About three years ago I got into the movement through what was then called the “DontGo Movement.” At the time gas prices were going through the roof and a group of online activists wanted to tell Congress to “get out of the way” so the free-markets could take hold (You can read about the “DontGo” effort here on CNN). By September of 2008, we had completely changed the way conservatives organized online.

In fact, many argue (rightfully so) that much of what happened during the DontGo effort laid part of the foundation the modern day tea party movement was built on. Case in point, we published this video (below) cut of Rick Santelli’s infamous rant to Youtube on February 9th, 2009. We then sent it to the 10,000 or so subscribers of the “DontGo Movement” with the title of the email being “Chicago Tea Party… count us in!”

The day we published that video we had no idea what we were doing would change everything in politics. We had no idea we were setting in motion a movement that would literally stop the bankrupt leftist agenda dead in its tracks (provided we win in 2012). All we knew is that we were angry, frustrated and felt like we weren’t being represented.

So here we are... three years later and around the corner from a Presidential election that will make or break our future liberty. We as a movement have tough decisions to make, and a lot of work to do.

We have a powerful media machine, partnered with a corrupt, powerful political machine in Washington, that is hell bent on keeping Obama in power. That same machine is also keen on keeping the tea party movement down and out of the general election. They know full well that if another “moderate” Republican is nominated, the same portion of voters who couldn’t get energized for John McCain will again fall short.

We can’t let that happen. It’s time to choose.

It seems that every day I’m asked who I’m supporting for President. Yesterday it was in a comment on Facebook, this morning I got an email asking if I’ll support Sarah Palin, and this afternoon my dad texted me about Herman Cain.

To be 100% honest, until today I really didn’t know which direction to go in. I’ve found myself bouncing around between various candidates for a plethora of reasons. But every time I started to like a candidate I quickly got reminded of why I won’t fully go “all in” for him/her. This morning I had to step back and look at the full range of candidates and eliminate those I wouldn’t select as my #1 option.

Only one candidate was left, and that candidate is Herman Cain.

I interviewed Herman Cain a couple weeks ago. See the interview below.

While that interview didn’t really get into the guts of what Herman Cain is all about due to time constraints (Cain was up to speak next at the rally), the narrative was reinforced that Herman Cain isn’t a part of the machine in Washington and never has been. This is key in my decision to support Herman Cain, and I’ve only just began to embrace its significance.

We as a movement constantly preach that we need a new direction. We constantly say we need “Washington outsiders” to come in and clean house, yet every single candidate accept Herman Cain is a part of that machine. Granted, we do have Michele Bachmann, who I believe is an outsider over all, but Herman Cain brings a whole other level to this. Herman Cain IS the shining example of an answer to our demands.

Further more, Herman Cain knows how to run a very large, very successful business that provides jobs and fuels the economy. He may not be a professional when it comes to gripping and grinning with lobbyists and special interests, but isn’t that what we want? We want real world, free-market experience, not experience on how to play the game and dupe the nation while playing it.

Also, Herman Cain openly admires much needed tax reform. He openly applauds efforts such as the Fair Tax, and he’s the only candidate who aggressively puts forth a coherent plan to change the entire system. Even Ron Paul falls short when it comes to actually having a real plan with real goals and agendas.

Now I know some of my Ron Paul supporting friends are going to blow a gasket over the “he worked at the federal reserve” non-story. Don’t worry, a member of the Patriot Action Network already put that nonsense to sleep. It’s a non-starter and there is no reason to bring it up.

Outside of the fed non-story and a couple instances where Cain’s words have been taken out of context, I can’t find any reason anyone would have any issue with Herman Cain as President.

Can Herman Cain win a general election? Of course he can. In fact, I think Herman Cain would be the BEST candidate against Barack Obama. Can you imagine Obama being forced to debate a smart businessman with no ties to lobbyists and special interests? I mean, we all know Mitt Romney will have a tough time. Newt Gingrich does have enough contrast on issues such as global warming, and Rick Perry would end up embarrassing himself half the time.

Herman Cain has smooth delivery, he’s funny, he’s got a good plan and he’s good people.

I would be honored and pleased to have him in the White House protecting my rights, my money and my shot at prosperity.

I’m on board the Cain Train. There’s plenty of room so feel free to join us!

Please consider a donation to help Herman Cain move beyond the Republican Primary and defeat Barack Obama.

-Eric Odom

P.S. This is a PERSONAL endorsement and does not reflect on the opinion of my employer, the Liberty News Network or any other organization I may be involved in now or in the future.