Herman Cain: Not Just Another Empty Suit

Seems that all America's Black Ladies' Clubs have banned together to "boycott Donald Trump until he admits that President Obama was born in the U.S." Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" television show, his casinos, office buildings, and hotels, have been put in economic peril by little gray-haired Black ladies.

The Little Ladies' boycott may be "on hold" since President Obama put out his long-form Birth Certificate. Basically Trump is blowing smoke to inflate his television and presidential poll ratings; but the theory that Obama is not a naturally-born citizen and consequently ineligible to serve as President continues to built in size and strength. Birthers' doubts about Obama go to the core of his signature appeal: his life as an example of "a multicultural ideal." The "Obama legitimacy question" and the Black Ladies' Clubs' "Hate on Trump" campaign is headed for overtime. Record say that Barack Sr. and Ann Dunham married in Wailuku, Maui, on Feb. 2, 1961; but many wonder whether it was a marriage in anything but name or whether there was a marriage at all.

Trump's legitimacy to be President of the United States is in question too. Trump talks more game than he's got. It's said in business circles that "The Donald" begged Forbes to list him as a billionaire, but – to no avail. Trump's claim to fame is more that of a celebrity than businessman. Father Fred Trump built the real estate empire, the rest is a play were the 65-year-old Donald John Trump portrays the role of a prominent American business magnate, author, and television personality. He is the Chairman and CEO of the Trump Organization, a US-based real estate development company. Trump is also the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts, which operates numerous casino and hotel properties across the world. Trump's extravagant lifestyle and outspoken manner have made him a celebrity for years most recently with his NBC reality show, The Apprentice (where he serves as host and executive producer). Most African-Americans ultimately don't take Donald Trump's presidential candidacy seriously. But, they should understand and accept the "he's not one of us" position and culture.

Bottom-line, the Little Ladies have a tiger by the tail. The "birther" issue is part of a definite and dedicated movement to make Barack Obama a one-term President. Trump's candidacy message may fall on deaf ears among African Americans, but Herman Cain represents the kind of "American success" bona fides the Little Ladies might like to hire in Obama's place. There is no question that Cain's "one of us. A 66-year-old successful businessman and radio talk show host, Cain is an "equal opportunity poster child." He a former chairman and CEO of Godfather's Pizza, former deputy chairman (1992–94) and chairman (1995–96) of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. A "Morehouse Man," Cain joined Pillsbury in 1977 and rose to vice president level. A successful company man, Cain took poor performing units and made them profitable. Pillsbury then appointed him President and CEO of Godfather's Pizza -- in 14 months Cain returned the company to profitability. In 1988, Cain and a group of investors bought Godfather's where Cain continued as CEO until 1996 when he resigned to become CEO of the National Restaurant Association where he had previously been chairman concurrently with his role at Godfather's.

A 2012 election campaign with Cain on the ticket would be the type of "hope and change" Americans thought they were getting in 2008. If Cain couples his candidacy with a focus on race issues, the tactic could put many Blacks on the Republicans' rolls in 2012. Cain's conservative credentials could enhance his taking a principled approach to the race issue; and could jeopardize Obama's and Democrats' ability to continue getting 95 percent Black voter support. Only such a candidacy as Cain can mount could get the millions of Little Ladies to see how issues of Black economic development and chronic unemployment are being overlooked at the expense of the symbolism of keeping Obama in office.   Herman Cain may be "the truth" in these matters.

 

William Reed is available for speaking/seminar projects via BaileyGroup.org.