Herman Cain
Announcement of
Suspension of Campaign
Atlanta, GA
December 3, 2011
4president.org/Democracy in Action
TRANSCRIPT
Thank you. Thank you my friends. Well you all are great. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. I love y’all too. (Crowd chants Gloria, Gloria,
Gloria…).
Well let me first say that as usual the Cain supporters are not warm
weather supporters, and I can’t thank all of you enough for what you’ve
done, how far we have come, and the things that we have done. The
things that we have been able to achieve. You know I chose to run for
President because the politicians in Washington, DC wouldn’t do their
jobs. That’s why I chose to run.
They have failed to provide economic growth, they have failed to get
spending under control, they have failed to make us less dependent on
foreign oil. These are some of the reasons that inspired me to run for
President. And if you look, if you look at the last forty years, we’ve
seen that same kind of failure. It’s just that the mess has just gotten
bigger.
You were frustrated, I was frustrated, millions of other people were
frustrated, and it was out of that frustration that I made the decision
to run because the people in Washington, DC are either playing the
blame game or pointing fingers or throwing crumbs to the American
people, rather than bold solutions to fix the problems.
America deserves more than that. And since the politicians have
continued to fail, I decided to run for President and you all responded
as you are responding now. And I thank you and I am honored by the deep
support of so many people across this country, because it expresses the
frustration of so many people across this country.
And when I made the decision to run, I didn’t fit the usual description
of somebody that ought to be running for President. I had never held
public office before, I didn’t have high name ID, but right now my name
ID is probably 99.9. And I didn’t have a bajillion dollars. Because
what we learned is that the voice of the people is more powerful than
the voice of the media.
And secondly we have learned that message is more powerful than money.
And you know we proved something else. You see I grew up in a world of
segregated water fountains, my father was a chauffeur, my mother was a
maid, and we showed that you didn’t have to have a degree from Harvard
in order to run for President. We showed that you didn’t have to have a
political pedigree to run for President. And one of the biggest things
that we have shown is that “We the People” are still in charge of this
country.
And so today we are one month away from the Iowa Caucuses. With over
300 million Americans in our nation we stand here, I stand here because
of you. And if you look at the top three Republican candidates right
now and you consider the President in the White House, we can say I’m
in the final four. We’re in the final four! And when you think of where
I came from on Pelham Street in Fifth Ward right here in Atlanta and
now to be in the final four for the Presidency, this is a great nation.
That’s why this nation is so great.
And I tell you what; it’s a powerful and humbling position to be in.
Proving this, that we could do this, was one of the greatest things,
one of the greatest gifts that you and I could give to this country.
I’ve often said one of America’s greatest strengths is its ability to
change. And we have created some significant change on this journey so
far. I am proof of that and you are proof of that. Because I am proof
that a common man could lead this nation. Because I consider myself one
of you, not one of the political elites. I’m one of
you.
Our nation is tired of hearing the politicians blame each other; it’s
time for solutions. But as false accusations about me continue, they
have sidetracked and distracted my ability to present solutions to the
American people. Now I have made many mistakes in life. Everybody has.
I have made mistakes professionally, personally, as a candidate in
terms of how I run my campaign, and I take responsibility for the
mistakes that I’ve made. And I have been the very first to own up to
any mistakes that I have made, even if the political elites do not
think that I handle it in the way the political elites handle it. I
handle it my way, because that is the type of person that I am.
But because of these false and unproved accusations it has paid and had
a tremendous painful price on my family. These false and unproved
allegations continue to be spinned in the media and in the court of
public opinion so as to create a cloud of doubt over me and this
campaign and my family. That spin hurts. It hurts my wife, it hurts my
family, it hurts me, and it hurts the American people because you are
being denied solutions to our problems. (Crowd chants Herman. Herman,
Herman…)
Now here’s why it hurts, because my wife, my family, and I, we know
that those false and unproved allegations are not true. So one of the
first declarations that I want to make to you today is that I am at
peace with my God, I am at peace with my wife, and she is at peace with
me. (Crowd chants Gloria, Gloria, Gloria…)
And I am peace with my family and I am at peace with myself, which is
one of the most important things. Now that being said, becoming
President was Plan A, and before you get discouraged, today I want to
describe Plan B.
So as of today with a lot of prayer and soul searching I am suspending
my presidential campaign. I am suspending my presidential campaign
because of the continued distraction, the continued hurt caused on me
and my family, not because we are not fighters, not because I'm not a
fighter, it’s just that when I went through this reassessment of the
impact upon my family first, the impact on you my supporters--your
support has been unwavering and undying--as well as the impact on
the ability to raise the necessary funds to be competitive. We had to
come to this conclusion, but we had to come to this conclusion that it
would be best to suspend this campaign. That’s the bad news.
Here’s the good news. The pundits would like for me to shut up, drop
out and go away. Well as my grandmother who lived to be 104 years old
used to say when somebody was dead wrong, “Bless their little hearts.”
I am not going to be silenced and I’m not going away. And therefore as
of today, Plan B. Plan B, and I call it the TheCainSolutions.com.
Let me explain why. You see there are three audiences out there folks
that we have dealt with, that I have had to deal with. There’s the
media class, there’s the political class, and there’s we the people.
It is we the people that got us to this point this far. It is we the
people that wants change in Washington, DC. It is we the people that
are responsible for this massive movement that’s going on across this
country. I call it the citizen’s movement, the tea party movement, the
conservative movement; it is a movement by we the people that are going
to insist on change in the United States of America, and
Plan B is that I will continue to be a voice for the people.
And that’s why today we are launching TheCainSolutions.com where the
people will choose, not the media, not the politicians, and the people
will show that the people are still in charge of this country.
Through this new organization I will still be promoting the biggest
change and transfer of power out of Washington, DC back to the people
since this nation began and that is the 9-9-9 plan. It’s not
going away. I will still be actively supporting and promoting foreign
policy that starts with peace through strength and clarity. I will
still be promoting actively an energy independence plan for America. We
can and we will become energy independent.
Now I know that many of you are disappointed. I understand that. I know
that many of you all are disappointed and I certainly understand that,
and I am disappointed that it came to this point, that we had to make
this decision. One of the reasons that I ran for President of the
United States was such that I could change Washington, DC from the
inside.
Plan B is that we’re going to have to change it from the outside. It’ll
take a little longer, we’re going to have to work a little harder, but
we will change it from the outside.
One other thing, I will be making an endorsement in the near future. I
will be making an endorsement, and I can tell you right now it will not
be the current occupant of the White House. That will not be my
endorsement.
America has learned something about this process of running for
President. It’s a dirty game. It's a dirty, dirty game. But I happen to
believe that the American people are sick of this mess. And if I’m not
the outsider to get there, I happen to believe that the day will come
when the American people will reject all of the distractions, all of
the false accusations and unproved accusations, and it will make a
change because that’s what we have got to do to get real change in this
country and get it on the right track.
And as I think about my parents who raised my brother and I right here
in Atlanta area. And they taught us three very valuable lessons that
you share, belief in God, belief in ourselves, and belief in the
greatest country in the world, the United States of America.
And even though I have had to suspend my campaign, I have not given up
on America; I have not given up on the United States of America and
here’s why. Because look at our history when we have been challenged
the most, it's when we the people have risen to the occasion the most.
And I happen to believe that we will do it again, because we the people
are still in charge of this country.
Let me leave you with this, and I believe these words came from the
Pokéman movie. The media pointed that out; I’m not sure who the
original author is, so don’t go write an article about the poem. But it
says a lot about where I am, where I am with my wife and my family, and
where we are as a nation. “Life can be a challenge. Life can seem
impossible. It’s never easy when there’s so much on the line, but you
and I can make a difference. There’s a mission just for you and me,
just look inside and you will find just what you can do. Just look
inside and you will find just what you can do.”
I've had to look inside to find what I can do, and here’s what I can
do. Here’s what we can do. We can put United back into the United
States of America and move the shining city on a hill back to the top
of the hilltop where it belongs. And I will never apologize for the
greatness of the United States of America.
God Bless you. I love you and thank you.
Reactions
1:55 PM
Statement from Governor Huntsman on Cain
Campaign Suspension
Manchester, NH - Governor Jon Huntsman today released the
following statement regarding Herman Cain's decision to suspend his
campaign:
"Herman Cain offered a unique and valuable voice to the debate over
how to reform our country's uncompetitive tax code and turn around the
economy. I understand his decision and wish him and his family the
best."
