Politics

Herman Cain Sings ‘God Bless America’ in 9/11 Video

Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:37am by Madeleine Morgenstern
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Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain released a 9/11 tribute video Friday in which he sings “God Bless America” while footage of the burning Twin Towers and other Sept. 11 images play on the screen.

The two-minute video, complete with news report narration and the sounds of people screaming amid the chaos, ends with a close-up of Cain’s face and the words “Herman Cain — President 2012.”

According to a Cain spokesperson, the candidate recorded the song in one take.

In the hours since the video’s release, it has prompted some strong visceral reactions: Salon’s Alex Pareene gave it a scathing review, calling it “incredibly tasteless” and a “monstrosity,” while others took to social networking sites to say it moved them.

Over at Mediaite, columnist Philip Bump called it “either the worst video commemorating anything ever, or it’s a perfectly fine expression of a man’s feelings about an American tragedy.” Bump suggested this test:

A good way to figure out which is to try and remember how you feel about Herman Cain. If you like him a lot, it’s the latter. I’m indifferent towards him, so it’s the former. A fun thought experiment: what if this were President Obama singing? (Yes, that’s Cain singing.) Would that change your mind?

Cain’s video is just the second musical 9/11 tribute from a public figure to be released this week. As The Blaze previously reported, MSNBC‘s Joe Scarborough has a new country song about the attacks and America’s wars, titled “Reason to Believe.”

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (241)

burr99
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:31am
I really like this man. Very moving presentation. My only reservation, is using 9/11 as a chance for political gain. It should be preserved, and rememberd, in all its horror.
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- GETLIFE
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:49am
  A major political figure, singing out God Bless America for millions to hear…
  .Political gain? Surely, but only because we can hear that he feels it and he means it.
  Report Post »
- Ballot_Box_Revolution
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:49am
  I like him too. And part of me felt as you did, when you said he was using 9-11 for political gain, but then I thought “If people use that frame of mind, that is saying that none of these candidates can do anything positive this 9-11 because they will be accused of using it for political gain.”
  
  I think Cain has proven himself before this video, that he is very patriotic, and holds the attacks of 9-11 close to his heart.
  Report Post »
- SheriS
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:51am
  I certainly don’t think there is any connection as Mr. Cain is paying tribute, not political crap! I find it refreshing to hear someone sing “God Bless America” when God is being stomped on by so many idiot Americans! God Bless you, Herman Cain, for doing what all Americans should be doing these days!
  Report Post »
- qpwillie
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:56am
  I think it was more a thing where they wanted to present him singing God Bless America and his tech people chose those pictures for the video. I make videos for my son’s YouTube channel using soundtracks and sometimes it takes awhile to decide what graphics to use for the video.
  Report Post »
- GETLIFE
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 11:09am
  This video has brought me to the realization that with Bloomberg’s “cleansing” the memorial service of religion and first responders–the enemy has won a battle. We will not really be WHO WE ARE at the 9/11 ceremony at ground zero.
  Report Post »
- LIBSALWAYSLIE
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 11:34am
  I have a deep respect for Mr Cain. A true patriot.
  Report Post »
- Quagmir
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 11:42am
  I have been listening to Cain’s radio show for a long time. He may have done this because he is in the race but I have no doubt in my mind that he did this for the right reasons and not he wrong. He never did anything short of this on the radio just as Rush, Beck, Hannity, Levin, Boortz and whoever else I am missing from the list do each year, not just on the 10 year 1st responderless anniversary.
  
  This video is typical of Cain because he is a patriot and even if you are “indifferent to him” this is not “the worst video commemorating anything ever”.
  Report Post »
- John 3:16
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 12:12pm
  This man is a genuine patriot and I love him. We need him as vice president at the very least. God please bless this man your humble servant.
  Report Post »
- lillymckim
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 12:24pm
  a true American
  Report Post »
- dennybug
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 12:36pm
  Political gain? Nonsense, this man loves his country and he loves to sing…whats wrong with him showing both at this time..and remember he’s your average life time politician..
  Report Post »
- b.mclane
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 12:56pm
  What political gain? Its high time people remind the sheepel out there these people still want to kill us. This is a tribute video.
  Report Post »
- fizzycist
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 1:00pm
  Herman Cain has been talking about our Creator…and our Inalienable Rights for quite a while….this Man wants to Unite America….“We must be the Defending Fathers”…..this is what he has told us…
  From now on, when I think of Herman Cain, I will think of 3 words……“God Bless America”
  Report Post »
- CatB
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 1:02pm
  I have to say .. I like his 9 9 9 idea (why should the government demand more than GOD!) and I love this! Cain/Bachmann …. Cain/Rubio >>>> ??? HE has plans not just retoric!
  
  TEA!
  Report Post »
- Catherine Elizabeth
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 1:20pm
  He brought tears to my eyes and from what I know of this man he would never have thought this would be thought of a political aspect….This was his tribute to the fallen, his way of remembering his fellow Americans. Herman Cain really loves America, he defends her freedoms & liberties a true patriot!
  Report Post »
- Shasta
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 2:01pm
  Thank you Mr. Cain.
  Report Post »
- willnotbackdown
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 2:22pm
  At least Herman Cain loves this country and wants to keep it great. Obama just wants the world view and I beleive would like for the USA to fall apart
  Report Post »
- BIGGS
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 2:28pm
  *If your ****** off LIBERALS your headed in the “CORRECT” direction
  Report Post »
- sissykatz
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 3:41pm
  I think that is beautiful and very moving. Well done. As the guy said above about Obama singing this, it would never happen. Herman Cain loves this Country. Obama Hates America.
  
  We MUST NEVER FORGET!!!!! WE WERE ATTACKED ON OUR SOIL !!!!!! NOW WE ARE GOING TO STAND BY AND WATCH THEM BUILD A MOSQUE NEAR THAT SITE ???? SURELY WE CAN PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING….. THAT WOULD BE A DISGRACE…….
  
  GOD BLESS AMERICA…….. PLEASE HELP US TO MAKE HER WHOLE AGAIN….
  Report Post »
- JohnGalt
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 3:56pm
  Really think he was being honoring. Man he has a good voice too!
  Report Post »
- Pkbike
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:18pm
  We have lived in a period in which all “political gain” is sullied because of corrupt individuals – yet we have to keep hope that our politics is not corrupt but a public service – born out of patriotic love and forgive the naive attitude from this 66 year old – but shared values and faith.
  Cain might not be simply another corrupt SOB. He may very well be the genuine article. As a former CEO… surely he is known by many many. Let’s get the media too find them. They are his best references. They (Media) never took the trouble to find ONE of Obama’s references!!!
  HELLO!@!@@!! Who the hell was OBAMA? NOW we know. Please folks, let’s find out who this guy Herman Cain really is. And if he’s what you like, then elect him and let’s move on.
  
  In the future, let’s sing God bless America without fear of criticism. Maybe we can retrieve the “Pledge” as well from the low lives who can’t stomach that too. And then we gotta stop trying to be PC and start demanding people accept our traditional values.
  Report Post »
- lizziebee
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:22pm
  I‘ll bet Herman Cain knows there’s not much chance he will be the Republican nominee. I see a decent man making his point regarding 9/11 from his heart.
  Report Post »
- pschlentz
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:28pm
  God Bless this man for bringing these pictures and feelings back for everyone to hear. Our Liberal Media and the Democrat Party decided to keep the memory of this day from us by never showing the images of the Towers and keeping us from seeing and hearing what these Monsters did to us. Do they really think it’s too harsh for Americans to bear? If it is for some, then those people can hide their heads in the sand till the day that they die. For the rest of us, it is a reminder of the True Heart of Islam. After all if we don’t know the truth then they can flood our Country just like they are flooding Europe. We can be ignorant of what they did, and never apologized for. If they keep imigrating here, they will become a huge voting block for the Democrats and before you know it, you will see the end of what we know as America, the most free nation ever know to man and it will decline into chaos.
  The Truth Shall Set Us Free.
  To ignore this day or act like it’s wrong to remind us, whether or not Caine is using it to help him in his campaign is Political Correctness at it’s best!!
  I’d love to see much, much more of this!
  Report Post »
- db321
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:35pm
  It brought tears to my eyes – very touching – sung with feelings from the heart.
  Report Post »
- 8jrts
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:39pm
  Brought tears to my eyes…no matter who sang it. Reminds me how much I love my country and how much I do not want to see this kind tragedy ever happen to us again.
  Report Post »
- swampbuck
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:53pm
  The real tragedy is 10 years later there is still a big dammn hole in the ground! The empire state building was built in 18 months in 1931 get the freaking lead out [and the regulations]
  Report Post »
- for-what-its-worth
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 6:52pm
  I see a lot of posts here calling this a “political gain” move….who cares if it is?!? It could also become a “political death” move for him too.
  
