[video] Herman Cain Being Pressed On If He's A Neocon On Meet The Press

[Immortal Technique]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb20saj4plg

airing date October.16, 2011

Herman Cain Being Pressed On If He's A Neocon On Meet The Press
He is now citing Henry Kissinger as one of his main influences on foreign policy

[Sola_Fide]

He is a clueless little puppet. He is a black McCain on foreign policy.

[Working Poor]

I almost threw something at the tv this morning. i used to like Meet the Press

[smartguy911]

He is not familiar with neo-conservative movement? Is this guy serious?

[robertwerden]

I threw up a little in my mouth

[Sola_Fide]

I remember Glen Beck really coming out against McCain for his progressivism. Where will Glen be on the Hermanator?

[Sola_Fide]

He is not familiar with neo-conservative movement? Is this guy serious?

Yes, he's serious. He is totally clueless.

[PatriotOne]

He is now citing Henry Kissinger as one of his main influences on foreign policy

OMG...he just get's worse and worse.

[PatriotOne]

What is he talking about when he says we should withhdraw from Afghanistan when it is determined that they can defend themselves? From who? Us?

[AGRP]

Of course he is. Id like to know if Rand is one. Cant say I trust him.

[Keith and stuff]

Of course he is. Id like to know if Rand is one. Cant say I trust him.

Rand certainly isn't a neocon. Since he is for dramatically smaller government inside the US and wants to reduce military spending, he cannot be a neocon. Additionally, you could say that Rand was never a liberal like many if not most neocons used to be.

[Sola_Fide]

Of course he is. Id like to know if Rand is one. Cant say I trust him.

Rand is definitely paleo.

[moderate libertarian]

John Bolton, Henry Kissinger, Alan Greenspan impress him?

I used to think Cain was a bumbling idiot, in my mind have downgraded hin to a douchebag. Sad state that this guy is leading GOP pack, says something about the Republican party today.

[sailingaway]

From tweets he said he doesn't know the movement but also says he takes influence from Kissinger and Bolton...

[jason43]

Who else is for getting this guy more interviews? I'm going to start writing emails to media agencies.

We dont have to take him down in the polls, all he has to do is keep talking.

Hahahaha!!!

[Diurdi]

"I don't know anything myself I just let all the advisors control everything".

[low preference guy]

what a freaking disaster

[John F Kennedy III]

Kissinger is a Bilderberg member.

[Dr.3D]

Kissinger is a Bilderberg member.

Well, he keeps saying it all about who one surrounds himself with. I guess he want's to surround himself with what we have had for many decades. SSDD

[COpatriot]

I remember Glen Beck really coming out against McCain for his progressivism. Where will Glen be on the Hermanator?
Nope. He was on Beck's radio show recently and Beck was slurping him the whole time because he gave all the "right" answers about his beloved Israel. He said something along the lines of, "If ya messin' wit Isrull, ya messin' wit da Unahted States of Amurricah."

[Sola_Fide]

He said something along the lines of, "If ya messin' wit Isrull, ya messin' wit da Unahted States of Amurricah."

Thanks for the lol on that one.

[Rothbardian Girl]

LOL ! ! ! ! ! This guy is really, really clueless. But I suspected as much from his evasive answers on foreign policy. Why is he so wishy-washy about it, anyway? It's scary, because some people who aren't in favor of all-out warmongering won't support Romney or Santorum, but they'll probably get suckered in by this guy. We're BROKE. We can't afford any more of this shit. :mad:

Sadly, this will endear him to many GOP'ers.

[Austrian Econ Disciple]

You can tell the guy is extremely clueless when he says Iran would attack Iraq. Hello, we handed Iraq over to Iran! Iran is majority Shia and ruled by Shia, and the same is now true of Iraq. They are allies. As soon as we leave this will become all too apparent (if we ever do leave). He is totally clueless and ignorant (willfully so most likely). What benefits from Iraq? I see none. We wasted trillions. Hundreds of thousands died. We have over 40,000 injuries that will have to be paid for, for the rest of the soldiers life, and many more with PTSD that will come home and will have to be treated. As soon as we leave the obvious will become apparent that Iraq is a friend to Iran due to Shia majorities and will help to quell Sunni sectarian outbreaks that will happen when we leave. We have no money. Thank you Neo-Conservative idiots for obtrusive omnipresent Government at home and abroad. Really showing your Progressive colors!

