At one point the crowd erupted as Cain laid out what he called a series of crises: In energy policy, "foggy" foreign policy, the economy, spending and, "the biggest crisis is: A severe deficiency of leadership crisis." At another point, the crowd lit up as Cain urged the U.S. to rely on its own resources to become energy-independent.

And then there was this comment demonstrating that a familiar campaign catchphrase excites both Democrats and Republicans.

"This is why I tell people that my job is not to learn how Washington works," Cain said. "As a president, my job would be to change Washington, D.C."