend" here? Is it just a euphemism for "quit" or is there some deeper significance? (My cynical little mind wonders if the deeper significance has something to do with who gets to keep any unspent campaign funds...)
 
AlephZero said:
Would anybody like to (attempt to) explain the use of "suspend" here? Is it just a euphemism for "quit" or is there some deeper significance? (My cynical little mind wonders if the deeper significance has something to do with who gets to keep any unspent campaign funds...)

There are indeed some ramifications (like the ability to continue to fund raise, or to jump back in at a later date):
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/03/9193461-what-suspending-a-campaign-means

Based on that explanation, I'd bet the majority of candidates "suspend" even when they quit.
 
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Jimmy Snyder said:
I guess this turns his whole 9-9-9 thing upside down.

Cain says he is not able.

If it's upside down does tht make it 666?
 
Jimmy Snyder said:
I guess this turns his whole 9-9-9 thing upside down.

Cain says he is not able.
:smile: Nice turn of phrase ... as usual for you. Cain's "9-9-9 thing" was prima facie ridiculous anyway. Another clueless (or careless) candidate bites the dust.
 
ThomasT said:
Nice turn of phrase.
Thanks. One good turn deserves another.
 
Seriously, being a Presidential nominee seems to be the curse of philanderers and adulterers. If you plan to be one, be clean in your relationships.
 
Cain never had a real chance to win. He was simply created and destroyed by the media to make for good headlines. He was a buffer zone in between the faltering Rick Perry, and Newt Gingrich who would eventually become the "anti-Romney". Those who really thought his instant surge from 8% to 25% overnight was anything of substance should have seen this coming.

Not only was he unelectable (and to add to the list, he is pro-choice in a party that is staunchly pro-life), but he's someone that any sane human being would not want to elect.

Cain was "the outsider":
1. You're only an outsider until you're on the inside.
2. The most corrupt of insiders started with an "outsider" campaign.
3. Managing a fourth-rate pizza joint =/= managing a country.
4. Insiders may have made mistakes, but mistakes are lessons that better you. Cain would be coming in the presidency blind.

Cain's allegations of adultery prove:
1. He is either beyond the threshold of any moral values voter.
2. Or, he is very bad at handling the press.

Cain's 999 plan:
1. Would impose a sales tax (9%) on fixed incomes: retiring seniors, injured veterans, mentally/physically disabled.
2. He simultaneously claims that his sales tax would raise high revenue and that it could be avoided by buying used items at the same time.
3. He claims the plan is revenue nuetral but wants to exempt the 9% income tax for poor areas, which would result in less revenue.

Foreign policy:
1. He has not given specific solutions or ideas to our foreign policy problems.
2. He has given laconic and vague responses to all foreign policy questions.
3.
 
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  • #10
jduster, thanks for you comments about Cain. You raise really important points that I mostly agree with.

IMHO, many of these same issues will apply to Newt Gingrich soon. Then both he and Cain will remain in the shadows, out of our sight, and in the dustbin of history.
 
  • #11
AlephZero said:
Would anybody like to (attempt to) explain the use of "suspend" here? Is it just a euphemism for "quit" or is there some deeper significance? (My cynical little mind wonders if the deeper significance has something to do with who gets to keep any unspent campaign funds...)

It's likely just a way of avoiding Ross Perot syndrome.
 
  • #12
who's Cain?
 

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