@realjohnboy,
Nothing all that surprising.
Even among Republicans, Cain is considered something of a fringe candidate, and voters will always question the chances of a fringe candidate to beat the incumbent,even if they like him.
Not a whole lot of people knew who Cain was before this year (a lot still don't know who he is.) and there is a natural tendency to if not favor than feel more secure with the familiar over the unknown
Cain has an interesting personality and a unique way of speaking. You may have never have heard of Tim Pawlenty but if you saw him walk into a room and start making small talk with people, you might soon feel he's a like a million other guys you've met along the way.
Not so with Cain. He has presence, but I think that presence might as easily make you a little nervous as impressed.
He obviously speaks very well, but there is a cadence to his delivery that suggests he's been giving speeches (as opposed to being engaged in debate or conversation) for a good deal of his life. When I hear him, I think large corporate meeting rather than church pulpit, but he's definately developed a deiberate rhythm.
He comes across as a very personable fellow, but not exactly warm and inviting. I bet he knew a lot about the personal lives of his subordinates and was always quick to interject an appropriate personal reference, but I doubt he was ever one of the "guys," or spent a lot of time talking about what it was like being young Herman Cain.
He's got a good sense of humor, but there's a sense when you watch him in an interview that he can turn it against the interviewer as well as charm him with it.
Maybe he scared me too quickly out of the box with his stupid comments about Muslim appointees to his administration, but I have an uneasy feeling that another foolish comment is only one debate away. He's not given any evidence of that since the Muslim comments, but knowing how the press and the opposition (I repeat myself) are laying in wait for him I get nervous.
Lucky for him , it was right out of the box and no one knew who he was or if he represented an actual threat to win the nomination. If his position in the polls then had been what it is today they would have been on him like white on rice. Some may feel they missed a good chance the first time and are just licking their lips waiting for the next shot.
Assuming he doesn't stumble in the weeks and months ahead, as he gains exposure confidence in him being able to beat Obama will grow.
When does the perfect candidate ever come along? If you're someone who swears fealty to a candidate from Day 1, I question the seriousness of your thinking. Once the field narrows to three or four, sides will be taken allegiances formed and people will stop looking for the Lone Ranger to ride into town.
