Herman Cain to NC caucus: 'Stupid people are running America'

The former presidential hopeful ended his campaign in December, but he hasn't stopped campaigning for the Republican Party, he told the North Carolina delegation Tuesday morning.

Cain's campaign gained momentum, in part, due to his popular 9-9-9 plan to overhaul the federal tax system.

"If you look at our current tax rates, and if Washington, Congress and the president do what they do best – nothing – we're going to get into 'Taxageddon' next year," Cain said. "If tax rates go back to pre-Bush years, we will go into a deep recession – and possibly a depression – and that is a fact."

Cain said he wished he had prepared a list of nine ways for Republicans to secure a win over Obama, but he only had three: Stay informed. Stay involved. Stay inspired.

"You've got to stay informed and stay involved because stupid people are running America," Cain said. "Here's the good news: There are more informed people than there are stupid people. We just have to out-vote them."

His remarks garnered both laughter and thunderous applause, especially when he shared anecdotes from his childhood about his father's pursuit of the American dream. Cain's father worked three jobs until he could afford to buy the family a home, Cain said, before echoing Romney's campaign slogan, "We did build that."

Delegate guest Norris Aikens said Cain's message is very relevant for Republicans who believe hard work is the only key to success.

"He inspires me from the point of view of recognizing and remembering that this country was built by people who decided to go out and work hard to get what they wanted," Aikens said.

Tom Stark, a delegate from Durham County, said Cain is a great spokesman for the GOP.

"He is an exciting speaker. He gets people energized," Stark said.

Cain plans to make two stops in North Carolina during the 10-week run-up to Election Day, as part of his College Truth Tour.