Cain, Now Running as Outsider, Came to Washington as Lobbyist

[highplainsdem]

Source: NY Times

WASHINGTON — Herman Cain, the Republican presidential candidate with the sharp wit and easy-to-remember tax plan, is a cancer survivor, radio host and former chief executive of Godfather’s Pizza. On the campaign trail, he talks up his business experience, casting himself as a “problem solver” and Washington outsider.

But the role that helped propel Mr. Cain into politics was that of an ultimate Washington insider: industry lobbyist.

From 1996, when he left the pizza company, until 1999, Mr. Cain ran the National Restaurant Association, a once-sleepy trade group that he transformed into a lobbying powerhouse. He allied himself closely with cigarette makers fighting restaurant smoking bans, spoke out against lowering blood-alcohol limits as a way to prevent drunken driving, fought an increase in the minimum wage and opposed a patients’ bill of rights — all in keeping with the interests of the industry he represented.

It was a role that gave him an intimate view of the way Washington works, putting him in close proximity to Republican leaders at the time, including Newt Gingrich, now one of his presidential rivals, and John A. Boehner, now speaker of the House. And it helped Mr. Cain lay the groundwork for the next chapter in his life, his entry into electoral politics, beginning with a short-lived bid for the White House in 2000.

-snip-



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/us/politics/herman-cain-running-as-outsider-came-to-washington-as-lobbyist.html

[Little Tich]

1. I think the article is too positive.

When I watch him on TV, I get a definite feeling that his grasp on politics is less than perfect, and that he refuses to listen to what others have to say. Catchy names for his plans like the 9-9-9 tax overhaul won't make them less unfeasible. I think however, that we don't have to worry about him actually winning the Republican Presidential nomination.

[truthisfreedom]

2. The rethugs only allow Cain into the fray for one reason.

It doesn't even need mentioning.

[gratuitous]

4. They like bad pizza?

Or is there something else, like the way the Republicans figured that by putting up Sarah Palin they might pick up some disappointed Hillary Clinton voters?

Interesting stuff about Mr. Cain post-CEO days. I wonder if anyone will ask him about lobbying for smoking in restaurants?

[alp227]

3. what else do you expect from a former corporate CEO?

Romney, who most predict will be the nominee, can't really win on running as an everyman given his background as an elite business executive. Wall Street and Big Business have poured so much cash into the political process (especially thanks to the Citizens United decision) that you can't win office running as the Average Joe/Jane...you need the backing of the 1%!