Herman Cain vs. Occupy Wall Street

More than any other Republican presidential hopeful, Herman Cain is taking direct aim at the growing Occupy Wall Street protests. He started out by saying the demonstrators were "anti-capitalism," before suggesting on Sunday's political talk shows that the protesters were un-American to boot. Cain claims the Occupiers are just playing "the victim card" because they want to "take somebody else's" Cadillac. Will this kind of rhetoric help his campaign?

Yes. Cain is showing he is a leader: The former Godfather's Pizza boss is "saying what needs to be said," says Tina Korbe at Hot Air. The "amorphous and unsanitary" protests are just an outlet for "jealous kids who've fallen prey to the victimitis virus." Cain's comments "resonate so keenly" because his "proactive, positive" energy rejects the victim mindset and "extends a post-racial promise unlike any Obama could have offered."

"Herman Cain, the outspoken and effective critic of Occupy Wall Street"

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No way. Cain is hurting his image: Disagreeing with the protesters is one thing, says Andrew A. Green at the Baltimore Sun. But Cain went too far by suggesting that they're un-American. A lot of voters might wonder why Cain thinks Tea Partiers are being patriotic when they exercise their right to free speech, while Occupy Wall Street protesters are being traitorous. "The only thing un-American here is calling it un-American for people to engage in the political process."

"Occupy Wall Street: Which part is 'un-American,' the free speech or the peaceful assembly?"

This won't please everybody — just the GOP backers Cain needs: Obviously, Cain's stance isn't winning him any fans among the protesters, says David Magee at International Business Times. "But Cain clearly understands that's not his base anyway." Instead, his attacks are aimed at wooing conservatives rankled and worried by the protests. And Cain's message "is sure to resonate with Wall Street types, and bankers looking for a conservative to support in the presidential race."

"Herman Cain bashes Occupy Wall Street movement"