2:05 PM
Newt: Cain will Continue to be a Powerful
Voice in the Conservative Movement
Staten Island, NY - Republcian
Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich released the following statement
today reacting to the news that Herman Cain is suspending his campaign:
“Herman Cain’s 999 plan got our country talking about the critical
issue of how to reform our tax code and he elevated the dialogue of the
Republican presidential primary in the process. I am proud to know
Herman Cain and consider him a friend. I know from having worked with
him for more than a decade he will continue to be a powerful voice in
the conservative movement for years to come.”
2:12 PM
Bachmann Responds to Cain
Suspending His Campaign
Urbandale, Iowa -
Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann has issued the
following statement in
response to the news that Herman Cain has suspended his campaign for
the GOP nomination for president:
"Herman Cain provided an
important voice to this process. His ideas and energy generated
tremendous enthusiasm for the conservative movement at a time it was so
desperately
needed to restore confidence in our country. I wish Herman, his
wife
Gloria, and his family all the best."
2:31 PM
Statement from Gov.
Rick Perry on Herman Cain Announcement
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today released
the following statement regarding Herman Cain’s announcement to suspend
his campaign:
"I know this was a difficult decision for
Herman Cain, his family and his supporters. He helped invigorate
conservative voters and our nation with a discussion of major tax
reform. Anita and I wish him and his entire family all the best."
3:09 PM
STATEMENT
OF GOVERNOR GARY JOHNSON REGARDING CAIN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT
December 3, 2011, Santa Fe NM -- Governor
Gary Johnson released the following statement regarding the
announcement by Herman Cain that he is suspending his presidential
campaign:
“I have no doubt Herman Cain will remain a significant voice in the
dialogue about the many important issues we face. His rejection of
business-as-usual in Washington has been a valuable part of this
campaign, and clearly resonates with a great many Americans. I wish him
the best.”
4:09 PM
Ron Paul Statement on
Herman Cain Campaign Suspension
Mr. Cain brought energy, enthusiasm to
process
LAKE JACKSON, Texas – 2012
Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul released the following
statement concerning Herman Cain’s suspension of his campaign for the
presidency. Below please find brief comments from Congressman
Paul:
“Herman Cain brought energy and enthusiasm to the Republican nominating
process, as well as a unique perspective on many domestic issues
important to voters such as tax code reform and a pro-growth agenda
favorable to the private sector.
“In light of his suspension of campaign activities, I want to wish
Herman success in his future endeavors.”
7:21 PM
Gov. Roemer Statement on Herman Cain's
Presidential Campaign
Manchester, NH– “I
am disappointed to see Mr. Cain effectively withdraw from the 2012
presidential primary. Herman brought a unique perspective to the race,
and he added to the debate.”
“As I have struggled to
achieve recognition in the Republican primary, I have been encouraged
watching Mr. Cain’s rise to prominence as a national political figure.
He reminded us that even non-political insiders, citizens who live
outside the beltway, can aspire to run for the highest office in the
land. As Herman Cain and Tim Pawlenty were given the chance to rise to
prominence, it is my sincere hope that I will be given an equal chance
to rise by being included in the next debates.”
“In the wake of this announcement, I am confident that Republicans and
Independents will choose to support another candidate who rejects
political elitism, and stands up for similar ideals of less and more
efficient government. In my mind, this clearly excludes Mitt Romney and
Newt Gingrich. Mitt Romney is the one percent and Newt Gingrich lobbies
for the one percent.”
10:45 PM
SANTORUM COMMENTS ON
CAIN DECISION
TO SUSPEND HIS CANDIDACY
Verona,
PA - Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum made the following
comment in reaction to Herman Cain's decision to suspend his campaign
for President of the United States.
Senator Santorum
said: "Karen
and I understand how trying national political campaigns are - not just
on the candidates, but the candidate's family. We respect Herman's
decision to suspend his campaign and trust that he made the best
decision for his family. As we have for all our fellow
candidates, we
will continue to keep Herman and his entire family in our prayers."
...and Romney
campaign, a Facebook posting around 3:48 PM
Herman
Cain's campaign was one of ideas. His announcement today was based on
what was best for him and his family. We wish Herman and Gloria the
very best.
