He would be an excellent VP candidate, but it's way too early to already count him down and out as the GOP nominee.
To his critics so far:
1) He's black! Yes he is. He has to be something though doesn't he? I'm guessing that if he was purple with pink polka dots, he would have generated interest with the message he has been delivering.
2) He's socially conservative!! Yes he is. And he is honest and up front on every issue he is asked about. But remember, the President has no power to initiate legislation. And I'm pretty sure Herman Cain won't be doing end runs around the Congress and Constitution. I'm pretty sure any controversial issue that comes up will be put out there honestly, in the open, and for full review and debate. I think most people aren't afraid of that. At least he deserves a chance.
3) He appeals to the Tea Party. Yes he does. Isn't that wonderful? That means he isn't a tyrannical social ideologue but is committed to fiscal integrity, lower taxes, and personal freedom.
4) He favors a national sales tax to replace the income tax. That's the only significant issue I'm disagreeing with him so far as I am a flat tax advocate and will need a lot of convincing before I'll think a national sales tax would be a good thing. I do think his track record suggests a course change though if a better idea comes along.
5) On our involvement in foreign policy he is laying our his terms: a) The mission has to be clearly stated; b) there has to be a workable plan in place to accomplish the mission; c) there has to be agreement on what success of the mission will be. If those three things aren't in place we don't do it. If we don't have those three things in place in Iraq and Afganistan, for instance, we bring our troops home.
It's too early to know how Cain will stand up under the pressures and hatefulness of a national campaign, but if he proves to be for real, I am finding myself liking him a lot.