Is Cain Able?

Among the speakers at the June 5 Israel Day Concert/Rally in Central Park, was Herman Cain, a Georgia businessman, economist, and political activist. He is the former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza and is now a candidate in the Republican primary, hoping to face off against President Obama in the 2012 elections. Following his speech, The Jewish Star sat down with Cain.

David F. Nesenoff: What brings you here today?
Herman Cain: I came because I was invited to come out here and it gave me the opportunity to do the two things I wanted to do. I wanted to congratulate the Jewish people for what Israel has been able to achieve because they are under attack and I don’t agree with that. I was not happy with President Obama’s remarks over the past couple of weeks and I wanted the people to understand where I stood. I stand with the people of Israel. I don’t agree with moving the borders. I don’t agree with Israel making more concessions that they don’t want to make if there is a possibility for a peace process going forward.

DFN: How can Israel negotiate with someone who doesn’t recognize her right to exist?
HC: The big issue is the relationship with Hamas becoming part of the Palestinian Authority. I have a severe problem with that. Hamas is a known documented terrorist organization. How are you going to negotiate with a terrorist organization, and the answer is you can’t.

DFN: Do you think Mr. Obama should negotiate with Al Qaeda?
HC: No. He should not negotiate with Al Qaeda, he might give away too much.

DFN: He wants Israel to go back to ’67. Should the U.S. go back to 57 and lose Hawaii?
HC: (Laughs) I agree with Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu. I agree that moving the borders is non-negotiable.

DFN: Would you as President release Jonathan Pollard?
HC: Based upon what I know about Jonathan Pollard and that situation, that he should be given consideration for humanitarian reasons at this point, but I’m not one to shoot from the lip. But my sentiment would be toward his release but I’m not going to guarantee that until I had the appropriate opportunity to review the situation.