Republican presidential contender Herman Cain amplified his criticism Sunday of the growing Occupy Wall Streetmovement, calling the protesters “jealous’ Americans who “play the victim card” and want to “take somebody else’s” Cadillac.
Cain’s remarks, on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” came amidst an escalating war of words between Republicans and Democratsover the merits of the movement, which has spread from New York to other cities across the nation, including Washington and Los Angeles.
GOP politicians in recent days have stepped up their criticism of the protesters, with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) calling them “mobs” who have pitted “Americans against Americans.”
But Cain, surging in popularity among many conservatives, seems to have had among the most virulent responses to the protests.
On CBS, Cain suggested that the rallies had been organized by labor unions to serve as a “distraction so that many people won’t focus on the failed policies of the Obama administration.”
The banking and financial services industries aren’t responsible for those policies, Cain said. “To protest Wall Street and the bankers is basically saying you’re anti-capitalism,” he said.
Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, who appeared on the program with Cain, offered a more measured response, but blamed the White House for the discord.
“There a lot of people in America who are angry,” Gingrich said. “This is the natural product of President Obama’s class warfare.”
Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), chairman of the House Budget Committee, also pointed a finger at the president, whom he accused of fear-mongering.
“He’s preying on the emotions of fear, envy and anger. And that is not constructive to unifying America,” Ryan said. “I think he’s broken his promise as a uniter, and now he’s dividing people. And to me, that’s very unproductive.”
Ryan cited protests in his home state of Wisconsin this year over collective bargaining legisation when asked about the Wall Street movement. “I don’t disparage anyone who protests their government in favor of better government, no matter what perspective they come from,” he said.
Asked whether Cain’s criticism was representative of the party, Ryan said, “I think Herman’s speaking for himself.”
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco on ABC’s “This Week,” essentially called Cantor a hypocrite for criticizing the Wall Street protesters while embracing the “tea party” movement.
“I didn’t hear him say anything when the tea party was out demonstrating, actually spitting on members of Congress right here in the Capitol, and he and his colleagues were putting signs in the windows encouraging them,’ Pelosi said.
Pelosi said she supported the movement’s “message.”
“I support the message to the establishment, whether it’s Wall Street or the political establishment and the rest, that change has to happen,” she said “We cannot continue in a way that does not — that is not relevant to their lives. People are angry.”
If you enjoy the content at iBankCoin, please follow us on Twitter
What else would you possibly expect from a former Federal Reserve Bank chairman, who favored the TARP bail-outs, and who endorsed Romney in 2008?
Cain is the ultimate insiders’ “outsider.”
Jay, you are right, but don’t worry, a political organization will hijack this movement just like the “teaparty movement” (Denninger) was hijacked and converted into a political one.
How can they hijack something they organized? http://www.theblaze.com/stories/video-exposing-occupy-wall-street-was-organized-from-day-one-by-seiu-acorn-front-the-working-family-party-and-how-they-all-tie-to-the-obama-administration-dnc-democratic-socialists-of-america/
On CBS, Cain suggested that the rallies had been organized by labor unions to serve as a “distraction so that many people won’t focus on the failed policies of the Obama administration.”
Actually this is probably true, many protests and rallies do have large organizations paying them to be there. I’ve known people at different times that were payed by employer to skip work and go protest. Most recent was a casino paying employees to try to block local government bills that were in support of reservation casinos.
the contrast of the quotes is funny
“I don’t disparage anyone who protests their government in favor of better government, no matter what perspective they come from,” [cantor] said.
“I didn’t hear him say anything when the tea party was out demonstrating, actually spitting on members of Congress right here in the Capitol, and he and his colleagues were putting signs in the windows encouraging them,’ Pelosi said.
LOL, what? He just said he doesn’t look down on anyone who desires stronger government, now all of a sudden Pelosi’s trying the fact that he’s talking on a matter because he’s invited on as hypocritical even though he says he doesn’t have a problem with it?
Breitbart offered a 100K reward if anyone could prove the spitting and the accusation from Lewis and others that the N-word was used. There were at least 4 videos of the event (and likely even more). No one ever came forward with proof, and analysis of the videos (that were offered) showed there never was spitting or the n-word used.
cocaine will never get elected. who cares what he says. add romney too the list. when it comes time too pull the lever both wont win. they are hopeless candidates. america is christian and the minority vote will go to obama.
there is nothing worse than a mormon too the hardcore christian right which represent 40% of the country. when they get in the booth. they would vote for osama bin laden if they had the chance instead.
muslims are easy too deal with. mormons are blasphemy. same with the ghetto. cocaine is the devil. obama is jesus christo. until the right figures this shit out they are a joke. the moneyed class has to find its head. right now its up its own ass. stuffed full of shit.
Are you always so full of venom?
george soros and “occupy wallstreet” – Not just sympathy he’s giving them. $$$$
http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/9269-big-soros-money-linked-to-occupy-wall-street
Sounds like a Cain/Gingrich ticket would be a handful for Obama.
I can’t believe we are setting up in a situation where Obama has a real shot at 4 more.
Starting to look like a lose/lose. On one hand we have the option of an anti-business, pro-class-warfare, morale crushing libtard. On the other hand we have tea partiers. Super!
the same people that voted for him are the occupy crowd.why dont you think that they are not making it a political statement,rather than financial one.do any of you know anything about subterfuge tactics.because this president only uses it to gain reelection. if he were doing the right thing,these diversionary tactics wouldnt be needed. he is toast!