GOP presidential hopeful Cain energizes crowd of 'patriots'

montgomeryadvertiser.com
Written by
Sebastian Kitchen
12:58 AM, Oct. 29, 2011

Hundreds of people arrived early to see presidential candidate Herman Cain in downtown Montgomery on Friday and cheered loudest when the former business executive talked about taking on illegal immigration and "Obamacare," and his support for Israel.

Cain, the former Godfather's Pizza CEO who is from Atlanta, vowed to repeal the health care plan pushed by President Barack Obama and passed by Congress during his remarks at a packed Alabama Activity Center.

He said illegal immigration was one of several crises, including the economy, the nation's spending, energy, foreign policy and morals.

But the biggest crisis, Cain said, is a "severe deficiency in leadership in the White House."

"I don't agree with the Justice Department suing Alabama and Arizona," Cain said of the U.S. Department of Justice trying to stop immigration laws passed in those states.

Cain, who has surged into the top tier of candidates with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, said states have had to act because the federal government hasn't.

Cain also criticized Obama for announcing the complete troop withdrawal from Iraq.

"He told the enemy what he was going to do," he said.

Cain also touted his 9-9-9 Plan, which would throw out the current tax code and replace it with a 9 percent flat tax on businesses and individuals and a 9 percent national sales tax.

He said his opponents in the Republican primary have come up with plans that are tied to the current tax code.

The candidate said his plan is simple, transparent and fair.

Cain said he plans to announce his energy plan "in a couple of weeks." He said the nation can be energy independent, but there needs to be an "attitude adjustment at the EPA."

The candidate said President John F. Kennedy was a "great leader" and that the nation "will" have someone walk on the moon. Now, Cain said, President Obama has cut the space program and the nation will "have to thumb a ride with the Russians." He vowed the U.S. would be a leader in that industry again.

Cain also said he was optimistic that the nation could be turned around and said he has spent his life turning things around.

"The good news is we can take this nation back," he said.

Cain, who appeals to those in the tea party movement, spoke at a rally hosted by conservative talk radio show host Dan Morris, who can be heard on 107.9 FM.

The energized crowd roared when Morris introduced Cain as "the next president of the United States."

People held signs reading "No Cain No Gain," "HurriCain," and "Rock You Like a Herman Cain." They began arriving early for the 5:30 p.m. event.

Cain arrived in his bus more than an hour later with some people waiting for him outside the Alabama Activity Center in the drizzling rain. After entering to the Scorpions' "Rock You Like a Hurricane," he talked for almost 30 minutes.

Earlier in the day, Cain stopped at Alabama Republican Party headquarters to pay the $10,000 fee and submit his paperwork to be on the ballot in Alabama. He had several other stops in Alabama on Friday and has stops in Tuscaloosa, where he will participate in a straw poll, Birmingham, and Huntsville today.

In Montgomery, Cain spoke of his support for the Second Amendment and people's right to protect themselves, their family and their property.

He said some people have accused him of having no foreign policy experience.

"And the guy there does?" he asked the crowd of Obama.

Cain said his philosophy on foreign policy is similar to President Ronald Reagan -- "peace through strength." He said he has foreign policy common sense.

"My job is to listen to the people who know more than I do," he said.

Cain urged people to stay informed, stay involved, and stay inspired.

"Stupid people are ruining America," he said.

Cain said people have called those in the tea party everything but patriots.

"You are here because you are patriots," Cain told the crowd.

Several public officials were at the event, including Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker, state Sen. Bryan Taylor of Prattville, Montgomery County Probate Judge Reese McKinney, and state Reps. Jay Love of Montgomery and Barry Mask of Wetumpka.

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