  THIS IS AMERICA, and Herman Cain is an American!!! If he wants to sing “God Bless America” he can. I was moved and proud to hear him, a candidate running for PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, sing that song and put himself out there for the country to judge him by. Maybe if more of the candidates would stand up and show they’re proud of America, we could get back on track as being the greatest country on the face of the Earth.
  
  It‘s time we unite as Americans again and put all of this political correctness BS in it’s place. We need to take pride once again in being Americans, and stop apologizing for it.
  
  We welcome ANY and EVERYONE to our country, and accept you as you are. It’s time for YOU to accept America as it is. YOU CAME HERE because obviously America is better than where you were, and it’s that way for a reason…FREEDOM!! Freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to pursue your dreams in life.
  
  Many of our brave men and women have died to give us these freedoms, and I guarantee you this. If ANYONE tries to take those freedoms from us, many of your men and women will die so that we, AMERICAN’S, can preserve our way of life.
  
  Keep showing America who you are Mr. Cain!
  
  Sorry for the rant, but I just get so tired of reading whiny posts.
  Report Post »
- Steev
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 7:17pm
  Although thus far he is my presidential candidate of choice and i don’t care for people using a tradgedy of human misery proportions as a propellant, but I truly don‘t think he’s using 911 for political gain – I think he is showing that he is sinscerly botherd by the lack of respect our leaders in general have for the human condition / ours and his country !
  Report Post »
- KickinBack
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 7:22pm
  Very nice.
  Report Post »
- Messenger4God
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 8:36pm
  Herman Cains patriotism and love for our country runs deep and strong. He is sending out a strong message that our country remains truly blessed despite attempts by our enemies to demoralize us and instill fear in our hearts.
  I don‘t know if he will make a great president but I think he’ll be much better than the person occupying the presidency at this point in time.
  Report Post »
- dr_funk
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:06pm
  @lizziebee
  
  If he doesn’t win the nomination, its only because pessimists like you stayed home.
  
  I‘m going to the polls on the day of my state’s primary, and I’m voting for Herman Cain, because he is the best candidate. I refuse to let someone else select the nominee for me by staying home.
  Report Post »
- Nick84
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:27pm
  It was nice of him to make that quote at the end tomorrow.
  Report Post »
- realindependent
  Posted on September 11, 2011 at 6:50am
  I was fine with it. till he threw in his herman cain for president bump.
  
  Damn you republicans for continually using 9\11 as your election montra. It is disgusting and Morally bankrupt to do so.
  
  Shame on you Herman cain.
  Report Post »
- JohnFourteenSix
  Posted on September 11, 2011 at 10:59am
  I could be wrong, but don’t federal election regulations require Mr. Cain to post the portion at the end of the video?
  
  http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/notices.shtml
  Report Post »
- johnannegalt
  Posted on September 11, 2011 at 12:04pm
  Good on him! Atleast he’s willing to recognize 9/11 as a tragedy, unlike many others.. what‘s worse is that we’ve surrendered.. :(
  
  “After 9/11, we should have known that the war we faced was greater and wider than one group of thugs sheltering in a desert wasteland half a world away. Our leaders should have told us, and they should have prepared us for all the ugly truths about the nature of the war against us, and the philosophical base from which it was being waged. We should have learned it ourselves and demanded a thorough war, but now we arrive on the eve of that event’s tenth anniversary, and still we cower and huddle in fear at the credible threats looming over us. Our founders, and all the men from their time until the end of WWII must be turning restlessly in their graves at the spectacle of our defeat by such an enemy. ”
  
