(New York) During an appearance this morning on "The Early Show", former presidential candidate Herman Cain was asked a question about the number of active and reserve military personnel. Mr. Cain gave a correct answer of 3 million total military personnel in the armed services. (U.S. Department of Defense figures for active military personnel, reservists and civilian personnel indicate 3.03 million personnel.)
It is with regret, however, that Mr. Cain needed to clarify the anchor's query as a 'gotcha' question. She proved him right with an attempt to correct him, albeit with incorrect figures.
These media attempts to 'catch' Mr. Cain in an error, or trip him up, began during his presidential campaign. Unfortunately, during a campaign, there is not always the opportunity to set the record straight when the media misrepresent information.
As evidenced during this morning's interview on CBS "The Early Show", Mr. Cain is rewriting these rules. It is clear that an overall effort remains to discredit Mr. Cain as he looks to help Americans rewrite their future.
It is with every good intention Mr. Cain called the question for what it was, a 'gotcha'. It's time to set the record straight. America has too much at stake to be misguided or misled by misinformation, intentional or otherwise.
It is with regret, however, that Mr. Cain needed to clarify the anchor's query as a 'gotcha' question. She proved him right with an attempt to correct him, albeit with incorrect figures.
These media attempts to 'catch' Mr. Cain in an error, or trip him up, began during his presidential campaign. Unfortunately, during a campaign, there is not always the opportunity to set the record straight when the media misrepresent information.
As evidenced during this morning's interview on CBS "The Early Show", Mr. Cain is rewriting these rules. It is clear that an overall effort remains to discredit Mr. Cain as he looks to help Americans rewrite their future.
It is with every good intention Mr. Cain called the question for what it was, a 'gotcha'. It's time to set the record straight. America has too much at stake to be misguided or misled by misinformation, intentional or otherwise.
