Herman Cain dies after COVID-19 diagnosis
Herman Cain, the former chief of Godfather's Pizza who launched an improbable run for the White House, has died after contracting COVID-19.
Cain attended Trump's June 20th rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, supporting his fellow Republican at an event where thousands of attendees crowded close together, many without wearing face masks, including Cain.
He was informed nine days later that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. By Wednesday July 1st, he had developed symptoms serious enough to require hospitalization. He said it was unclear when he had contracted the virus.
Cain briefly vaulted to the top of the pack of Republican presidential contenders in 2011 on the strength of his catchy 9-9-9 tax plan, which advocated replacing taxes with a 9% personal income tax, 9% federal sales tax, and a 9% corporate tax.
Cain's rise was short-lived, however.
His campaign derailed after five different women accused him of sexual harassment, allegations that Cain denied.
Last year, Trump floated the idea of Cain serving as a member of the Federal Reserve Board until it became clear that the sexual harassment allegations against him would likely torpedo his nomination.
A statement on his website said: "We're heartbroken, and the world is poorer: Herman Cain has gone to be with the Lord."
Cain was 74 years old.
