Yesterday, I announced that I had formally established a presidential exploratory committee and would continue prayerfully considering a run for the White House.
People often ask why I would consider a potential candidacy. After all, I have enjoyed a successful career as an executive of several major American corporations and host a popular radio talk show.
My answer! It’s not about me. It’s not about us. It’s about them.
We want to leave behind a better nation for our children and grandchildren. We want their futures to be bright and to be prosperous. Most importantly, we want to pass onto them the glory of the American Dream.
But now, the American Dream is under attack. Currently, our federal government is simply out of control. Spending is through the roof, taxes are too high and the government is far too invasive in each and every aspect of our lives. In fact, the majority of Americans believe we’re on the wrong track. This is not the America we want for our children and grandchildren!
It’s time for a “common sense” leader to take bold actions to help return this country to the greatness envisioned by our Founding Fathers. During the exploratory phase, people will let me know if I’m that leader. That’s why I have formed an exploratory committee.
During this time, I will hear from conservative leaders, business colleagues, donors, activists and friends to determine how I can best serve our country. “Friends of Herman Cain” will focus on measuring voter support and financial resources essential to winning the Republican nomination.
Quite frankly, I never grew up dreaming of being president one day. I was completely content with working hard as a corporate executive and upon retirement, enjoying a few rounds of golf a week. That all changed when my granddaughter was born.
When I looked at her in the delivery room for the first time 12 years ago, I saw that little face. I began to wonder about all of the little faces of the world, little faces of little people who deserved to grow up in a nation that was free and that was prosperous.
“What can I do to make this world a better place?” I thought to myself.
I still might not have all the answers to the question that I posed to myself in that delivery room more than a decade ago, but now, more than ever, I know that doing what I can to create a better world for her and all of those other little faces means doing something.
After all, it’s about them.
Herman Cain is a former CEO, a radio talk show host on AM 750 and 95.5 FM WSB in Atlanta, and a FOX News contributor.