Cain will not endorse Paul or Perry

Former Republican frontrunner Herman Cain said Tuesday that he was still mulling whom to endorse for the GOP nomination, but ruled out Ron Paul and Rick Perry in an interview with the National Review.

“I would definitely not endorse Ron Paul or Rick Perry,” Cain said. “It’s nothing personal, we’re just too far apart in terms of our ideas.”

The former Godfather's Pizza CEO, who led the Republican race until a series of accusations of sexual misconduct surfaced, eventually forcing him from the contest, said he had narrowed his endorsement to two candidates, but gave few details.

“At this point, there are only two people I would consider endorsing, and only two,” Cain said. “I’m hesitant, however, to endorse because if I endorse one, that may disappoint half of my supporters, and if I endorse the other, it would disappoint the other half. I don’t want to do that. My objective is not to determine the nominee, to be a big influence, it’s to beat Barack Obama.”

Cain has been widely expected to endorse Newt Gingrich, a fellow Georgian with whom he has had a friendly relationship. Reports surfaced almost immediately after Cain left the race that he planned to announce his endorsement for the former Speaker, but Cain said he doesn't plan to make his choice "until a clear leader emerges."

He still defended Gingrich from criticism, especially comments from Mitt Romney dismissing Gingrich as "zany."

"I wouldn't call it zany. I'd call it bold. That's the problem with the party," he said. "When you step out there with something bold, you get accused of being extreme. That’s why we keep losing. Be bold!

“There is a disconnect,” Cain added. “The political class wants to play it safe. The people are saying, ‘We want bold.’ This country is in a mess and kicking the can down the road.”

Cain said last week that he had no intention of re-entering the race, and hinted that he would be open to a job as a political pundit or radio host.

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