[Travlyr]

Herman Cain: Puppet for President

[Dr.3D]

LOL ! ! ! ! ! This guy is really, really clueless. But I suspected as much from his evasive answers on foreign policy. Why is he so wishy-washy about it, anyway? It's scary, because some people who aren't in favor of all-out warmongering won't support Romney or Santorum, but they'll probably get suckered in by this guy. We're BROKE. We can't afford any more of this shit. :mad:

Sadly, this will endear him to many GOP'ers.

He seems to me, to be as clueless as a fox being questioned about the hen house. 'I don't know anything about foxes being a problem in hen houses.' 'I'm not familiar with the fox movement.'

[AGRP]

To those who claim these puppets are clueless/ignorant/stupid/etc.

NOT ONE PERSON who reaches Cain's level is "stupid"; including Palin and Bush. They are all very smart. Probably smarter than 99% of us here. Doesn't Cain have a background in math? Ill wager everything I have that most politicians know Ron Paul is correct on nearly every stance he takes. There's a difference between being ignorant/smart/etc. and having zero principles.

[Sola_Fide]

To those who claim these puppets are clueless/ignorant/stupid/etc.

NOT ONE PERSON who reaches Cain's level is "stupid"; including Palin and Bush. They are all very smart. Probably smarter than 99% of us here. Doesn't Cain have a background in math? Ill wager everything I have that most politicians know Ron Paul is correct on nearly every stance he takes. There's a difference between being ignorant/smart/etc. and having zero principles.


I'm sure Cain is very book smart. He's probably great at math.

But the lack of knowledge he shows in regards to currents of thought in our world should be humiliating to him. To not be able to intelligently answer a question about neoconservativism is not becoming a person who wants to be president.

[LibertyEagle]

I almost threw something at the tv this morning. i used to like Meet the Press

I've never liked Meet the Press, because I don't care what the media personally believe. It's their job to report the facts, not their opinions.

But, I thought the guy did a bang up job of outing Mr. Cain in that interview. My hat is off to him.

[Rothbardian Girl]

To those who claim these puppets are clueless/ignorant/stupid/etc.

NOT ONE PERSON who reaches Cain's level is "stupid"; including Palin and Bush. They are all very smart. Probably smarter than 99% of us here. Doesn't Cain have a background in math? Ill wager everything I have that most politicians know Ron Paul is correct on nearly every stance he takes. There's a difference between being ignorant/smart/etc. and having zero principles.

Oh, I definitely agree with you. Perhaps "clueless" was the wrong word to use in my first post. :) There's no way all the used-car salesmen aren't squirming in their seats whenever Ron Paul, or even Gary Johnson says something based on principle instead of "sex appeal". Anyone with a decent background in economics, for example, should be aware of a lot of economic fallacies that are going on today. How can a candidate NOT know he's offering the same steaming piles of fail that were Bush and Obama? I think they go in there with a specific purpose in mind: to benefit certain groups of people at the expense of others, and usually those certain people are the "higher-ups".

Cain may be pretending ignorance, just because he thinks it will make him inroads with the Tea Party crowd, and it also makes him more attractive to TPTB who would like to mold him into the next Bush V. I would like to think it's going to be a strategy that backfires on him, but now I'm not so sure because most Americans' political knowledge probably doesn't extend to neoconservatism either.

[Brett85]

Of course he is. Id like to know if Rand is one. Cant say I trust him.

A "neocon" isn't somebody who doesn't agree with every single aspect of Ron Paul's foreign policy views. It's a term that only applies to a very select few individuals like Bill Krisol and Charles K. That term has especially become meaningless if somebody like Rand is given that label.

[Travlyr]

A "neocon" isn't somebody who doesn't agree with every single aspect of Ron Paul's foreign policy views. It's a term that only applies to a very select few individuals like Bill Krisol and Charles K.

Henry Kissinger and The Bush Family as well.

[speciallyblend]

A "neocon" isn't somebody who doesn't agree with every single aspect of Ron Paul's foreign policy views. It's a term that only applies to a very select few individuals like Bill Krisol and Charles K. That term has especially become meaningless if somebody like Rand is given that label.

and anyone endorsing their platform.

[Brett85]

Henry Kissinger and The Bush Family as well.

George W. Bush wasn't a neocon when he actually ran for President in 2000. He just allowed himself to be influenced by neocons like Cheney who convinced him to invade Iraq.

[NewRightLibertarian]

Rand's definitely not a neoconservative. That's ridiculous. He's just more of a regular politician than his father.

