Herman Cain on Presidential Campaign, Tea Party Influence, and Funding FEMA

Herman Cain, a former businessman and 2012 Republican presidential candidate, appeared on CNN's "American Morning" on September 26, 2011, to discuss his surprising win in the Republican straw poll in Florida. Cain emphasized the importance of effective communication and substance in his campaign, stating that his "nine, nine, nine" plan for boosting the economy resonated with voters. He also criticized playing politics with tragedies, such as the FEMA funding issue, and advocated for a "gentleman's agreement" to fund the agency without offsetting spending cuts.

Key Takeaways:

Herman Cain won the Republican straw poll in Florida with 37% of the vote, more than Rick Perry and Mitt Romney combined.
Cain's "nine, nine, nine" plan, which includes a business flat tax of 9%, a personal flat tax of 9%, and a national sales tax of 9%, is a key aspect of his economic plan.
Cain believes that effective communication and substance are crucial in politics, and his plan has resonated with voters.
Cain opposes playing politics with tragedies, such as the FEMA funding issue, and advocates for a "gentleman's agreement" to fund the agency without offsetting spending cuts.
Cain blames both parties for playing politics with FEMA funding and believes that leadership should rise above politics.
Cain's focus on the problem and solution rather than politics has been a distinguishing factor in his campaign.

Statistics:

37%: The percentage of the vote that Herman Cain won in the Republican straw poll in Florida.
9%: The proposed rate for the business flat tax, personal flat tax, and national sales tax in Cain's "nine, nine, nine" plan.
0.04%: The percentage of the federal budget that FEMA funding accounts for.
909: The number of FEMA employees that were furloughed due to the government shutdown in 2011.

Sources:

CNN "American Morning" interview with Herman Cain, September 26, 2011.
Federal News Service, Inc.