What is it in my DNA that years ago prompted me to forgo the ease of cruise control and take on the enormous challenge of doing my part toward making America a better place for my granddaughter and the generations to come?
Just a hint: it may have had something to do with lessons learned from my parents, Lenora and Luther Cain, Jr.
– From This Is Herman Cain!: My Journey to the White House
COMMENTARY | That is quite a mantle to carry on one’s shoulders.
But Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain’s now-suspended campaign has been rocked by allegations of sexual harassment and, most recently, accusations that he carried on a long-term affair with an Atlanta woman. Meanwhile, Newt Gingrich’s stock continues to rise despite Gingrich having admitted to an affair that ended his second marriage.
Should candidates’ personal lives matter in a political campaign?
It is absurd to think that personal morals have nothing to do with a candidate’s ability to lead the country. If they didn’t, how could we take presidents seriously when they swear on the Bible during the oath of office? Worthy leaders reject the self-absorbed life in favor of developing character worthy of respect and true greatness through service (see Mark 10:42-45).
As with Cain, Gingrich badly mishandled the infidelity allegations against him. Neither man comes across as a contrite soul who has completely changed a troubled past and put it behind him. A candidate who gets caught and later has to admit that a lot of his 1.3 million Twitter fans are fake or paid for, as Gingrich did, is immoral to begin with.
It also matters that Gingrich is running for the nomination of the Republican party, which claims to stand for family values. Leadership requires consistency between one’s actions and his message, as well as self-discipline based on moral standards. Moral discipline is the consistent exercise of decisions to do what is right because it is right, even when it is extremely difficult.. Such qualities are essential to be the leader of the free world.