The American Spectator : Political Roasts

Text Size

Political Roasts

By George Neumayr on 11.10.11 @ 6:08AM

The farce that is American public life.

The comically litigious lawyer Gloria Allred chose an appropriate venue for her latest roast, the Friars’ Club in New York City. She treated her client’s accusation of sexual harassment and assault as a punch line to a joke: Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain had offered the job seeker “his idea of a stimulus package,” Allred said. Perhaps the Comedy Channel should have hosted the event as a program, with frequent roaster Jimmy Kimmel’s interview of Cain later in the day as bonus footage at the end.

The story of the accuser, Sharon Bialek, is impossible to verify. Maybe it is true, maybe it is not. But Cain’s flat denial of even knowing her gives the media something to check. Did the dinner to which Bialek refers actually occur? If so, Cain’s candidacy is finished. “Absolutely not,” Cain said to an interviewer who asked if he went out to dinner with her. A categorical denial like that can’t be amended later.

Allred waived some affidavits around (from two people to whom Bialek complained at the time), but she didn’t release them to the press, noted Fox’s Greta Van Susteren. Bialek’s recounting of the story seemed slightly odd in parts. For example, Cain had shown coarse presumption in upgrading her hotel suite, she implied, yet that didn’t stop her from ending the evening then and there. Also, her recollected response to what she described as an ugly advance upon her was to remind Cain that she had a boyfriend, as if it wouldn’t have been harassment and assault in the absence of one.

Liberal pundits found it all very exciting, particularly the new “interracial” dimension to the scandal. What the left thinks of the right always comes out in such moments. MSNBC’s resident experts on race all seemed to agree that Cain’s alleged selection of a blonde to target threatened to dampen conservative enthusiasm for him, the implied premise of their point being that conservatives are incorrigibly racist and live in dread fear of “black sexuality” loosed upon white women. Cain hasn’t been called “OJ” yet, but one MSNBC pundit thought he “should have to register as a sex offender.”

Touré, a master theoretician of race whose bracing insights leave MSNBC host Martin Bashir breathless with gratitude, said that the emergence of white accusers may prove too great a strain for pro-Cain conservatives, whose racism up to this point has been tempered by a hatred for Romney:

Charles Blow was talking about this the other day. What sort of comb, he says, does [sic] these women use? We’re going to see how open the GOP is to this black — their “new black friend” when they find out he is harassing blonde women as opposed to black women. That sort of thing of black sexuality — predatory black sexuality. Very frightening in this country, still. Very threatening. So we’ll see how that plays out.

Meanwhile, the Cain camp is adding to the farce, at once bemoaning false charges and making a few of its own. Without any hard proof, it accused Rick Perry’s people of planting the original Politico story last week, and then on Tuesday falsely claimed a former Politico reporter was related to one of the accusers. At least Cain came up with a better lawyer than Allred. Atlanta trial attorney Lin Wood appeared at his Tuesday press conference to vouch for him. Wood has made a name for himself as a defender of the falsely accused (such as Richard Jewell) and used those credentials to help Cain. He also noted that he has represented victims of harassment and assault (such as the woman in the Kobe Bryant case) and that they don’t wait over a decade to make a complaint.

If Cain is lying, he is an uncannily confident liar, a feat to rival Clinton’s. Bill Clinton has appeared on television in recent days to hawk a book on economic policy, but interviewers haven’t asked him about the subject on which he holds real expertise — Cain’s troubles. If he suspects Cain of lying, Clinton must secretly admire his chutzpah. Brazen it out, Clinton taught womanizing public figures, and be sure to wow inside-the-beltway types with detailed policy knowledge. Cain has fallen down on the latter, according to pundits who say his ignorance of China’s nuclear weapons and other matters troubles them more than his alleged misdeeds — a style of analysis Clinton’s survival made fashionable.

The Cain story has become a tiresome, impossible-to-referee controversy. The persistence of it can be explained in part by the deadness of the GOP field. So thin are the offerings that the “virtual” campaign of Newt Gingrich now looks real and promising to a media in desperate need of a fresh storyline. Bachmann, Perry, Cain — they have all been flavors of the month. Now it is Gingrich’s turn. Once derided for taking a Greek cruise that caused staffers to quit en masse shortly after the start of his campaign, Gingrich can now reflect on the cruise calmly, as he did with CNN’s Piers Morgan. It was a valuable trip that enlarged his perspective on the Greek debt crisis, Gingrich explained.

The Penn State scandal has also given journalists tired of the Cain story something to fulminate over this week. Maureen Dowd has found a new authority figure to revile, coach Joe Paterno, whose former defensive coordinator stands accused of abusing young boys. Paterno alerted school officials to the abuse once he learned of it, but Dowd still regards him as the equivalent of an evil and derelict Catholic bishop. “Like the Roman Catholic Church, Penn State is an arrogant institution hiding behind its mystique,” she writes. Institutional evil abounds everywhere apparently, except at the New York Times. She salts her column with snide references to “St. Joe” and “Paternoland.” She mocks his “values.” And she casually refers to him and his colleagues as “scoundrels” who deserve to be run out of town. Why an aged football coach deserves this level of hatred isn’t clear. But then again, Paterno is a conservative, and to the left that is the greatest crime of all.

