Washington (CNN) – Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain apologized for past comments regarding those who practice Islam, following a meeting with Muslim American leaders.
"I remain humble and contrite for any statements I have made that might have caused offense to Muslim Americans and their friends," Cain said in a statement Wednesday. "I am truly sorry for any comments that may have betrayed any commitment to the U.S. Constitution and the freedom of religion guaranteed by it."
The former Godfather's Pizza CEO and radio talk show host said he enjoyed a "heartfelt fellowship and thoughtful dialogue" in his meeting at the ADAM Center in Virginia, one of the largest mosques in the DC Metro Area.
Cain previously said he would be uncomfortable with a Muslim serving in his cabinet unless they proved their loyalty to the U.S. constitution. He also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the Islamic Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, saying communities should be able to prevent the construction of mosques in their neighborhoods.
After his meeting with four Muslim leaders, Cain said he is still opposed to the "interference of shariah law into the American legal system," but that Muslims have a right to openly practice their religion.
"In my own life as a black youth growing up in the segregated South, I understand their frustration with stereotypes," Cain said. "Those in attendance, like most Muslim Americans, are peaceful Muslims and patriotic Americans whose good will is often drowned out by the reprehensible actions of jihadists."
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
Calling Peter King – calling Peter King: Herman Cain has bee "radicalized" after visiting a mosque.
Look Cain, this is why you can`t be President. Like most higher ranking business executives you shot your mouth off and didn`t know what the hell you were talking about.
I get your deluded viewpoint – American citizens shouldn`t have to befored to live under sharia law. What you fail to get is
a) the Constitution is the SUPREME law of the land, and,
b) If enough residents [a majority] in a legal jurisdiction [municipality] wanted to vote in "Sharia law", because we live in a democracy, they are entitled to do so. But so what, see rule A above.
American liberties are guaranteed by the Constitution so nobody can force your daughter to wrap herself in black and wear a veil, regardless of local "law".
And as for terrorists, what tests are you going to apply to blond-haired, blue-eyed people like Norway`s Anders Breivik -or- America`s version of him like Terry Nichols, Tim McVeigh or Jared Loughner? I`m waiting sir!
This guy doesn't know when to shut his mouth.
As being a black youth that grew up in the south, he should have known not to form those opinions.
I guess the idiot needs the muslim votes now. If anyone who makes less than $200k or $250k combined; is a minority; or gay votes for the party of idiots and racists deserves these folks.
Chances of the Republican nomination for this freak, GONE.
Cain only proved himself to be just another Republican bigot and coward – sadly this county is full of them.
Cain does not get it.. You would think that a Black man would have some empathy for other people that suffer from
Intolerance, but not this guy.
blabber mouth... you all will say anything to get elected. I only wish you all will realise what atmosphere of hatred you are creating just to get elected. It is very toxic right now no one seems to care until there is loud boom, may be then you fools will stop this nonsense. America is great coutry that is been dragged down by fringes. SHAME on you all.
I knew he would come around. His poll numbers are sinking like ginormous stones.
The counrty does not need a leader who says somehting and then later apologizes for being stupid. His presidential asperations are done.
Nothing has changed-just courting votes.....