Cain rivals: No, no, no on 9-9-9
Even before the start of Tuesday night’s GOP debate in Nevada, it became clear that Atlanta’s own Herman Cain would be the focal point.
CNN host John King launched his pre-debate show by airing fresh comments from Ron Paul of Texas, who blasted Cain’s signature 9-9-9 tax plan.
Next up on new video was former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who said the country can’t risk betting on another president with no experience. “We wondered what would happen if we elected someone with no experience,” Romney said. “Now we know.”
When the debate began, the first 15 minutes were a concerted, group attack on Cain’s 9-9-9 plan.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry said it won’t fly. U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachman said it’s a value-added tax in disguise. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum said it would hurt families.
Cain said none of the criticisms were valid.
“None of my colleagues who have attacked me here tonight understand the plan,” Cain said.
Santorum said the current income tax system gives breaks for families with children. Under Cain’s plan, he said, “a single person pays as much as a man and woman raising three children. We gave some breaks for families and he doesn’t do that.”
Perry, was more blunt.
“Herman, I love you brother,” he said, “but you don’t have to have a big analysis to figure this out.”
