Play

“Herman Cain Smoking Ad” meme: meaning, origin and common card

A viral 2011 GOP campaign video featuring Mark Block blowing cigarette smoke at the camera.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 8 min read
Herman Cain Smoking Ad meme
The “Herman Cain Smoking Ad” meme, 2011

Watch the ref

Nobody has added this meme's ref yet. Got the original video or post?

In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Herman Cain Smoking Ad” is a common card of the Memes World series 73, number 21798 of the collection, and the 187th best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.

What does the “Herman Cain Smoking Ad” meme mean?

The clip represents unintentional political absurdity. Epic music builds tension, broken by a casual smoking gesture filmed dramatically. The humor stems from the clash between serious tone and crude imagery, highlighting campaign chaos.

Where does the “Herman Cain Smoking Ad” meme come from?

The video originates from Herman Cain's 2011 Republican presidential campaign. Uploaded to YouTube on October 19, 2011, by Friends of Herman Cain, it targeted supporters. Campaign director Mark Block praises Cain before smoking and blowing smoke toward the lens. This personal habit, often mocked internally, was broadcast without filter. Krista Branch's song I Am America heightens the ridicule. Internet users perceived the absurdity, generating immediate debates and parodies across social networks.

  1. 2011Upload of the original video on YouTube by Herman Cain's campaign team.

How to use the “Herman Cain Smoking Ad” meme

  • Share this image to highlight political discourse completely disconnected from reality.
  • Use the clip when someone tries to look serious in a ridiculous situation.
  • Cite the scene to illustrate a major communication failure during a presentation.

Also searched as

  • mark block blowing smoke
  • i am america herman cain ad
  • herman cain smoking meme
  • mark block cigarette ad meaning
  • herman cain campaign ad parody
  • what is the origin of herman cain smoking video

The “Herman Cain Smoking Ad” card in MyMemeCards

Herman Cain's Smoking Campaign Ad card
NumberNo. 21798
RarityCommon
CollectionMemes World series 73
Fame63/100 · #187 of 300
Recycle value5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 73: 300 cards
  • Common20167%
  • Rare9933%

How to get the “Herman Cain Smoking Ad” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Herman Cain Smoking Ad comes out of the Memes World series 73 as a common card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.

Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 5 MemeCoins.

Open your free pack

5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.

Free · no account needed

Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details

Memes like “Herman Cain Smoking Ad”

More cards of the Memes World series 73

Every card of the Memes World series 73 →

Frequently asked questions

What does herman cain smoking ad mean?

It is a campaign moment where Mark Block blows smoke at the camera. This absurd gesture became a symbol of confusion regarding disorganized political strategies.

Who is mark block herman cain?

Mark Block was Herman Cain's campaign director in 2011. He appears in the controversial video while praising the Republican candidate.

Why does herman cain smoke in his video?

Block smoked regularly at campaign events as an inside joke. The video captured this private moment, revealing a habit considered uncomfortable to the public.

How do I get the Herman Cain Smoking Ad meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Herman Cain Smoking Ad” is a common card of the Memes World series 73. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the Herman Cain Smoking Ad card?

It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.

Sources: Herman Cain | Know Your Meme · Comedians Blow Smoke at Herman Cain's Ad - ABC News · Friends of Herman Cain Video - "Now is the time for action!" Oct. 25 ... · checked on October 15, 2026.

Read next

Want Herman Cain Smoking Ad in your collection?

Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.

Open your free pack