About the Author

George Neumayr, a contributing editor to The American Spectator, is co-author, with Phyllis Schlafly, of the new book, No Higher Power: Obama’s War on Religious Freedom.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (116) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Brian Mc| 11.10.11 @ 6:33AM

The left's outrage at all this is rather amusing considering that elements of its base are driving for same-sex marriage and the removal of child molestation laws while others champion hedonism through every element of the media ad nauseum.

I see a headline this a.m. that Jo-Pa has been fired at Penn St. With that out of the way, they will not rest until Cain's head is on a platter or, better yet, someone comes up with the canceled check endorsed by Ms. Bialek.

Pecos Pete| 11.10.11 @ 7:34AM

There won't be a canceled check ... look for a new car or fur coat or no debt or ......

Jack in Wi| 11.10.11 @ 6:46PM

Again Mr. Neumyr, the Catholic Neocon, defends warmonger Herman Cain. Herman is also a shill for the super rich and the Federal Reserve against the poor and working class. Herman Cain started out as pro choice on abortion but then slipped into incoherency. His nein, nein, nein plan is a tremendous tax increase on the poor and middle class and a huge tax windfall for the rich and powerful. It's new taxes will be used to fund war and waste.

There is one candidate running who is the best representative of the Catholic doctrines of Subsidiarity, Just War Theory, Proportionality in regards to attack in war, and prolife activity. Of course he is a fine Protestant Christian Indeed Dr, Ron Paul is by far the best spokeman of the pro life message I have ever seen run for the Presidency, in 3 decades of pro life work.

Mr Neumayr defied the 2 Popes who called the unprovoked American attack on Iraq an unjust war. He and a group of neocon Catholics thought they knew more then the Pope. I see Mr Neumyr. still hasn't apologized for his support for the disaster in Iraq. I would hope he is not pushing for another unprovoked attack on Iran. The Pope has preached against any attack on Iran and has said the only way forward is by peaceful negotiation.

Martin Treptow| 11.10.11 @ 7:03PM

With all due respect, your Dr. Paul, OB/GYN is an anti-Semite.

Cheers!

Clint| 11.10.11 @ 7:54PM

You're A Slandering Liar Playing A Dog Eared Anti-Semite Card, Trippy Toes.

Jack in Wi| 11.10.11 @ 9:58PM

Dr. Paul is a fine Christian gentleman who believes in the words of Our Savior." The truth will set you free. Blessed are the peacemakers. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. Love your neighbor as yourselves. "

Yes I'm frm Texas| 11.10.11 @ 9:12AM

The way I look at it is like this-----Any man who can sing "Amazing Grace" like Herman Cain can cannot possibly be interested in inserting his penus into the vagina of a blond bombshell. The man is an evangelical Christian, and his mind is on Jesus, so this kind of sinful, sexual thought has never cross his mind.

"Amazing Grace" is his greatest defense.

Fred| 11.10.11 @ 9:41AM

Amen Texas.

That man had the spirit of God in him when he sang that song.

Barbara L.| 11.10.11 @ 9:45AM

The Left always likes to defame conservative Christians. If Cain sinned, he's forgiven by God.

Any man who is worth is salt would go after a woman like that hussy who complains about Cains comeon. If the man made a pass, who cares. I don't.

He's a good Christian man and I am behind him 0 in fact I contributed more money to his campaign yesterday.

KrispyKreme| 11.10.11 @ 11:35AM

Good for you Barbara. I too still support Cain, and I think his accusers were put up to do this by the Democrats. They will stop at nothing to destroy a good, decent, Christian Republican.

Clint| 11.10.11 @ 11:47AM

" Meanwhile, pollster Chris Wilson — who said he polled for the National Restaurant Association during Cain’s tenure, and whose firm has more recently done work for an outside super PAC supporting Perry — told Oklahoma radio station KTOK that he had witnessed harassment by Cain toward a very low-level staffer who was maybe two years out of college."

KrispyKreme| 11.10.11 @ 11:59AM

Chris Wilson is a lyer! Whose side are you on?

Do you think Cain would lie about these so-called harrassments. The man has integrity, and these women are sluts, or they shore look like sluts.

John II| 11.10.11 @ 12:00PM

God bless Herman Cain. And may God punish his evil accusers.

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 12:11PM

Amen.
And He will.

Clint| 11.10.11 @ 7:55PM

Tell That Shuck & Jive To Cain's Old Lady And See If She Buys It.

loulou| 11.10.11 @ 12:04PM

That was no bombshell. More like an aging tranny.

Bo| 11.10.11 @ 12:20PM

Tranny or not. I sure would like to have a go at her. I could make her feel good all over. I'm Dr. FeelGood.

gearjammer| 11.10.11 @ 4:29PM

I am married to a blonde bombshell and we have 3 children. Actually, just how bombehellish is she ? On the other hand Mrs. Romney in a slinky black dress, the right makeup. That's what I am talking about !

gearjammer| 11.10.11 @ 4:31PM

Oops-can you say that about a Mormon ? I take it back.

Jack in Wi| 11.10.11 @ 10:03PM

Elvis Pressley was quite a singer as well. nobody sang Ave Maria better then Mario Lanza. They both should have been president. Herman Cain with all his warmongering and shilling for the rich against the poor, doesn't have a clue about true Christianity.

Alan Brooks| 11.10.11 @ 1:25PM

You guys did open this can of worms in in '98 with Monicagate.
You made your beds, now lie in them.

Alan Brooks| 11.10.11 @ 1:27PM

I mean, you get what you want: public scrutiny of male infidelity/flirting, then you don't want it anymore!
Perhaps men are the fickle ones, not women.

