Herman Cain tells GQ he believes majority of U.S. Muslims are extremists
By: Alexander Burns
November 14, 2011 11:21 AM EST

In an interview with GQ, Herman Cain goes back to an early theme of his campaign, suggesting American Muslims pose a creeping threat to society. From the transcript:


Herman Cain: That would be a judgment call that I'm probably not qualified to make, because I can't speak on behalf of the entire Muslim community. I have talked with Muslims that are peaceful Muslims. And I have had one very well known Muslim voice say to me directly that a majority of Muslims share the extremist views.


Devin Gordon: Do you think he's right?

Herman Cain: Yes, because that's his community. That's his community. I can't tell you his name, but he is a very prominent voice in the Muslim community, and he said that.

There's something Bachmann-esque about Cain's comments — he makes an incendiary and offensive claim but hedges by saying it's something he heard from an anonymous guy he believes to be trustworthy. (Remember this?)

Cain's views on Islam were an early stumbling block for his campaign. After rising in the polls following the first debate in May, Cain lost ground when he said he wouldn't want to appoint Muslims to his Cabinet, and then he tried to explain away the comment by saying he meant he wouldn't appoint jihadists. Reverting back to an anti-Muslim, anti-Sharia law message may help him hold onto a slice of activist support, but it's unlikely to help Cain convince wary Republicans that he's actually prepared to run in a general election and be president of the United States.

(h/t The Hill)