Raynard Jackson: Cain Was Not Able

by Raynard Jackson

Former presidential candidate, Herman Cain, proved that despite a load of God given talent, he was unable to be a serious contender for the highest office in the land. 

In the immortal words of former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, “to every man there comes a time when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and mighty work; unique to him and fitted to his talents; what a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the moment that could be his finest hour.”

Cain, by far, was the best candidate in the Republican field in terms of oratorical skills and ability to connect with an audience.  But, like Sarah Palin, he refused to take the necessary time to study the issues so he could articulate thoughtful answers to basic questions one would expect a presidential candidate to speak upon.

Cain had the innate abilities to be considered a legitimate candidate, but was not able to understand what would be required of him to be successful.  He had been planning his presidential run for more than two years.  But, when he received his tap on the shoulder, he decided to engage in buffoonery; as opposed to studying to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). 

I literally cringed when he spoke at the National Press Club and a white person asked him to sing—and he obliged; during another speech, he went into this tirade about the Koch brothers being his “brother from another mother.”  The Koch brothers are 2 white billionaires who he considers a friend.  These examples evoked the worst of all stereotypes about Blacks—that they are there for the amusement of their white audiences.  I don’t think this was intentional on Cain’s part, but this is what happens when one tries too hard to please a narrow part of the electorate.

Cain is a very likable person with a very intoxicating personality.  In some ways he reminds me of former president, Bill Clinton.  Cain (nor Clinton) ever met a stranger.  When you meet Cain, he makes you feel like an instant friend.

If you could merge Cain’s personality and style with Newt Gingrich’s command of policy, Obama would be toast!

Cain reminds me of a professional athlete that everyone concedes has the talent to be the best in his sport, but refuses to practice to be the best (LeBron James).  This athlete could win the ultimate prize of his sport, but just won’t dedicate himself to fully exploiting his God given talent.

This is why I am so disappointed in Cain.  I would not have had a problem if Cain was defeated by his opponents, but I do have a problem with him losing because he was unprepared.

Cain was tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and might work, unique to him and fitted to his talents.  I find it very tragic that he was found unprepared for the moment that could have been his finest hour.

The media did not destroy Cain’s campaign, nor the women who made unsubstantiated allegations.  What destroyed Cain’s campaign was the man in the mirror. 

When Cain was tapped on the shoulder, he was found totally unprepared and proved to the world that Cain was truly not able.

Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm.  He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (www.excellstyle.com), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (www.freedomsjournal.net), and U.S. Africa Magazine (www.usafricaonline.com).