My personal opinion: Cain is a plant. If he doesn't weaken the GOP system, he might just strengthen it.
I understand Perry's purse is growing exponentially, and Romney has a personal near-bottomless purse, so Cain will have to find substantial financial backing to make much further.
There is no way his 999 plan can solve our problem(s). The problem(s) we have created are too complex and to far reaching.
As for foreign affairs experience/knowledge - a great deal is subjective and beyond being understood by any ONE person. Our 'fearless' leader of today had no experience... he's operating in a learn as you go mode.