Cain joins presidential race with promise to beat Obama

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By Aaron Gould Sheinin

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Republican presidential race got a little more crowded Saturday when former business executive and radio host Herman Cain officially launched his campaign.

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Herman Cain announces his run for Republican candidate for president at a rally Saturday, May 21, 2011 in Atlanta. Cain has run a pizza chain, hosted a talk radio show and sparred with Bill Clinton over health care. He's never held elected office. Now the tea party favorite wants to be president.

David Goldman, AP Herman Cain announces his run for Republican candidate for president at a rally Saturday, May 21, 2011 in Atlanta. Cain has run a pizza chain, hosted a talk radio show and sparred with Bill Clinton over health care. He's never held elected office. Now the tea party favorite wants to be president.

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Cain, whose syndicated radio show originated from Atlanta, became the second Georgia-connected candidate, joining former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich on the GOP trail.

Cain, speaking before an estimated 10,000 supporters in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, was clear on the goals for his campaign.

"In case you accidentally listen to a skeptic or a doubting Thomas out there, let me be clear," he said. "I’m running for president of the United States. I’m not running for second."

In his 20-minute speech, Cain took numerous shots at President Barack Obama, accusing the Democrat of abandoning Israel, overseeing an "anemic" economic recovery and a failure of leadership. The rhetoric delighted the crowd, many of whom waved signs with slogans like "Yes We Cain" and "How Can We Beat Obama? With a Cain."

But Cain also offered a few policy initiatives, including plans to permanently extend the Bush-era tax cuts and to pursue an independent energy policy.

While Cain, a former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, has been largely dismissed by pundits and political analysts, his campaign has already showed signs of life. A well-reviewed performance in a GOP debate earlier this month helped boost his numbers in recent polls, giving the nascent Cain campaign reason for hope.

Dennis Giannakakis drove up from Warner Robins for Cain's rally. Giannakakis said what he heard "resonated with me," though he wasn't really a fan of Cain's radio show.

"His support for the Fair Tax is a big issue with me," Giannakakis said. "I'm looking for a candidate that will bring America back to respect in the world."

Kathy White of Marietta said she supports Cain for his common sense.

"He's you, he's me," White said. "He knows what this country stands for. He is everything this country needs in a leader."