  http://markamerica.com/2011/09/10/american-leadership-surrenders-how-we-lost-the-war/
  Report Post »
- Ron on the Rio Grande
  Posted on September 11, 2011 at 5:30pm
  It captures 100% what I felt when I went to sleep that night 10 years ago.
  The current pirate in the White House could never do this. If he even tried the BS detector would be flashing red neon.
  Report Post »
- waggie
  Posted on September 11, 2011 at 8:15pm
  I thought this was very moving, very well done and very classy.
  Report Post »
- pbrenda51
  Posted on September 12, 2011 at 1:02pm
  Brought tears to my eyes again…..yesterday was a very emotional day…….put a “NEVER FORGET 9/11″ sign up in the window of our store on Saturday and Sunday………I will continue to do that somewhere til I die…..if the muslins like it or not!!!! That is why I LOVE Herman Cain…..of course, the left doesn’t ever like anything/anyone who is patriotic and loves this country as the left doesn’t understand that passion of love for our country……they just hate it as does Obama or he wouldn’t be trying to “fundamentally transform” it
  Report Post »
- THEUNKNOWNPATRIOT
  Posted on September 12, 2011 at 5:00pm
  You’ll never, ever see Obama do such a thing EVER! He’s not passionate about America like Cain is.
  Report Post »
Texas woman56
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:30am
A true American!
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- Erickson911
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:35am
  Only those with nothing good to do will have time to tear this apart – i loved it – should move you if you have any love for this country!
  Report Post »
- Bluebonnet
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 6:00pm
  Beautiful voice. Thank you Herman Cain. I especially loved his answer at the debates the other night where he explained 9-9-9 program, and if God is happy with 10% the gov.t should be happy with 9%.
  Report Post »
SummerB
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:30am
I like it much. I felt awful that the priest died. He seemed like such a good, fine man. And the way the firefighters carried his body to the church’s altar. A woman on the next block, mother of 3, 1 being an infant lost her firefighter husband & her MIL lost both sons. So sad.
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momprayn
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:27am
Ha! I just posted yesterday about how I was encouraged by what they did at the Opening Bell at the NY Stock Exchange — they actually had a woman come and sing the same song, “God Bless America”! It was very moving. They had protesters about it but went ahead anyway. Then I see this.
This – I thought great & appropriate & yes, I like Cain – he is a very sincere, honest Christian trying to live as he thinks Jesus wants him to from what I’ve heard. The reasoning why you like it or not is not necessarily “political” – it’s because people know the differences in their character & patriotism — Cain loves this country, Obama doesn’t and is also “pro Muslim”, and a proven liar & hypocrite. If he had done this, I’d throw up – I can’t even stand to watch him show up and attend any patriotic event!!!! I avoid that at all costs – besides just turning it off whenever he speaks, period. Lyrics to contemplate:

“While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home. ”

Yes, please God….bless America……again.
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- OhSuzieQ
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 11:03am
  MomRrayn, what a super post!
  Report Post »
- vehoae
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 11:20am
  Kudo’s !
  Report Post »
YepImaConservative
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:27am
One person‘s trash is another person’s treaure. Good for Cain who’s not afraid to love God and his country.
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jijbarton
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:25am
Wow, that was very moving. God Bless America and keep her safe.
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KSherrell
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:25am
Beautiful tribute to the victims of 9/11. In this time of turmoil around the world, everyone should be on their knees asking God to bless their respective countries. The only true salvation comes through Jesus Christ and what HE did at the cross for all our sins. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
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Canyouhearus
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:21am
Excellent! Not just the voice of a singer but the voice and belief of a Patriot!
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- dmforman
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 11:16am
  Well said!
  Report Post »
darlenekay
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:19am
God Bless you sir! It touched my heart. I agree, we must never forget what happened in this country on 9/11. We need to see the videos and hear the words. Americans need reminders. We all too easily forget. I support you, Mr. Cain. You are a patriot and a true leader.
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SamIamTwo
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:17am
That guy is jerk to the 10th degree.
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- SamIamTwo
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:22am
  Philip Bump that is… ;)
  Report Post »
- GETLIFE
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:24am
  BLOOMBERG!? I totally agree!
  Report Post »
- GETLIFE
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 11:59am
  Oh yeah, him too.
  Report Post »
- just happy
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 3:17pm
  what guy
  Report Post »
Oh My God
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:17am
. . . and all the children said AMEN!
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texasgal13
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:16am
Thank you Herman Cain! As a teacher it is important that we do not sanitize history but remember every good, bad, and ugly moment lest one day we remember no more. We should weep loudly with broken hearts every time we think of 9-11, and prayerfully remember those that have passed.
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ZAP
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:13am
Listen to Obama sing on u-tube LA İLAHE İLLALLAH — ZİKİRLİ
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Oh, God!
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:10am
I did not see anything ‘incredibly tasteless’ in this video. Just a man who loves his country and wanting people to remember the lives that were lost that day. My way of getting through the day is celebrating my son’s birthday. We were blessed with a son born on 9-11 and would not change a thing about it. God Bless America!
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neverending
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:07am
Have so much admiration for this man and what a beautiful voice. Sure brings tears to my eyes. He sings this while the sorry sob sitting in the whitehouse is preparing for the next big muslim shindig. God help us all.
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Boojer56
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:01am
Thhat was moving Iwonder how much flackCain will get from the state media for using the GOD word. Im sure the athiests are appalled.
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- DSN397
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 12:48pm
  BOOJER56 Who cares who get offended. I’m a 67 year of Air Force vet and retired 30 police officer, and I don’t care who sings it, if they sing it as standardly sung, without all the yodelling, and trying to hold one note for an hour, I get tears in my eyes, always have, always will.
  
