No press will be allowed at a meeting with an unknown agenda that Herman Cain is planning for an unannounced time at an unstated venue between himself and an unreleased list of American Muslim leaders. Given the presidential candidate's penchant for expressing his disdain for Muslims and their constitutional rights, the ban on reporters is no surprise. His campaign security team better be sure to collect all the cell phones and tape recorders at the door.
Evan McMorris-Santoro confirmed Tuesday that the meeting to discuss religion and politics will be taking place. Other than a claim by campaign spokeswoman Ellen Carmichael that several leaders have agreed to meet with Cain, that's about all that is known. But you can be sure he won't be offering to cut the ribbon at the opening of any mosques.
The former CEO of Godfather's Pizza has previously said he would not appoint a Muslim to his Cabinet or as a federal judge for fear they would spread Islamic law in the United States. In a later appearance on Glenn Beck's television show, he backed off of that statement a bit and said he would consider such an appointment but only if the Muslim he chose swore a special oath of loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. In a rare moment of clarity, Beck asked Cain if he would ask a Catholic or Mormon to recite the same oath. "Nope, I wouldn't," Cain said.
Cain also opposes the building of a mosque in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
On July 17, Cain tried to walk back his bigotry in another appearance on Fox, saying:
“I know that that there’s a peaceful group of Muslims in this country. God bless them and they are free to worship. I have never discriminated against anybody because of their religion, their sex, or origin, or anything like that. I’m simply saying I owe it to the American people to be cautious because terrorists are trying to kill us.”
In addition to surrendering their cell phones and tape recorders at the door, the Muslim leaders Cain plans to talk with should be prepared for a thorough pat down. They're sure to understand. Just a precaution. No offense. Really.