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:
Devin Gordon: Do you think that there is a greater tendency among the Muslim faith for that kind of extremism?
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.
Moreover, Cain does immense damage to those focused on a narrow, discrete problem: The radicalization of some Muslims in the United States. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) has enough problems beating down the allegations of discrimination and trying to conduct a thoughtful inquiry into how we can intercede in the process of radicalization. King and others trying to cultivate useful strategies against jihadist elements are undermined — and will inevitably be lumped in — with Cain’s know-nothing attacks on all Muslim Americans.