Alan Brooks| 11.10.11 @ 1:30PM

One more postscript:
it does make sense, though, if some of you are radical conservatives; contrarians that is-- the most unpredictable of persons.

gearjammer| 11.10.11 @ 4:32PM

ever hear of Clarence Thomas or Bob Packwood ? They start everything. We gotta finish it touch hole.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 11.10.11 @ 3:36PM

uhhhh.... big difference. There was proof. an actual dress with actual sperm on it. DNA matching up to clinton. not to mention herman cain is being accused of sexual harassment, clinton was charged with sexual ASSAULT and RAPE.

DGinGA| 11.10.11 @ 7:08PM

As far a Monica Lewinsky was concerned, Clinton was charged with PERJURY, not harassment or rape. OTHER women charged him with those things, but the impeachment Alan is referring to (which is what has ALL liberals up in arms all the time) was for PERJURY. Clinton lied about Lewinsky in testimony during the sexual harassment case. Then he LIED about Lewinsky to America, as he scolded us for even thinking he might be capable of such a thing.

So we didn't impeach Bill Clinton for being a houndog incapable of keeping his zipper closed. We impeached him for being a LIAR.

The Knife| 11.10.11 @ 3:07PM

Democrats passed and bragged about sexual harassment laws and then allowed their top guy to lie at his sexual harassment trial. Paula Jones' lawyer was trying to demonstrate a pattern of behavior of the President hitting on junior employees. This is why Clinton was disbarred and why his relationship with Lewinsky was material to the trial. Their was already testimony that Clinton had used the State Police to bring Jones to his hotel room. Shame on you, Brooksie for allowing this outrage to happen to a little person. Have you ever been a coach at Penn State? That crime is more up you ally. We knew you were a phony and apparently an ignorant phony.

Anthony| 11.10.11 @ 4:44PM

Right Brooksie, only a moron like you could make a moral equivilant argument between Clinton's actions and these baseless charges against Mr. Cain.
So has Mr. Cain committed perjury, suborned perjury, obstructed justice, or lied to a federal judge?
Back in the '90s, trolls like you said Clinton did nothing wrong, it was only about sex, no big deal, so by your distorted logic, Mr. Cain is equally innocent.
You lefties are dispicable, and stupid !!

Clinton| 11.10.11 @ 7:13AM

Herman Cain' s waterboys like Neumayr, McCain, Rush, Hannity and the Cainines may want to ignore reality, but Herman "Anthony Weiner" Cain's not convincing the majority of Amreicans about what he did to those women. His lying is finally catching up with him.

"51% Now Say Allegations Against Cain Likely to Be Serious and True." Even more telling Cain is losing ground against Barack Obama -- "Obama 48%, Cain 37%." Rasmussen Reports

Considering Cain's one nearly honest moment during this entire campaign things will only get worse for the Bill Clinton voter.

“I have said this before: there will probably be others. Not because I’m aware of any, but because the machine to keep a businessman out of the White House is going to be relentless. And if they continue to come, I will continue to respond. I can’t answer why the ones that have already made these [accusations]…I can’t tell you what their motivation is, other than to try to stop Herman Cain.”

Bumr50| 11.10.11 @ 7:47AM

The guy doesn't like Cain.

Perhaps you should actually read these articles before regurgitating your nonsense.

Stop beclowning yourself.

Bumr50| 11.10.11 @ 7:47AM

The guy doesn't like Cain.

Perhaps you should actually read these articles before regurgitating your nonsense.

Stop beclowning yourself.

Teaghan| 11.10.11 @ 7:57AM

Gosh Clinton, don't you know a political smear when you see one?

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 11:32AM

Clinton is a living, walking smear.

loulou| 11.10.11 @ 12:05PM

A smear personified.

Lee Ghume| 11.10.11 @ 8:38AM

The blonde tarts probably came on to Herman Cain in hopes of financial rewards and were turned dung. Insulted at being rejected, the floozies responded by filing harrassment charges.

Frekki| 11.10.11 @ 8:58AM

I'll believe these charges when Clinton is tried for raping Mrs Broderick.

Is it true that Ron Paul believes we are responsible for 911?

Dick Nome| 11.10.11 @ 10:15AM

I take it you have photos of Herman's Weiner. Oh, you don't?? Substantiate your allegations. Nobody else can.

Honkies for Herman.

Boar Hunter| 11.10.11 @ 11:38AM

I will of course be plagiarizing your "Honkies for Herman" on a regular and unending basis.

Bydand76| 11.10.11 @ 12:57PM

Word!

Lee Ghume| 11.10.11 @ 2:07PM

While you are at it send him $9.99 to help his campaign.

Anthony| 11.10.11 @ 2:59PM

Clinton: A moron who has bought into the MSM's orchestrated character assassination on Mr. Cain, like Ms. Lewinsky accepted certain promises by slick wee willie Clinton, hence, the stains on the blue dress.
By the way Clinton, during the Clinton scandals there were surveys that said sexually inappropiate behavior did not disqualify a person as a political leader because it was JUST ABOUT SEX, and was seperate from his job performance.
Now back into your hole, troll.

The Bishop| 11.10.11 @ 3:09PM

48.3% of all statistics are made up.

Bumr50| 11.10.11 @ 7:48AM

The double post was an accident, but my point bears repeating.