Ed. Note. This announcement
was originally scheduled to be the grand opening celebration of Cain's
Georgia headquarters at 3700
DeKalb Technology Parkway.
EMAIL
from Friends of Herman Cain
December 5, 2011
Cain Commentary, “Brokenhearted, but not Broken”
You’re
not defeated as long as you never stop fighting. And while my
presidential campaign is suspended, it’s important to remember that my
pursuit of the presidency was only a means to an end. As long as the
end is achieved, victory will be at hand.
My
incredible army of supporters, whom I can never thank enough for all
they have done so far, have not labored in vain. The real prize is
still ours for the taking.
I
did not want to become president just for the sake of being president.
I’m perfectly happy with what I’ve accomplished in my life and I don’t
need the ego boost. Rather, I sought the presidency because our nation
has some big problems to deal with, and it’s clear that our political
class has neither the will nor the ability to solve them.
For that very reason, I was not
surprised that I was viciously attacked once I rose in the polls. I was
surprised by the nature
of the attacks. Me, a womanizer? I would never have thought they’d come
up with that one. But I knew the establishment would not like the idea
of my success, because I will not get along by going along like so many
do. I will not kick the can down the road to the next generation of
leaders, because our problems are serious and they need to be solved
now.
That
threatens people who know there may be a political price to pay for
enacting solutions that will work, and would rather wait things out and
let someone else take the heat. That would not have been possible
during a Cain presidency.
But
if real solutions are achieved, it will not matter who achieved them.
If Congress and the president take the right measures to ensure our
fiscal strength, protect our national security, achieve energy
independence, spur economic growth and accomplish health care reform
that actually works – it won’t matter to me whose signature is on the
bills. Only that the bills become laws that get us to the goal.
And
while I am disappointed, there are more than a few silver linings to
doing this work outside the context of a presidential campaign. The
process by which we choose our nation’s leader is ridiculous. There is
little focus on policy substance and even less on candidates’ governing
skills. If you’re not warding off some wild accusation, you’re
explaining away a “gaffe,” which is usually the sort of slip of the
tongue that anyone can make, but because some reporter heard it, it
turns into a news-cycle narrative with a shelf life of six or seven
days.
That’s
behind us. All I need to do now is advocate for solutions that work,
under the auspices of TheCainSolutions.com, and that will have two
essential elements.
One
is to better educate the American people about the nature of the
problems we face. There is still too little understanding of the
severity of our debt and fiscal crisis. That is why members of Congress
lack the political will to solve the problem. They perceive that they
will pay a steeper price for taking action than they will pay for doing
nothing. That is no excuse for such poor leadership, but the fact
remains that if we can change the political dynamic – so that the
people are demanding action rather than rewarding inaction – we will be
able to change the results.
The
second element is to advocate for solutions that actually work. I was
amused by the criticism I received for frequently mentioning my 9-9-9
tax reform, particularly by those who referred to it as a “catch
phrase” and so forth, clearly demonstrating that they didn’t grasp what
it’s all about. The 9-9-9 plan is the biggest transfer of power from
government back to the people since the beginning of this nation.
That’s what they are afraid of.
I
talked about 9-9-9 so often during the campaign because it’s a major
reform that would completely change the way we pay taxes, the way we do
business and the way people manage their personal budgets. We need
reform like that. Political consultants are forever telling candidates
to “stay on message,” but I guess that doesn’t apply when the message
is a substantive reform that would actually solve problems. Be that as
it may, I am far from finished staying on message. The Cain
Solutions effort will relentlessly push for an understanding of the
real stakes our nation faces, and for a groundswell that demands real
solutions.
As
I said during my announcement on Saturday, becoming president was Plan
A. Anyone with a big goal needs to recognize that you might need a Plan
B, and our Plan B has a lot going for it.
Six
months ago, most of you had never heard of me. You have now. A lot of
what you’ve heard is not true, but I’ve got your attention. Keep
listening, and if you care about the future of our country like I do,
get involved. Unlike a presidential campaign, what we’re doing now
can’t be stopped by scandal-mongering or polls. We’ll only be defeated
if we give up.
And we’re not going to do that.