[low preference guy]

George W. Bush wasn't a neocon when he actually ran for President in 2000.

Irrelevant. Most of his presidency he was a neocon and his inauguration speech in 2004 was explicitly neocon.

[Travlyr]

George W. Bush wasn't a neocon when he actually ran for President in 2000. He just allowed himself to be influenced by neocons like Cheney who convinced him to invade Iraq.

The Bush Family (http://www.georgewalkerbush.net/bushfamilyfundedhitler.htm) are all Neo-Cons, and they have been for generations.

[AGRP]

A "neocon" isn't somebody who doesn't agree with every single aspect of Ron Paul's foreign policy views. It's a term that only applies to a very select few individuals like Bill Krisol and Charles K. That term has especially become meaningless if somebody like Rand is given that label.


Henry Kissinger and The Bush Family as well.


and anyone endorsing their platform.

lol @ "only a very select few individuals."

I think AuH20 and TC aren't here to learn and converse as much as they are here to do other things.

[pcosmar]

Irrelevant. Most of his presidency he was a neocon and his inauguration speech in 2004 was explicitly neocon.

Prior to that he simply lied to get elected.

[Brett85]

Irrelevant. Most of his presidency he was a neocon and his inauguration speech in 2004 was explicitly neocon.

It's not irrelevant, because he was elected on a platform of having a more humble foreign policy. That's something that needs to be pointed out to the Republicans who support all of this intervention overseas.

[bolidew]

Who else is for getting this guy more interviews? I'm going to start writing emails to media agencies.

We dont have to take him down in the polls, all he has to do is keep talking.

Hahahaha!!!

Be careful what you wish for. By appearing on high-profile media sections he is getting a lot more than driving away.

[Brett85]

But I have to admit that Cain was very disappointing in this interview. It's hard to believe that these so called "fiscal conservatives" don't realize the mess that we're in from spending all this money overseas.

[low preference guy]

It's not irrelevant, because he was elected on a platform of having a more humble foreign policy. That's something that needs to be pointed out to the Republicans who support all of this intervention overseas.

If you want to determine the position of somebody, their actions are more important than what they say. In the context of what George W. Bush has done, what he said in 2000 is completely irrelevant to determine whether he is a neocon.

[Sola_Fide]

George W. Bush wasn't a neocon when he actually ran for President in 2000. He just allowed himself to be influenced by neocons like Cheney who convinced him to invade Iraq.

I don't know. Is say his CIA dad had some neocon influence.

[Feeding the Abscess]

A "neocon" isn't somebody who doesn't agree with every single aspect of Ron Paul's foreign policy views. It's a term that only applies to a very select few individuals like Bill Krisol and Charles K. That term has especially become meaningless if somebody like Rand is given that label.

Lew Rockwell (also a quote of Max Boot), from 2003:


As Max Boot admits: "It is not really domestic policy that defines neo-conservatism. This was a movement founded on foreign policy, and it is still here that neo-conservatism carries the greatest meaning, even if its original raison d'être — opposition to communism — has disappeared."

Now, it would be wrong to say that the neoconservatives had not undergone any kind of intellectual change. They became less enamored of formal socialism and more at home with mixed-economy capitalism. They grew to hate much of the egalitarian-left cultural agenda of Democratic Party special-interest groups. Many of them wrote treatises decrying the excesses of their ex-brethren.

Neoconservatism is no longer contingent upon having a purely socialist domestic policy.

[NewRightLibertarian]

Prior to that he simply lied to get elected.

I agree. Maybe 9/11 'changed' his mindset or some such BS but it's really immaterial because his administration was extremely neoconservative.

[Feeding the Abscess]

I agree. Maybe 9/11 'changed' his mindset or some such BS but it's really immaterial because his administration was extremely neoconservative.

Na, plans were drawn from the get go for Iraq.

[Brett85]

lol @ "only a very select few individuals."

I think AuH20 and TC aren't here to learn and converse as much as they are here to do other things.

No, I'm just trying to preserve the actual meaning of the word "neo-conservative." That word has lost all of it's meaning because it's used to describe everybody who doesn't support a libertarian foreign policy. Shoot, some people here have even called Obama a "neo-con."

[Rothbardian Girl]

It's not irrelevant, because he was elected on a platform of having a more humble foreign policy. That's something that needs to be pointed out to the Republicans who support all of this intervention overseas.
So what? He knew people were tired of the Clinton shenanigans over in Kosovo, so he lied about his foreign policy views by running on a more "humble foreign policy". People bought into it and then got ripped when Bush invaded Iraq, or they simply forgot about their previous objections, like I'm sure most dyed-in-the-wool GOPers did.