Rubber meets Road| 11.10.11 @ 8:14AM

I don't like Maureen Dowd one teeensy weensy bit. But if Paterno did so little regarding his staff coach, well, Paterno deserves all the heaping coals of Hell that we can throw upon him.

Just informing school officials is the equivalent to doing nothing.

Joe Paterno can/could move mountains in this part of the USA. If he said, "Get rid of this guy -- now!" (at any point in the last 8 years) the guy would have been gone and unemployable -- anywhere.

This is why our society is topsy-turvey crazy upsidedown. Because "icons?" (what does that really mean?) cannot be trusted. Behind the well decorated facade, they are really someone else entirely.

Clint| 11.10.11 @ 9:18AM

Under Maureen Dowd's Standards, The Penn State Board Of Trustees & The Governor, who sits on The Board should also resign.

They All Also Knew About The Sandusky Allegations Long Ago.

" On March 1, 2002, a graduate assistant( Mike McQueary ) caught Sandusky and a young male showering together in the football locker room. The GA reportedly notified head coach Joe Paterno the next day, and Paterno notified athletic director Tim Curley shortly after. "

Boar Hunter| 11.10.11 @ 11:42AM

Wrong article Clint.

As usual, you don't have a friggin clue of where your at or what your doing. Go back to smoking your "medicinal" marijuana and playing with your anatomically correct Ron Paul doll.

Clint| 11.10.11 @ 11:51AM

Read The Whole Article Caniac Imbecile Asshole, Chairman Of The Bores.

Aaaaand,
" Meanwhile, pollster Chris Wilson — who said he polled for the National Restaurant Association during Cain’s tenure, and whose firm has more recently done work for an outside super PAC supporting Perry — told Oklahoma radio station KTOK that he had witnessed harassment by Cain toward a very low-level staffer who was maybe two years out of college."

The Tea Party Rebellion Steps On The Chairman Of The Bores.

Boar Hunter| 11.10.11 @ 7:41PM

Clint you ignorant bitch, is calling people names and spamming your brian dead ignorant platitudes the only thing you know how to do? I am starting to think you are as mentally retarded as your man crush Ron Paul the nut.

loulou| 11.10.11 @ 12:08PM

Clint, why are your posts so repetitive? And not relevant? Are they computer generated?

Anthony| 11.10.11 @ 10:37AM

Hey Dowdy, The real "arrogant institution hiding behind its mystique" is the pathetic and tendentious "paper" you write for, The NY Slimes, which is on life support thanks to Carlos Slim.
I look forward to the day the NY Slimes goes up for sale for $1.00, like Newsweek did.

hardcard| 11.10.11 @ 8:18AM

the lefties are shocked at the likes of Clarence Thomas, Herman Cain. They have the top of the crop over at commie central: bill clinton,barney frank,eliot spitzer,the kennedy boys and papa joe,
a.weiner,algore,the reverend jackson and the always entertaining rev al to name just a few.

Clinton| 11.10.11 @ 8:26AM

I do know a political smear and the defenders of Herman Cain are smearing those who he assaulted. The supporters will swallow his lies and then attack anyone who dare goes after their messiah. Not much different than the Obama disciples.

"If Cain is lying, he is an uncannily confident liar, a feat to rival Clinton's." If this isn't water carrying what is. Cain has lied since day one of this scandal just as he's lied about his positions on the issues. As a Clinton supporter and a lobbyist lying is Cain's stock'n trade.

Hopefully, Republicans will act as the Penn State regents did and send our version of Bill Clinton packing.

Dick Nome| 11.10.11 @ 10:17AM

I heard you are a pedophile. NO proof, just hearsay. But then it's the seriousness of the charge. (I seem to remeber that from somewhere... HHMMM)

loulou| 11.10.11 @ 12:09PM

I heard the same fact about the creep.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 11.10.11 @ 11:01AM

Prove that Cain is lying. PROVE IT!

Anthony| 11.10.11 @ 3:14PM

Dear Clinton Stooge, See my post above; the only swallowing that took place was in the White House under the auspices of Slick wee willie Clinton, with cigars post coitus .
" Our version of Bill Clinton" did you say? Who the hell are you kidding? Anybody who writes tripe like yours ain't no conservative, you phony.

rendite| 11.10.11 @ 8:37AM

Can everyone stop and actually offer meaningful commentary in this American Spectator blog comments section today?

Please.

Please don't post if you 1) trust Cain, 2) think he's deceving, 3)

In short: Don't talk the specifics of Herman Cain or even Paterno here.

Talk/type the "bigger picture."

ALL of the Cain-this, Cain-that has already been done here on American Spectator Online for 7 days ALREADY.

Our focus after Mr. Neumayr's article ought to be on the following questions:

1. When you know that your life will be evaluated closer than what one can see with 6,500 media and oppostion digital laser microscopes, who will actually run for state/high political office?
2. What wife do you have that would tolerate this for her life and that of your children? Your in-laws? Neighbors that now have to live with 24/7 coverage on your street? (Another version of "Occupy")
3. If it is fair game to always go after every possible blot on a person's life, say, 12 - 20 years prior to -- today -- who do you think you'd have on your campaign that has known you for that long and will stick with you? Who will unwaveringly gut it out with you? (Most professional campaigners only link up with you, at most, 1 to 2 years prior to the "run.")
4. Maybe this is what guys like Pawlenty say, "Who needs this daily grief? Who needs the prying eyes and preening, sanctimonious media & public? It is just a much better life to earn $200,000 a year in my day job while doing a few civic activities on the side?"
5. Who needs 49 million adults Americans and countless millions overseas (Yes, the Cain story is worldwide news) playing detective Colombo or Clousseau? with my life? (It is only 49 million because of those who are apathetic, don't read, too old, still too young, etc. But 49 mio is plenty, no?)
5. Isn't this what Sarah Palin decided? She has a great life with Todd, Alaska, some TV stints, some books, some radio, and speaking engagements. Why mess it up? Sure, you love your country and want to fight, but, hey, let's face it, when you'll face accusations of you cheating on Todd and Todd cheating on you for the next 4-6 years, who needs it?
6. If you don't like the Pawlenty or Palin examples, fine. They are just used because we all know who they are. Substitue any name you wish. You could have a governor that you wish would run, like Indiana's. I think it would be the same: He'd say, "Who needs the malarkey?"

My take: We are further and deeper in the merde (French word --- look ut up)

No good man will ever run for high office.

Everyone has blots. Everyone. It is part of living. And, given a bit of time and a well orchestrated strategy, I can take any candidate's "blots" and decimate him or her.

This is the digital age. We have already been in it for over a decade. Everything you've done is recorded. Everything.

That makes for easy pickings for the media and political campaigns who specialize in the "Land of Personal Character/Politics Destruction."

Your take?

Moe Blotz| 11.10.11 @ 8:43AM

Good men/women run for office every year, the media anal exam brings out their best character. Politics has not changed much in 235 years, only the reporting has.

rendite| 11.10.11 @ 9:51AM

M. Blotz, maybe you could ask Robert H. Bork what he thinks on this topic?

Have you ever thrown your hat into the ring?

No. (Like the majority of us) You are in good company.

Because your library card, video store, credit card, tax records, school transcripts, speeding tickets, phone records (home, work, cell), online purchases, cable viewing records, checking account irregularities, ATM use locations, late payments, credit ratings -- all of this offers so much ammunition. And we have not even talked about the times you've been out of town in lonely hotels, bars you've sat in, airline flights, or who you've had dinner with. Or the misdemeanor charge when you were under 19. How about that property dispute with the town councilman where you were found legally wanting?

You've got a digital trail that stretches from here to the moon and back.

Digital photos that are on the net? A Facebook comment. Heck, this blog. It's all there. Forever.

And it is all traceable.

Could blow your campaign away within 100 days.

Moe Blotz| 11.10.11 @ 2:15PM

Judge Bork did not run for office, he was nominated to some court based in DC. No, I have never run for office and could never be a politician. Too many dark areas in my history. I have a Polish word for you to look up: guvno.

Slammin' an' jammin'| 11.10.11 @ 1:05PM

Not every man who runs for public office has charges of SEXUAL HARRASSMENT in his background.

Cain's accusers were given settlements by the courts years ago. Get it?

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 11.10.11 @ 3:38PM

no, they weren't given "settlements." They came to "agreements" which amounted to small severance packages.

Clinton's "Settlement" was for $850,000. That's a sign of guilt.. $30,000 is "go-away money".

Vern Crisler | 11.10.11 @ 9:08AM

I don't think Cain's problem is the sexual harrassment allegations. Neumayer touched on it briefly. It's the fact that Cain appears to be a lightweight compared to Romney, Newt, and other GOP candidates when it comes to policy questions. His repetition of 999 as the answer to everything seems more like a cover for his lack of detailed answers on policy. Cain would be a good VP, but at this point he needs to step it up or he'll end up looking out of his league debating with Obama.

Bumr50| 11.10.11 @ 10:25AM

I believe that he explains himself more thoroughly when he's given opportunities. The whole "sex scandal" thing has taken up much of his time.

I believe that he could hang Obama out to dry in a debate, but I agree that he needs to clean up his answers a bit.

However, I also feel that Cain can excite both the base and independents and "get people out" to vote for him. This cannot be overlooked, as it often is with Republicans.

I don't share the doubts that some do over his intellectual capacity, nor do I find him to be phony in his conservative views. But I understand where the argument could be made.

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 11:40AM

.."he appears to be a lightweight compared to Romney, Newt, et al.."

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. Appearances of lightweightedness to some, are refreshing, humble, genuine, honest, integrity filled, true and unmistakable Christian character to others.

Perhaps it's why he's still leading in the good old polls, beating even the mittens man!!

loulou| 11.10.11 @ 12:13PM

"It's the fact that Cain appears to be a lightweight compared to Romney..."

WRONG. That is not a fact. Romney appears to be a programmed robot next to a real man like Cain. That's a fact. Cain is a man who can stand tall against a relentless trashing from both the left and the weasley right. Furthermore, there's something off-putting about a man who gets plastic surgery. That's a fact.

JimH| 11.10.11 @ 1:20PM

Yeah, Mitt may the candidate we wind up with, but he does appear to have just stepped from the mothership to tell us all about how to serve man.

Vern Crisler | 11.10.11 @ 6:23PM

I didn't just say Romney. I also said Newt and the other GOP contenders. Cain is good on the big picture, but he needs to get a handle on the details.

Daniel Kammerer| 11.10.11 @ 9:38AM

The article was great until the last paragraph. The Catholic Church does a great disservice to itself by trying to brush sex scandals under the rug. Joe Paterno also deserves the punishment he received. Whether he is a conservative or not it just doesn't matter.

