The Politician and the Person

Forget his complete lack of understanding of foreign policy, his many ignorant comments, and the fact that he has little political experience. After, almost a month of being the front runner, Herman Cain is only now being pressured to step out of the race. 

Herman Cain’s alleged 13 year affair is what is causing some to rethink their view on Cain? An affair should be the least of anyone’s worries. How Herman Cain even became the front runner is what baffles me. 

 

When I think of a politician or a presidential candidate, I want to support them or oppose them based upon whether their political views and stance on topics is similar to my positions and whether or not they have actually done anything noteworthy as a politician. I also factor in whether or not they seem capable of achieving what they want to achieve. 

Throughout his campaign Herman Cain seemed to speak before going over in his head what he wanted to say. Herman Cain hasn’t seemed to take this campaign seriously, making a plethora of inappropriate jokes. Talking about an electric fence on the border, claiming democrats are brainwashing blacks, and much more. 

Why Herman Cain was ever a serious contender in the race for the republican nomination still surpasses my understanding. 

In my opinion there are two parts to a politician; the politician and the person. The politician is who we vote for; their views and policy positions. The other half of the politician is the person, their personal life and what they do outside of politics. It is possible to like the politician but find the person irresponsible and unethical. One example would be Bill Clinton. Although, I like him as a politician, he would not exactly be the kind of guy I would want to be friends with. Many always said the opposite for George W Bush. He’s the kind of guy everyone wants to be friends with but they don’t necessarily want him as a politician.  

It should not matter that Herman Cain had a 13 year affair with someone. If he wants to ruin his personal life, that is his own prerogative. When choosing a presidential candidate we are not voting for the candidate we think is the best person, we are voting for the best politician. 

Herman Cain’s run for presidency should have been questioned long before the affair allegations, and even before the sexual harassment allegations. 

Now, my question is, will this turn into another John Edwards situation? Four years ago during the 2008 run for president John Edwards was found to have had an affair leading to investigation of how his campaign funds were spent. The biggest question was if he in fact was using campaign funds to cover up the affair. Now with everything that has happened with Herman Cain and all of the allegations that keep popping up out of the blue, you never know.