Backstage access at the GOP Las Vegas debate

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LAS VEGAS, NV -- My opportunity to watch Tuesday’s Republican presidential debate in Las Vegas from the Herman Cain hospitality suite came in a roundabout manner. An old friend who happens to be part of the legal team for the Cain campaign called to let me know he would be in Vegas on Tuesday and wondered if I wanted to join him for some fishing on Lake Mead on Wednesday.

I love fishing, but I also love national politics. So I asked him about the possibility of coming down a day early and viewing the debate. Getting media credentials at such a late date was unlikely, but he said at the least I could watch the event with Cain staffers and supporters.

I decided to press my luck. “What are the chances of getting an interview with the candidate?” I asked. A one-on-one interview with a serious presidential contender is almost unheard of, but he said he would see what could be arranged.

In the meantime, Cain moved up from third place in many of the national polls into a virtual dead heat with Mitt Romney. The difference that separated the two was within the margin of error. When my friend called me back later and said I would get the interview, I quickly rearranged my schedule so I could be in Las Vegas.

So it was that Tuesday evening I experienced the debate from the Herman Cain hospitality suite. About 20 Cain staff members and supporters gathered there to watch their candidate compete. The room was stocked with a wide range of food, soft drinks, beer and water, but those attending were obviously more interested in the debate than in the refreshments because they largely went untouched.

As one would expect from a gathering of Cain supporters, those in attendance cheered loudly when Cain took his place. There were also a few boos when Mitt Romney took the stage.

While most Utah residents are familiar with Romney because of his connection to the state through his work with the 2002 Olympics, they likely know much less about Cain.

The debate began with all the other GOP hopefuls attacking the viability of Cain’s 9-9-9 economic proposal. Of course, people in the Cain room with me were a little concerned. Later that night Cain told those same supporters that at that point in the debate he felt as if he were taking friendly fire.

Cain said that it was OK, though, because it’s a “sign of success when you are under attack.” He parried those early jabs without too much difficulty and his followers seemed to think he emerged mostly unscathed.

Herman Cain bio facts:

Grew up in Atlanta
Graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in mathematics in 1967
Earned a master's degree in computer science from Purdue University while working full time in a civilian position developing fire control systems for ships and fighter planes for the Department of the Navy
Returned to Atlanta to work as a computer systems analyst for the Coca-Cola Company
Became vice president at Pillsbury Company, where he took over a faltering Burger King regional division. Within three years, it became the best performing region in the company
Named president and CEO of a nearly bankrupt Godfather's Pizza. In 14 months, Cain returned Godfather's to profitability, and he led his management team to a buyout of the company
Served as president of the National Restaurant Association
Served as chairman of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in the 1990s under Alan Greenspan
Hosted a radio talk show, "The Herman Cain Show," on Atlanta's WSB 750 AM/95.5 FM
He is as a regular contributor on several broadcast networks and is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and events around the nation
Writes a weekly syndicated column for The North Star Writers Group
He and his wife, Gloria, have been married 43 years

People in the room voiced approval at almost every Cain comment during the debate. But, in fairness, many also cheered comments made by other candidates as well — especially those that focused on the lack of leadership from President Barack Obama.

When the debate was over, the crowd of 20 in the room swelled to about 50 as they awaited an appearance by Cain. When the candidate was delayed by media interviews and well-wishers, the food and beverages quickly began disappearing. Apparently nervous relief after the big event created some healthy appetites.

While waiting about 90 minutes for Cain, I talked to several supporters who are personally acquainted with the candidate. When they explained why they were backing Cain, some of the reasons mentioned more than once included his genuineness, his common sense and direct speech, and his devotion to faith and family.

When Cain finally arrived, he was greeted with cheers and applause. He immediately thanked those who were there to show support and told them that he thought he handled himself well during the event. He expressed some frustration about the attacks on his economic plan by people who he felt did not understand it. He made some comments about things he wished he had explained better — including why his economic plan would not increase the overall tax burden for lower-income Americans.

It was late when I finally got my interview with Cain and I could tell he was tired. Nevertheless, he gave me his full attention and answered my questions thoughtfully. Afterward several friends and acquaintances asked me if the experience convinced me that I should vote for Cain in 2012. I told them I honestly haven’t made up my mind about who I will choose, but so far Cain has done nothing to remove himself from consideration.

Apparently he has done enough to convince other perspective voters because in the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, Cain moved into the GOP frontrunner position with 27 percent of Republican voters in the poll, followed by Mitt Romney at 23 percent and Rick Perry at 16 percent.

Certainly those in Cain’s corner Tuesday night believe he is a legitimate contender to replace Obama.

By the way, the fishing went pretty well.