Clint| 11.10.11 @ 11:14AM

"Now, on the heels of the Catholic abuse scandal comes another of historic proportions—one that has the potential to be much greater and far-reaching. According to a draft report commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education, in compliance with the 2002 "No Child Left Behind" act signed into law by President Bush, between 6 percent and 10 percent of public school children across the country have been sexually abused or harassed by school employees and teachers.

Charol Shakeshaft, the Hofstra University scholar who prepared the report, said the number of abuse cases—which range from unwanted sexual comments to rape—could be much higher.

"So we think the Catholic Church has a problem?" she told industry newspaper Education Week in a March 10 interview.

To support her contention, Shakeshaft compared the priest abuse data with data collected in a national survey for the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation in 2000. Extrapolating data from the latter, she estimated roughly 290,000 students experienced some sort of physical sexual abuse by a school employee from a single decade—1991-2000. That compares with about five decades of cases of abusive priests.

Such figures led her to contend "the physical sexual abuse of students in schools is likely more than 100 times the abuse by priests."

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 11:42AM

Justification is Man's greatest drive.
Yet that won't wash in God's Eyes.

Clint| 11.10.11 @ 11:56AM

RINO-CINO Crank Lady Margie Said She Would Vote For The RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney.

We Are Being Set Up By RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.

These Are The RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges Who Gave Us The Serial Traitor To Conservatism, John McCain Of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCain-Lieberman,Gang Of 14, Opposing Bush Tax Cuts Of 2001 & 2003,TARP.

Now They Are Trying To Give Us RomneyCare,TARP, Cynical Flip-Flops On Abortion, Gays, Refuses to Sign Pro-Life Pledge, Illegal Immigrants, "Little Chain Saw Al" At Bain, Crony Capitalism Campaign Money Trail.....

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 12:15PM

Genuine Conservatives Will Vote For WHOEVER Becomes The Republican Nominee, Even If It Isn't Our Personal Favorite.

Get A Clue, Dimbulb.

Clint| 11.10.11 @ 12:40PM

Just Like I Pointed Out, RINO-CINO Crank Lady Margie Said She Would Vote For The RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney.

We Are Being Set Up By RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges For The Ruling Elites' Frontman Mittens Romney.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 12:55PM

Clint Is Incapable Of Reading, Reasoning, And/Or Communicating.

But The Sad Thing Is~ He Chooses It.

Sad.

Slammin' an' jammin'| 11.10.11 @ 4:40PM

Margie, that should be whomever, not whoever. Please try to be more grammatically correct, and while you're at it, more Christian as well.

Potpourri| 11.10.11 @ 5:26PM

Amen, Slammin'

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 6:18PM

Get lost, viper.

Al Adab| 11.10.11 @ 10:40AM

Once we used tar and feathers. Now we just use the Paula Jones approach, tar someones name with accusations and convict them in the press. Why would anyone put themselves and their family through the character assasination which is todays Chicago style politics?

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 11:43AM

Why do the falsely accused continue on?
Because something Bigger and Better is driving them. His Name is the LORD.
At least, in some cases.

Considering| 11.10.11 @ 3:03PM

Let us consider. Did Moses have the benefit of a statute of limitations? He murdered a man. Yet God chose Moses -- to serve. How about Abraham? He lied twice in Egypt (a lie is a lie) and got impatient with God when God told him to be patient. Abraham had a child with another woman first, not Sarah. David? Everyone knows about King David (Beloved of God) who slept with Bathsheba and then took her as one of his wives. Does everyone also remember that David had Bathsheba's husband put in a place on the battlefield that would surely see him killed in battle? Killed so that he could have Bathsheba all to himself.

Margie, I am not disagreeing with you. But we all have to see. Some of the greatest leaders -- ever -- had some serious warts, faults. Frankly, crimes. And, yes, in different ways all of us, all of us do, too.

Do I want a King David as my leader if I know what he did to Bathsheba's husband? The husband's name is Uriah. Would I vote for King David to be my president if I knew what he did to Uriah? No. Never. I'd probably be egging the media on to pressure David to terminate his campaign -- like yesterday.

Even young Joseph. And those fanciful dreams of his. Today it would take an opposition campaign manager no time at all to say 1) the teen Joseph must have been on mushrooms, meth, pot, and dabbling in something like LSD to have those dreams, 2) Heck, his own brothers thought him lower than a rat, 3) he sexually assaulted Potiphar's wife! These issues alone would torpedo Joseph for President (yes, a man who later saved his nation).

A man named Saul gave the word zeal new meaning when he pursued, persecuted, and murdered Christians with abandon. He stood there and held the coast as Stephen was stoned to death. This is the same man who wrote most of the New Testament Bible, the man who gave definition to what it is to be a missionary and to follow Jesus' in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Yet none of the above would come even close to being acceptable for running for high office in our land. If running for president, they wouldn't even make it to the meaningless summertime Ames, Iowa straw poll.

Yet each of these men earned a status on this earth -- as LEADERS -- a status that has stood the test of time of the centuries.

Maybe we all need a bit of a rethink? Maybe we all need a bit more sanity in these discussions.

Falsely accused? Maybe. Sure, we'd all like to hope so. But the "false accusation" might have 5%, 15%, or even 25% truth behind it.

If it is 12 or 14 years ago and Mrs. Cain is still on board with her husband and loves him very much and vice versa, maybe those incidents back more than a decade ago were just like those that shaped great leaders in the past.

