Embattled Republican candidate Herman Cain announced he was suspending his presidential bid Saturday, a move that’s most likely to impact the caucus race in Iowa by helping Newt Gingrich.
But the effect on the race here likely won’t be dramatic, because Cain’s poll numbers already had dropped like a rock, a new Des Moines Register Iowa Poll shows.
As cable news broadcast Cain’s announcement live Saturday for the nation to watch, Cain presented himself as a man victimized by media coverage about allegations of a 13-year extramarital affair.
The retired business executive spoke at length about his status as an unconventional, not-politics-as-usual candidate.
But he also said he’s at peace with God, himself and his wife, Gloria, who held his hand as he walked to the microphone.
“And she is at peace with me,” he said.
Cain, who has never held elective office, skyrocketed to front-runner status by touting his business credentials in a down economy and his status as a Washington outsider. He spoke in Atlanta, Ga., his home state, on what had been scheduled as the opening day for his campaign headquarters there.
The hometown crowd at one point chanted “Glor-i-a!” She waved and blew kisses.
Finally, after a 12-minute buildup, Cain said: “As of today, with a lot of prayer and soul searching, I am suspending my presidential campaign.”
The reason?
“Because of the continued distractions, the continued hurt caused on me and my family, not because we are not fighters,” he said. “Not because I’m not a fighter.”
Cain said he will operate a website and continue to advocate for conservative priorities and his now-famous 9-9-9 tax plan.
As for the various sexual allegations against him, Cain maintained that they are “false and unproved.”
Although Cain said he was “suspending” his campaign, experts said his presidential bid was over. He can still use campaign donations to cover expenses.
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