[Feeding the Abscess]

No, I'm just trying to preserve the actual meaning of the word "neo-conservative." That word has lost all of it's meaning because it's used to describe everybody who doesn't support a libertarian foreign policy. Shoot, some people here have even called Obama a "neo-con."

If Obama isn't a neocon, the term has absolutely no meaning. He's more traditionally neocon - in the Strauss and Irving Kristol breed - than the current crop of neocons.

[Brett85]

If Obama isn't a neocon, the term has absolutely no meaning. He's more traditionally neocon - in the Strauss and Irving Kristol breed - than the current crop of neocons.

Obama is a liberal interventionist. In what way could Obama possibly be a "conservative?" If you want to give him the "neo" label, then label him a neo-liberal.

[AGRP]

No, I'm just trying to preserve the actual meaning of the word "neo-conservative." That word has lost all of it's meaning because it's used to describe everybody who doesn't support a libertarian foreign policy. Shoot, some people here have even called Obama a "neo-con."

Who used it as a description? The only one jumping to conclusions about labeling everyone a neocon is you. Bill Kristol was so pleased about Obama's international policy that he called him a Neocon. Is one of the ring leaders wrong?

[BlackTerrel]

Of course he is. Id like to know if Rand is one. Cant say I trust him.

Is it really necessary to have subtle digs at Rand when this thread isn't even about him?

[Brett85]

So what? He knew people were tired of the Clinton shenanigans over in Kosovo, so he lied about his foreign policy views by running on a more "humble foreign policy". People bought into it and then got ripped when Bush invaded Iraq, or they simply forgot about their previous objections, like I'm sure most dyed-in-the-wool GOPers did.

I disagree. I think that he just changed his mind after 9-11 occurred. Bush and others got the wrong idea that 9-11 was somehow caused by a lack of intervention overseas.

[Feeding the Abscess]

I disagree. I think that he just changed his mind after 9-11 occurred. Bush and others got the wrong idea that 9-11 was somehow caused by a lack of intervention overseas.

The Bush administration was drawing plans to invade Iraq in its first security meeting.

[Brett85]

Who used it as a discription? The only one jumping to conclusions about labeling everyone a neocon is you.

There's a lot of people tired of people who label everyone a "neo-con" who doesn't fully embrace Ron's views. Frank Rep has brought this to people's attention multiple times.

[Sola_Fide]

Obama is a liberal interventionist. In what way could Obama possibly be a "conservative?" If you want to give him the "neo" label, then label him a neo-liberal.

Well I think the point is that Irving Kristol-type neoconservativism IS progressivism or liberalism or interventionism or whatever you want to call it.

I remember a great interview with Ron a couple of years who when they asked him how he described himself. He said "I am a non-interventionist." And then he went on to explain how he rejects interventionism in domestic and foreign affairs. I think that is a great way to describe things.

[Travlyr]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njaqLfcJ9Ls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njaqLfcJ9Ls

[AGRP]

Is it really necessary to have subtle digs at Rand when this thread isn't even about him?

The thread is about Cain being questioned about being a Neocon; which goes without saying.

I brought up Rand as being a real question. I don't see it as a dig as much as presenting a real question. I probably shouldn't have presented it since it seems to have derailed this thread.

[Sola_Fide]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njaqLfcJ9Ls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njaqLfcJ9Ls

Yep... This^^^

[AGRP]

There's a lot of people tired of people who label everyone a "neo-con" who doesn't fully embrace Ron's views. Frank Rep has brought this to people's attention multiple times.

Again, who was labeled a neocon?

[Brett85]

Again, who was labeled a neocon?

Rand Paul.

[AGRP]

Rand Paul.

Where?

[pcosmar]

Where?

You asked a question.
You are not allowed to question.

[Voluntary Man]

He is not familiar with neo-conservative movement? Is this guy serious?

interpretation :

Cain: "of course I'm a neocon, but i prefer to avoid that label, because neocons are unpopular; therefore, I'll pretend i don't know what you're talking about."

[Voluntary Man]

Cain is very skilled at not answering questions. are we sure this guy is a washington outsider?

[Brett85]

Where?

Page One.

[AGRP]

Page One.

Please stop provoking people. Especially, when you do it based on lies.