Has anyone forgotten that a very young, good looking Ronald Reagan slept around and boozed it up a good bit in Hollywood prior to his first failed (yes, she was older, it was strange, she divorced him) marriage? There was a time that Reagan (like his father) was a drunk. And, yes, Ronald Reagan slept around. He did.

So we examine this. But we focus more on what has transpired since. (assuring ourselves that the transgressions are not still ongoing)

Even if 30% true -- the weak, unproven accusations so far -- against Cain, it would be folly to disqualify a man on these grounds alone.

If we jettison someone, let us make sure to do it on solid fact. Solid, undeniable flawed failures. Otherwise we might never get an Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Paul, or anything even remotely close.

rendite| 11.10.11 @ 2:15PM

Al Adab, thank you. I tried to make the same point as you have. To no avail.

But I really would like to crawl inside the thinking of every reader here.

It would be our worst nightmare. Every aspect of our lives excruciatingly examined. To include spouse, children, parents, siblings, in-laws....and associations and associates going back to junior high.

Nobody is so ironclad lily white. Everybody has something that could be exploited and cast into some kind of negative light.

All the more of a target when one claims true Judeo-Christian faith.

Readers here don't seem to get it. With each passing election in this new millenium, we drastically narrow the type of people who will ever even consider stepping forward to serve -- serve faithfully and honorably.

Can you imagine what it will be like when we learn of hired-gun, paid savvy tech hackers who (for a price) obtain net "secrets" or Facebook execs/Yahoo execs/Google execs sell them through very hidden third parties?

Anthony| 11.10.11 @ 10:46AM

Enough of this crap from the MSM. Mr. Cain should politely tell the MSM to go F off, and when they do some investigative journalism on Obozo' s past, then and only then will he answer any further questions.
Oh, and he should remind the MSM that both Obozo and Holder are accessories to murder as a result of providing firearms to Mexican drug cartels, that resulted in the death of two American border patrol agents.
When Obozo and Holder are in prison, then and only then will Mr. Cain address further inquiries of the media.
It's time to slap the left upside the head!!

Fredx| 11.10.11 @ 10:49AM

Wow! I don't need the funny papers any more now that I've found George Neumayr!

Purpleguy| 11.10.11 @ 10:56AM

Why has this site not addressed the overwhelming rejection of the GOP on Tuesday? Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Arizona to name a few rejected many initiatives and elected Democrats to Red State positions ... Could this be the harbinger of a Blue Wave in 2012? Hmmmm?

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 11.10.11 @ 11:03AM

Are you referring to the rejection of Obamacare in Ohio on Tuesday?

Get outta here Soros troll. We see you guys coming from a mile away..

Purpleguy| 11.11.11 @ 5:59PM

hahaha ... when u lose it hurts, don't it?

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 11.10.11 @ 11:07AM

P.S. I live in Kentucky. Liberal Louisville controls elections and the Liberal Rag "The Courier-Journal" usually endorses a straight Democrat Ticket.

But Republicans weren't booted from office. Beshear (D) was governor before and is still the governor after an underwhelming challenge from David Williams who only campaigned on a Pro-Life, Anti-gay rights platform. Not too difficult to beat considering the Pro-Life bill couldn't pass in Mississippi.

A smart republican is running against big government and Obama. plain and simple.

So please, take your propaganda elsewhere, union tool.

Purpleguy| 11.11.11 @ 6:01PM

excuses, excuses ... GOP got whomped on Tuesday... the silent majority is waking up and Tea Bags and the rest will be sent packin' in 2012

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 11.10.11 @ 11:08AM

Purple Guy? Maybe purple and Yellow? SEIU?

Boar Hunter| 11.10.11 @ 11:54AM

Phil, having read a few of your posts in the past, I thought you might remember, What was the name of the harlot Obama was discovered to be paying to do redundant work on his staff before she was retired to an undisclosed location with a life time salary and a non-disclosure contract.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 11.10.11 @ 12:45PM

I don't recall...

DTOM| 11.10.11 @ 1:15PM

Michelle?

Boar Hunter| 11.10.11 @ 7:44PM

No. Not his wife, there was a girl he was reportedly having an affair with and paid off. Of course I never believed it. I always thought the BJ's and cocaine in the limo with the gay guy was closer to the mark.

loulou| 11.10.11 @ 12:15PM

He's busted!

Purpleguy| 11.11.11 @ 6:02PM

Nope, never joined a union and I AM in the top 2% of earners... and you dopes fall for the R's line every time and screw you and your family at the same time.

Boar Hunter| 11.10.11 @ 11:48AM

Hey! Purple troll. Glad to see they have Wi-Fi at the Occupy event. Were you paid to post this foolish nonsense on all of the sites today? Wave good bye to your dope smoking, racist, communist, half white wanna be dictator in chief.

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 12:17PM

And he should say it like this: "Buhbyee!"

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 11.10.11 @ 12:45PM

Free wi-fi provided by some greedy capitalist!!

Purpleguy| 11.11.11 @ 6:03PM

So you have no answer to the walloping the GOP took on Tuesday, huh? It's tough when you lose big time ... but it's just the start baby.

martin j smith| 11.10.11 @ 12:34PM

This article shows what is wrong with the Republican Party and Mr Neumayr is hardly alone. Many who have articles about the Republican Residential choice contests have shown they are more concerned about knocking out potential candidates and thus doing the Socialists dirty work ( or at least assisting them ) than is allowing the voters to figure it out all by our little selves. First of all we are big boys and girls and most of us are literate. Not only that but we have ey kyuz of some type. And we do have brains. We do not need some pundit to tell us what to think. It is up to the candidate to make their point. >They present we decide. So stop helping the Socialists and instead help defeat Obama. Or do you want him to have a secpond term ? Which is it ?

