Herman Cain in 2012. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Former Godfather's Pizza CEO and 2012 presidential candidate Herman Cain's decision to drop out of the running for the Fed was largely expected, but his reason for doing so was surprising.
What's new: Cain wrote in an op-ed for the Western Journal yesterday that the decision was really about having to "take a pay cut" (Fed governors are paid $183,100 a year), go through vetting and being unable to "advocate on behalf of capitalism, host my radio show or make appearances on Fox Business."
Driving the news: Despite saying just last week that it was "not in my DNA" to bow out of a nomination to the Fed, Cain called the White House yesterday to say he didn't want to be considered for the position anymore, according to President Trump.
What to watch: The White House is said to still be considering nominating Stephen Moore to the Fed, despite new revelations Moore wrote sexist things about women's participation in sports.
"Herman Cain was woefully unqualified to be on the Federal Reserve and his failure to garner adequate support should not be used as a pathway by Senate Republicans to approve Stephen Moore, who is equally unqualified, and perhaps more political. Mr. Moore, like Mr. Cain, poses a danger to the economic stability of our country."— Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, in a statement Monday
My thought bubble: The sexual assault allegations against Cain are disqualifying as is his clear fealty to Trump and lack of economics knowledge. However, he was chairman of the Kansas City Fed's Omaha branch from 1989 to 1991. He was deputy chairman from 1992 to 1994 and chairman of the Kansas City Fed until 1996. That 4 Republican senators came forward to oppose Cain but none have so far publicly opposed Moore is noteworthy if unsurprising.
Go deeper: Herman Cain withdraws from Fed Board consideration