Washington (CNN) - The one African-American running for the GOP presidential nomination said Wednesday the black community was 'brainwashed' for traditionally siding with liberal politicians.
"African-Americans have been brainwashed into not being open minded, not even considering a conservative point of view," Godfather's Pizza executive Herman Cain said on CNN's "The Situation Room" in an interview airing Wednesday between 5-7 p.m. ET. "I have received some of that same vitriol simply because I am running for the Republican nomination as a conservative. So it's just brainwashing and people not being open minded, pure and simple."
Cain went on to explain that his interactions with African Americans led him to be optimistic about his own chances with the demographic.
"This whole notion that all African-Americans are not going to vote for Obama is not necessarily true," Cain said.
He continued, "I believe a third [of African-Americans] would vote for me, based on my own anecdotal feedback. Not vote for me because I'm black but because of my policies."
Cain also weighed in on the recent chatter surrounding Chris Christie, saying the recent reports the New Jersey governor is reconsidering a run for president were hurting the electorate.
"It's not insulting as much as it is a disservice to the American people," Cain said. "Chris Christie has been saying for a long time he's not interested in running. The media is trying to create a story by sucking Chris Christie into race, just like they made a story by sucking Rick Perry into the race."
Cain said the media should focus on the candidates who have already declared their candidacy to give voters a better idea of the field.
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Brainwashed? It is very obvious that the GOP does not have my intrest. It seems when we get a few dollars we become Republican and we all become lazy and stuipd if we don't agree.
Being open minded would be not voting for either Republicans or Democrats. Although it shouldn't take an open mind to realize that they have screwed this country.
To Mr Cain's comment that African Americans are Brain Washed. I would like to tell Mr Cain that African Americans are not Brained Washed but we are not Stupid either, what have the Republicans done for the African community ever or lately? One would have to look at all the things they are trying to do to women, voting rights and the way they have disrespected this president, there conduct will never be forgiven. Monroe Conely, USN, Retired
It's Ron Paul or it's the end of America!
I like this guy a lot, he's very honest in his answers. The Black Community is brainwashed, they've been threatened for years to vote Dem or lose the handouts they now dependent on. The Dems have them all trained like animals in a zoo waiting to be tossed their next peanut for their vote.
GOT IT!
Blacks (both of them) who agree with you can think for themselves... The rest are brainwashed.
Whoever gave you THAT idea should be fired – but then you probably came up with it on your own.
Left = Losers wrote:
People on far left can only talk smack! Dems had the house and senate for 2+ years and WHAT DID YOU DO FOR THE MINORITIES??? Answer: ZIP What have you ever done for minorities beyond talk? Thats right....ZIP Why don't you morons wake up and smell the coffee.
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What did Reagan or either Bush do for the black community? ZIP. What did they do against the black community? A whole lot. What did Johnson, Carter, Clinton or Obama do against the black community? ZIP.
How much did they try to do for the black community, but were opposed by Republicans? A lot.
OK, lets get real. what has the democratic party done to advance the cause of black america? we still have a cycle of poverty in the inner city. we still have people who depend on welfare and governemnt programs to survive (instead of working). clinton got killed by the left when he tried to overhaul welfare (with a republican congress). why does it always come down to "the republicans love the rich, and companies, etc..." there are no rich dems? face facts, there is no common sense in washington because there is very little common sense among the people that vote these idiots into office. congress has a 15% approval rating but a 90% reelection rate. that makes no sense. bottom line: cain is 100% correct.
It's hilarious to hear conservatives claim that "left-wing policies" have been bad for the black community. I can only assume they think right-wing policies such as segregation would have been better.
As a black man I find it funny that everytime black people are told the truth about themselves especially by another black person, we get mad. I remember Bill Cosby telling us the truth awhile back and all the outrage it sparked. Wake up black people and stop looking to be victims all your lives.
Cain for president. He is correct
Of course Herman Cain is only wealthier than 99.999999% of all black people. Herman we know why you are a Republican. Don't try to explain why others are Democrats.
I would agree that the blacks are "brain-washed", just as other groups are. Judging from some of the arguments I see here, it's the same old thing. Some are denying the brain-washed by simply spouting over-used talking points to "prove" there is a reason they vote Democrat rather than just being zombies. Unfortunately the same is true on the other side too. Too seldom are voters, in general, actually informed. They listen to the talking points or party lines and don't investigate or even consider any other point of view. Too many, on both sides, simply vote a straight party ticket, because they always have, their parents always have, etc etc. Both sides are guilty of it and both sides seem to be getting more and more closed minded to anything else.
If the GOP would vote for Herman Cain, without a doubt we would had a black republican president. He would bury Obama it would be the BIGGEST landslide ever. He would educate black people and voters. He would change this country around.
Really it is we voters that has brought this on us. The GOP has no business handling anything in this country.
I am so glad the Tea Party Movement finally has its ducks in a row and is moving forward with the Occupy Wall Street movement. This is what we have been waiting for.
So Cain, your kind is brainwashed, that's saying they're not smart enough to make an intelligent decision. Ah you're just going to win them over, aren't you.
cain needs to think before speaking. that was a very ignorant comment.
Cain is an idiot. All republicans are brainwashed. One would have to be brainwashed to believe in that illogical cult of oppressing the middle class and the poor. Cain is probably deluded and brainwashed by the christian myth like all republicans. They are too stupid and intellectually lazy to do the 5 minutes of research necessary to determine that Jesus is a mythological figure like Santa Claus and never existed. Republicans are freaks that arrogantly assume they have the "right religion" when in actuality, they are the lowest on the spirituality totem pole and are referred to as "mythic-literals." Their IQs are not sufficiently developed to distinguish truth from falsehood.
And you think you are better off now Sandra ? When Barry took over the Dow was over 14,000 and unemplolyment was at 5.6%, do you not understand how this works ? I bet you are still living at Grandmaw's house, ain't cha ?
he is exactly right,the demo party was all about keeping slaves during the civil war when they lost that war and could not overtly control blacks they changed tactics to control them subvertly by making them dependent. it funny to see some say that repubs want to control them when it is the opposite they want all to be free with a level field
This guy is a walking gimmick...just like those coupons "buy one pizza get one free." Kinda like that ridiculous 9,9,9 plan.
P.S. I'm not a lib, just an open minded independent. Herman Cain is as phony as a three dollar bill.
Cain thinks the Black community is brainwashed into voting for the Dems? He doesn't consider that they can think for themselves? He doesn't think they do look at conservative policies and come to the conclusion that those policies hurt them, their communty and our country? Think again Mr. Cain!
@ ace – lol, I like that.
He has a point, many African Americans have been convinced by some Dems that they need to be taken care of and can't function without government assistance. It's like a whole race is being convinced they're not good enough, they'll never succeed, they need special care. This is outrageous!