Naturalborn Texicanette| 11.10.11 @ 1:08PM

I think Caine is most likely a fine man....but I think he is lacking in the type of overall experience he needs to lead this country. He'd be a great VP, as he learns quickly and well. I would not be opposed to someone who has learned well on the job as a future president.

Margie| 11.10.11 @ 10:03PM

It's Cain, not Caine.
And no one has had previous experience as President before they get elected President.
Cain's a genuine conservative in the Reagan mould, and has plenty of business experience as well, as CEO.
He gets it. He loves this country, and would appoint plenty of excellent conservatives to his admin.
I don't really see the need to look any further.
So far, so good.
Phony false accusations by the ELITE both in the despicable Media and from the so-called conservatives here and elsewhere aren't affecting him, because real conservatives aren't buying.

Country Class Women For Herman Cain 2012!

martin j smith| 11.10.11 @ 1:17PM

To Naturalborn Texicanette: You are up front in your view and that is exactly what is missing from the pundits. Be honest about who you support, thus your criticism make sense. Not that they are right. Let the voters decide. And do not do the dirty work for the Socialists.

cicero| 11.10.11 @ 1:25PM

Re: The Penn State issue. My understanding of the time line was that the asst. coach was seen molesting (raping) the 10 year old in 95 or 96. The assistant coach left the school in 99. Paterno was made aware of the rape in 02, and reported it immediately.
My question is: Why did not the guy who saw the rape occurring immediately attack the offending coach and do his level best to not only stop the rape, but beat the living snot ou of the bastard?

Havoc| 11.10.11 @ 2:28PM

Is there some number of zeroes which, summed, total more than zero? I think not. Similarly, there is no number of incredible charges that sums to a credible charge.

Seriously, can 5 Billion flies be wrong?

Naturalborn Texicanette| 11.10.11 @ 2:38PM

Thanks Martin J.

Up front is the only way I know to be.....

martin j smith| 11.10.11 @ 3:27PM

The reason why I am not very favorable towards Romney is first that he not a conservative - ( by my reckoning ) and he has not been to my satisfaction vetted about his views and third he has not yet been
smeared as Cain has. And this is crucial--he will be. Yet, he lectures Cain. This is in my view bad form. The reason: A smear one is really a smear on all--do not be fooled. That is the reality of the Socialist Media.

Bill| 11.10.11 @ 3:42PM

Herman Cain is a dead man walking. He needs to end his campaign and thus ensures the GOP chances to beat Obama. Cain can run but he cannot hide from those sexual allegations charges.

DTOM| 11.10.11 @ 6:32PM

Bill,

Nobody is listening to you.

I have my fingers in my ears.

Naturalborn Texicanette| 11.10.11 @ 6:46PM

Romney is just too, too perfect. Never a gaffe, no salacious history stories, perfect hair......former democrat :(

I'm not looking for perfect, I'm looking for competent, knowledgeable, hard working, HONEST and moral, a proven track record of success. I looking for someone who is not afraid to admit to a slip of the tongue, or a gaffe. Someone who isn't afraid to admit when they make a mistake and who will then admit to that mistake and clarify their meaning!!!

Actions speak louder than words. What accomplishments does this person own, what wonderful things has he/she achieved that make our lives safer, healthier, securer, and better?

Who has the proven track record and reflects my beliefs, my hopes, and my wants for this wonderful country we live in and will make everything better?

I'm not interested in a "showman" or a stuffed shirt. Someone who can wow an audience with their orations but can't keep the commitments he/she makes.

I want a true leader. The question is who can fill the bill?????

Niniane| 11.10.11 @ 7:45PM

Bialek's story stinks to high heaven starting when she was giggling delivering the "horrific" attack by Cain in front of the NRA DC headquarters. But she was not horrified enough to get out of his car and hop the Metro or a cab back to her hotel? And interesting that these charges brought 14 years later by Bialek, who was a neighbor of David Axelrod should have any credence.

Unfortunately, too many voters will deem Cain as guilty until proven innnocent if they even think about it while waiting for the latest on Lindsay Lohan.

1stcav | 11.11.11 @ 10:11AM

I'm as conservative as one can get but I can't see how anyone can support Joe Paterno in this sickening episode. Has anyone given one ounce of thought to that little 10 year old boy that was being horribly abused by a grown man, a big weight lifting football coach. There is no corner of hell hot enough for Sandusky and Paterno probably will get a little singed also. My God man, can't you get this thing right.

POST American| 11.12.11 @ 1:41AM

----CAIN remains the ROT-child 'FED'.

TTT-Rick PAIR--he and SUB-Mitt ROME-knee,
to say nothing of NEWT ---STILL GETTING RICH,
are beneath mention.

------------------HUAC/NUREMBERG----------------
----------------------------2012----------------------------

wedding dresses | 11.14.11 @ 3:10AM

Actions speak louder than words. What accomplishments does this person own, what wonderful things has he/she achieved that make our lives safer, healthier, securer, and better?

Who has the proven track record and reflects my beliefs, my hopes, and my wants for this wonderful country we live in and will make everything better?