Will Herman Cain become the GOP's 'kingmaker'?
Cain's campaign is over, but his supporters could still potentially tip the balance in a close GOP race

Herman Cain ended his presidential run on Saturday, citing the damage inflicted on him by "false and untrue" allegations of sexual harassment and infidelity. By Sunday, most of Cain's former rivals were scrambling for his supporters — or, in Rep. Michele Bachmann's case, already claiming many of them as her own. Cain, who says he'll continue to push his 9-9-9 tax plan, intends to endorse one of the GOP candidates soon — reportedly, Cain might throw his support behind Newt Gingrich as early as Monday afternoon. Will a nod from the scandal-tainted Cain really influence the GOP race?
Yes. Cain wields a lot of power: It's clear from his defiant exit speech that Cain "wants to stay in the spotlight," says Dan Farber at CBS News. And this Plan B, pushing his supporters toward a preferred candidate, is a pretty good way to "make lemonade out of lemons." After all, "if he can't continue his run for president, at least he can play the role of a kingmaker."
"Herman Cain tries to make lemonade from lemons"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
But who would want Cain's blessing? The king Cain is trying to anoint is apparently Gingrich, says Jennifer Rubin at The Washington Post. But if the tainted Cain endorses the "clownish" Newt, it will probably "only raise eyebrows and cackles about [Newt's] own infidelity." Some interested party, perhaps a political action group, "will want to tie Cain and Gingrich at the hip."
"Is there a not-Romney and not-Gingrich for Iowans?"
Cain's supporters matter, even if his support doesn't: The one-time frontrunner doesn't have "a huge base of support any more, but it's still significant," says Jazz Shaw at Hot Air. Cain diehards might not follow Herman's advice — I think they're more likely to back a "consummate Washington outsider" than Newt — but regardless, it's critical "where Cain's hardcore fans migrate." His "sizable 8 percent" in Iowa, for instance, could seal a win for Rep. Ron Paul, or boost Rick Perry back into the running.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Zack Polanski: the 'eco-populist' running for Green Party leader
In The Spotlight 'Insurgent' party deputy is making a bid to take the Greens further to the left
-
Do smartphone bans in schools work?
The Explainer Trials in UK, New Zealand, France and the US found prohibition may be only part of the solution
-
Doom: The Dark Ages – an 'exhilarating' prequel
The Week Recommends Legendary shooter adds new combat options from timed parries to melee attacks and a 'particularly satisfying' shield charge
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?
Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are the billionaires backing?
The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy