Cain talks policy as harassment charges envelop campaign

Lost in the calls throughout the past 24 hours for Herman Cain to respond to new details surrounding allegations that he sexually harassed employees during his time as president of the National Restaurant Association were a number of policy statements that in an ordinary week would have raised eyebrows among political watchers.

Perhaps most significant was Cain's suggestion in an interview Monday that China was a threat to American interests because of its attempts to develop nuclear weapons, despite the nation having been a nuclear power since the 1960s.

"They're a military threat," Cain said on PBS. "They've indicated that they're trying to develop nuclear capability and they want to develop more aircraft carriers like we have. So yes, we have to consider them a military threat."

Cain addressed the issue again Wednesday at a technology forum outside of Washington, clarifying his comments to say that the country was "testing to improve their nuclear arsenal" but maintaining that he saw the country as a major "national security threat."

Cain also suggested deploying a fleet of naval warships armed with defensive ballistic missile technology around the globe to project American power. He said that such a move would give nations like Iran pause when considering antagonizing the United States.

"This kumbaya strategy isn't working… if Iran feels frogish and wants to jump, jump - we will be able to respond effectively," Cain said.

At a health care forum on Capitol Hill later Wednesday, Cain said that he hoped to have President Obama's plan repealed by March 23, 2013 - three years to the day after Obama signed the bill into law, and, coincidentally, his son's birthday.

"I am 100 percent behind and will sign legislation as soon as it hits my desk to repeal Obamacare entirely, because it is a disaster," Cain said.

Cain also argued for tort reform and "loser-pay" laws that would punish those found to have filed frivolous lawsuits.

"Just like a judge has to impose a certain penalty for certain felonies, judges should have mandatory penalties they impose for frivolous claims," Cain said.

The Republican House members assembled seemed impressed by Cain's appearance.

"I liked what I heard, he seemed engaged on the issues of health care," Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) said following the event.

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