[Dr.3D]

If Obama isn't a neocon, the term has absolutely no meaning. He's more traditionally neocon - in the Strauss and Irving Kristol breed - than the current crop of neocons.

Perhaps we need to have a third label, 'neo-liberal'. Both neo-cons and neo-liberals work for those who would set the agenda of bigger government and more wars.

[AGRP]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gu1olAaM4Q

[Brett85]

Well I think the point is that Irving Kristol-type neoconservativism IS progressivism or liberalism or interventionism or whatever you want to call it.

I remember a great interview with Ron a couple of years who when they asked him how he described himself. He said "I am a non-interventionist." And then he went on to explain how he rejects interventionism in domestic and foreign affairs. I think that is a great way to describe things.

I'm currently engaged in a debate with a liberal on Facebook who bashes President Bush's foreign policy views, particularly his decision to invade Iraq. While he's right on that, he has no problem at all with anything that Obama has done in regards to foreign policy issues. He says that we would create a "vacuum of power" if we withdrew from Afghanistan and Iraq. I made the case that we're simply involved in nation building, and nation building is a policy that weakens our national security. It's just so sad that so many people are so blinded by partisanship that they actually abandon their core beliefs.

[asurfaholic]

what the heck does it matter what name we call these people??

if they support wars for profit, then they are messed up. its time to END THE WARS.

[bunklocoempire]

EDIT: (OP/MTP)

2:25

Victory in Afghanistan described as: "Can we leave Afghanistan in a situation where they can defend themselves"

If that ain't a call to police the whole. fricken. world. I don't know what is. How's Cain gonna pay for that?

:mad:


Bunkloco

[amy31416]

I'm currently engaged in a debate with a liberal on Facebook who bashes President Bush's foreign policy views, particularly his decision to invade Iraq. While he's right on that, he has no problem at all with anything that Obama has done in regards to foreign policy issues. He says that we would create a "vacuum of power" if we withdrew from Afghanistan and Iraq. I made the case that we're simply involved in nation building, and nation building is a policy that weakens our national security. It's just so sad that so many people are so blinded by partisanship that they actually abandon their core beliefs.

What in the world is a "vacuum of power" exactly?

Oh, and have you asked him to contemplate whether or not he'd be agreeable to having a foreign power invade and occupy the US, install a puppet government to ensure they get cheap natural resources?

[Brett85]

What in the world is a "vacuum of power" exactly?

Oh, and have you asked him to contemplate whether or not he'd be agreeable to having a foreign power invade and occupy the US, install a puppet government to ensure they get cheap natural resources?

I don't know. That's actually a term that people on the right generally use. I suppose it means that the region would become destabilized if we left. But I don't buy that argument, because that region has become more destabilized as a result of us being there.

No, I didn't ask him that question. But it's a good one.

[bluesc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gu1olAaM4Q

WTF is this shit? Laughing about another war?

This should be shown to every Obama supporter out there.

[FreedomProsperityPeace]

Based on this video, Cain is either:

1) A liar

2) Incredibly ignorant

Neither of which are very good qualities to have in a president.

P.S. This is another good issue to bring up in the next debate. Get Cain discussing neoconservatism in front of a national audience. That would be rich.

[Tarzan]

What in the world is a "vacuum of power" exactly?

Vacuum of Power
a. A state of emptiness, a void
b. Containing air or gas at a reduced pressure
c. The sucking sound of the American Economy being expended on endless, pointless wars

[CMoore]

Check this out:

hxxp://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CAINS_RISE_KOCH_BROTHERS?SITE=VTBEN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[devil21]

(Wow, that was quite the thread derail)

Herman Cain totally blew this interview. When he wasn't avoiding answering questions he was busy giving the wrong answers. Go ahead and admit that your precious 999 raises taxes on the poor and middle class. That will help your polls. His numbers go back down to earth starting Monday.

Fwiw regarding the thread derail, a politician's opinion on US-Israel relations is all you need to know whether someone (regardless of party) is a neo-con. Big supporter of Israel? Neo-con. It's the central tenet to the neo-con foreign policy. Sadly most of Congress and the WH are neo-cons. Why do you think well over half of freshman Congressmembers just got back from Israel on an all expenses paid trip during the last recess? The language used is where the failure resides because the "con" part, as in conservative, no longer means anything. How can you be a warfare-statist, a welfare-statist, and a foreign aid advocate and still call yourself conservative???

[Suzu]

I thought the guy did a bang up job of outing Mr. Cain in that interview.

I'd like to see the entire thing. Anyone got a link to that?