A winning performance in last week’s Republican debate has turned Herman Cain from a curiosity into a possible contender, the Wall Street Journal reports. A black Republican, radio talk-show host, and former CEO with no political experience, Cain is suddenly the toast of conservative circles after besting four other White House prospects on Thursday in Greenville, S.C., at the GOP’s first 2012 forum.

“Long-shot presidential candidates seek one thing in the early stages of a campaign: Traction,” according to the Journal. “Mr. Cain may have just won that.”

The debate performance instantly boosted Cain’s name recognition, press interest, and speaking offers. Until now he had always been better known in the business world as a former Godfather’s Pizza chief executive and onetime Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank chairman.

Now he’s evaluating his chances in the early GOP primaries. He says top-three finishes in New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina, and Nevada "would be a home run."