Herman, do people know why your last presidential campaign failed?

If he runs, Cain says he will advocate market-oriented reforms of health care and Social Security, plus a ''simpler and fairer'' tax system. Each of these issues ranks high on the GOP's economic agenda. But unlike many in his party, Cain opposes school vouchers for private schools and backs efforts only to ''revisit,'' not eliminate, affirmative action. He declined to give his position on abortion rights.

In the primaries, Cain's moderate social stances could pose problems. But his personal wealth and links to the association's grass-roots money could help, a lobbyist said. Cain once showed up at a restaurant group board meeting, took the microphone, and challenged the 70-or-so board members to match his on-the-spot political donation. ''People responded,'' the lobbyist recalled, ''but the room was ashen-faced for a moment.''

The long odds against his presidential bid lead some analysts to maintain that Cain could leverage his free media coverage during the campaign into another office. Cain conceded that he would welcome a vice-presidential nomination or a Cabinet appointment if the GOP nominee wins in 2000. But for now, Cain emphasized that he's focusing only on a presidential bid.

National Journal March 6, 1999


Oh - didn't you tell them about your last run for office?