  I am still devastated by the attack on 9-11, and rather than not wanting to show children the clips, etc. I think it should be aired regularly on T.V. in 15 second clips through out the day, so nobody who lived thru it forgets and anyone who wasn’t born yet is fully aware of what happened to our country that day, and that the ememies are still out there ploting.
  Report Post »
Rick300
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:00am
Amen Herman…Amen.
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dave88
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:57am
Herman Cain is a great American.
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- Reaganette
  Posted on September 11, 2011 at 6:53am
  Amen Dave88! Herman Cain gets little or no MSM attention and he says what most of us feel. Perhaps because he does just that. He needs our help to keep fighting the fight. God Bless America before we lose it…
  Report Post »
NuffSaid
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:54am
For some reason, I like this man and wish him every good thing in life but–

Herman Cain sings “God Bless America.”
Obama’s family preacher Reverend Wright screams “God D*** America.”
Alan West threatens to quit the Black Caucus but doesn’t.
Maxine Waters condemns Obama then clutches him like a long lost baby.

Who you gonna believe?
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- TXPilot
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:03am
  Herman Cain is an honest man with a sense of integrity, a love for his country and isn’t afraid to express how he feels……yes, those are good reasons the left would hate him. This country will not be out of danger, til the people that hate it and people like Herman Cain have been forcibly removed.
  Report Post »
- dmforman
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 11:12am
  Herman Cain is a man of his word. He loves his country. Learn about his upbringing. Learn about him, and you will see that he is honest and trustworthy. He is a thinker and will do whatever he can do to save our country if he becomes president. God Bless America and God Bless Herman Cain. He is a real American.
  Report Post »
Deanna in Missouri
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:54am
Very touching. We must never forget.
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Mess23
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:48am
There is something to this man…
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- qpwillie
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:57am
  I know exactly what you mean. ‘There is something to this man…” is a great way to put what I was thinking.
  Report Post »
kickagrandma
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:47am
AWESOME, President-elect, Herman Cain!!!!

GOD BLESS AND PROTECT YOU.

And, GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Thank you, Sir.
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- Vickie Dhaene
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 7:40pm
  Amen.
  
  Cain/Bachmann
  Report Post »
ZAP
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:46am
We need leaders that answer to GOD.
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loriann12
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:44am
The difference between Cain and Obama? Obama is doing everything he can to destroy America and make slaves of her people, slaves to the government teat…..Cain obviously loves America and Capitalism and believes in this country’s ability to recover and be strong. Michelle was ashamed of this country until her husband became president.
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yougottabekidding
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:41am
May you rot in Hell Bloomberg
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- GETLIFE
  Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:20am
  First thing I thought of also. BLOOMBERG.
  His latest= the most hugely IDIOTIC and CRUEL thing he’s ever done– making this HEARTLESS decision for all of us.
  Report Post »
- JazzGuy
  Posted on September 11, 2011 at 7:49am
  Blomberg’s no Communist… (but he’ll DO til one shows up)
  Report Post »

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