Anyone but Obama

[babylonsister]

http://prospect.org/cs/articles?article=anyone_but_obama

Anyone but Obama

The social conservatives at this weekend’s Values Voter Summit may want a “true conservative,” but there’s one thing they want more than that.

Jamelle Bouie | October 10, 2011


Christian conservatives—at least, as represented by the 3,000 or so attendees of this year’s Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C.—are determined to make Barack Obama a one-term president. “My motto for next year is ‘anyone but Obama,’” says Ellen Elmore, an attendee from Missouri. Who that anyone is, however, still matters, she says. “We want a real conservative—we don’t want another John McCain.”

snip//


Cain’s speech Friday afternoon was a barnstormer. His loudest applause, a standing ovation, came when he noted his upbringing under Jim Crow, but he told the crowd that he’s never been upset with the treatment of blacks in America. “I have achieved all of my American dreams and then some, because of the great nation, United States of America,” Cain said. “What’s there to be angry about?” he asked.

Post-speech, audience reactions were effusive. “The guy was fabulous,” said one attendee, “Does the term ‘home run’ ring a bell?”

Of course, even with his popularity among some Republicans, Cain is a long shot for the GOP nomination—his organization in early primary states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina is thin, to say nothing of his nonexistent presence in later states that might prove crucial. Among the people I spoke to, most understood this: “I don’t give him a chance, but it would be interesting,” said Edward Staves. “At least, no one would call him a racist.”

This, more than anything else, gets to why Herman Cain has risen to the top of the GOP field. Yes, conservatives are unhappy with Romney and disappointed with Perry. Yes, Cain has charisma to spare (as you can tell from watching his speeches). But that doesn’t explain his rapid rise to the top. Insofar as anything does, it’s this: To many conservatives, Cain offers absolution from racial guilt and a unique chance to turn the tables on liberals who accuse the right of racism. When Herman Cain says that he isn’t angry about the treatment of blacks during Jim Crow, he’s offering racial grace on the cheap—a chance to feel good about race without actually doing much. This is what differentiates Cain from everyone else in the GOP field, and to many Republicans—including the ones at the Values Voter Summit—it’s all he needs for their support.