The College Station Hastings bookstore was filled to the brim on Thursday afternoon as potential voters lined the aisles, eager to see budding Republican star and presidential hopeful Herman Cain.
Herman Cain visited the store to campaign and promote his book: “This Is Herman Cain!: My Journey To The White House.” He was surrounded by supporters with cameras as he sat signing hard copies of his book.
Cain’s books sold out faster than Hastings anticipated. That, however, did not curb public enthusiasm, as people in the crowd excitedly tried to draw Cain’s attention, hoping to catch him before he left College Station.
“Please let me shake your hand!” said a woman as Cain prepared to leave the bookstore to go to his next stop in The Woodlands.
Cain stopped to have a short conversation with her before exiting.
“We need you in the White House,” exclaimed an elderly man wearing a U.S. Navy hat.
Cain, who was being ushered out of the bookstore by his campaign staff, shook hands and thanked those gathered for their support.
“Thank you,” Cain said. “Please keep me in your prayers.”
The excitement was apparently not limited to the customers alone, as several Hasting employees said they were caught up in the event as well.
“It’s been very exciting,” said Aubrey Mos, Hastings store manager. “Anytime we have a book signing it is always a big event, and just the anticipation and the crowds are really nice.”
Brothers Tyler and Jonathan Webb, freshman general studies major and senior economics major, respectively, said Cain is “what we need” in the White House.
“I think I’ve had my eye on him since the first debate,” Jonathan said. “He’s the kind of fiscal conservative I think we need. It’s a big election.”
Clint Morris, senior international studies major, said that Cain’s firm stance on his proposed solutions to the economic crisis made him stand out as a candidate.
“I’ve been following him very close lately,” said Morris. “He is really one of the only candidates I’ve noticed that goes right to his solutions. He’s very adamant about letting people know his views. I’m not surprised he is one of the top candidates.”
Morris also said that he admired Cain’s willingness to come to College Station to recruit Aggie voters.
“I’m actually skipping class to be here,” said Morris. “I think it’s awesome that he is in Aggieland.”