The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Cain in Trouble?

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Go back and look at my reviews of the debates and at my overall coverage of Herman Cain here and at other sites, and you’ll see that I have praised him immensely and that I’ve been more than open to the idea of him as president — assuming he undergoes proper vetting. Well, he’s getting the vetting. It ain’t abetting his cause. I am inclined to disbelieve the sexual harassment allegations against him while insisting that it was completely acceptable for Politico to report them— but this latest report has me more than a little worried: A witness says Cain’s behavior, if known, would “end his campaign.”

Look, if you are running for president and you know that two such allegations (even if totally untrue) were lodged against you, you darn well ought to have not only been prepared to discuss them but also to pre-emptively air them out — and if there is truth to them, you have no business running for president.

Meanwhile, the list of subjects on which Cain has not just made gaffes, but actually sounded ignorant (NOT stupid; ignorant: There’s a big difference) or inane keeps growing by the day. The latest is his apparent lack of awareness that China already is a nuclear power, and has been so for more than 40 years. This follows his absurd citations of two sets of near-polar opposites as the people whose thinking on foreign policy he agrees with most (followed by the bizarre segue into citing Brent Bozell III in the same answer), and his apparent endorsement of a “right of return” for Palestinians, and his openness to negotiating with terrorists.

On abortion, as well documented, he has said within the same verbal paragraph that he is entirely pro-life and then provided a 100% pro-choice explanation for his position, not just once but several times, without any apparent understanding that he has completely contradicted himself. He has offered differing accounts of whether the Fed should be audited, about whether he would ever hire a Muslim — and about whether he ever said what he actually, proveably did say about Fed audits and hiring Muslims.

Now, it really sickens me that Cain has played the race card by asserting that the harassment story occurred because he is black. I hate it when the Left plays the race card, and I hate it when the right does. No, the story didn’t come out because he is black; the story came out because ANY candidate for president who had multiple allegations of harassment against him would eventually need to face the story because somebody in the media would report it. The story came out because the allegations already were there. The story gained special prominence, perhaps, because he is a conservative (the media would have reported it but also belittled it if it were about Bill Clinton or Ted Kennedy) — but not because he is black. If it had been Romney or Perry or Ron Paul, the story would have been played the exact same way.

Indeed, conservatives may be giving Cain a pass on lots of things — his only-borderline-relevant experience, his verbal slips, his lack of coherence on numerous issues — because he is black and they subconsciously are so eager to defend a black conservative from lefty/media attacks. It is an understandable impulse: There is no racial animus in modern conservativism whatsoever, but so few blacks are avowedly conservative that we get excited when somebody as admirable as Cain comes along. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t scrutinize him very carefully. All sorts of good people might be good choices for very prominent jobs (in Cain’s case: Treasury Secretary? Fed Chairman?) without being ideal, or without being ready, for the presidency.

Far better that we hash these issues out now, months before the first vote is cast, rather than letting the establishment media along with the Obama campaign’s expected $800 million-plus blindside Cain, and us, with these things in the fall.

TO BE CLEAR: This is not to say that Cain has disqualified himself. He has a great record of accomplishment, a gift for “connecting” with voters, a high degree of likeability, obvious leadership skills, serious economic literacy, and many other fine qualities.

But we don’t really know the man — yet. We have had no chance to see how he actually behaves in elected public office. Without that record, we have not just a right but a duty to probe even more deeply into any other part of his background that seems relevant. Vetting is a good thing.

Okay, done. Now readers can start your howling that I’m somehow a RINO, or for Romney (decidedly NOT the case), or whatever other epithet or insult you can come up with based on a misreading of, or refusal to fully read, what I just wrote.

View all comments (190) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Sean| 11.2.11 @ 4:35PM

You are correct on this. It is pretty sickening for Cain to claim racism in this instance. These allegations were made about him years before he ran for any office. Also the media or opposition will bring out this sort of information on anyone running.

Also remember that Cain is a creation of the MSM. They like him because he is very establishment. He has come out against deep cuts in spending and he supported TARP.

Sean| 11.2.11 @ 5:51PM

Seems now a talk radio hosts secretary in Iowa claims Cain made inappropriate comments to her.

http://www.politico.com/news/s.....67478.html

Stenhouse#1| 11.2.11 @ 8:38PM

And a third accuser as well, plus Cain hinting that there might still be multiple accusations that haven't yet hit the front page. This article really says it all ...
http://www.redstate.com/streif.....x-scandal/

I think this not only knocks out Cain, it takes Newt out at the same time. Newt's history of serial philandering is going to have people wondering if he really got his act together, like he says, or if there might be some surprises during the campaign. The one-on-one debate between Newt and Cain could have been a great thing for both of them, but what it's going to do now is tie them together in voters minds, the two candidates with clouds of suspicion over their heads.

Who wins? Social Conservatives have no place to go but Perry. Even if they don't trust him completely he's the only "notromney" in the game. I think the gloomy reality that will sink in is that it's either Perry or Romney, and with that dismal choice in view the supporters of Cain and Bachmann and Santorum will coalesce around Perry.

You know that speech Perry gave in which he was so giddy that people kept asking if he was drunk or on painkillers or something? Here's a thought. He was giddy because he knew this story was going to hit the fan and he knew that his campaign was going to get a big boost because of it.

The timing of this could not be worse for Romney. He needed Cain to stay in the race to split the Conservative vote, at least until after the first few primaries and caucuses. I think his chances at the nomination drop from 80% to 50%. Cain's been angling to be Romney's running mate ... Ann Coulter's dream team ... but that chance is gone.

Sean| 11.2.11 @ 9:10PM

There is Paul, Santorum, and Bachmann for people to go to also. Perry isn't very conservative. Look at his support for TARP and Hillary Care.

Stenhouse#1| 11.2.11 @ 9:36PM

I think it's too late for Santorum's campaign to get off the ground. Bachmann has stumbled far more than Perry. I think Newt has better chances than Santorum or Bachmann. Really when you look at Perry the only problem is that he seemed kind of out of it in the debates. His tax plan is solid and makes more sense than Cain's, and afaik Bachmann doesn't have a plan. The clearest thing is that this is bad for Romney, because there's no way he picks up much of the Conservative vote from Cain's camp.

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 10:05AM

If this doesn't confirm that Cain is and always has been Romney's stalking horse then nothing will. His campaign could not have handled the Cain trainwreck -- an entirely foreseeable disaster -- more poorly. He had almost two weeks to respond to Politico, but he was ambushed on his way to tape a Sunday show. This "outsider" has avoided the early primary states and cocooned himself among friendly media and book signings. His weird comments on policy make it clear he has given no serious thought to actually winning the presidency. Then when the Cain crazy train goes off the rails, he blames Perry, toward whom he bears obvious animosity. Why? Because his job is to take Perry out and hand the nomination to Romney. Cain was supposed to get conservatives in his pocket, maybe win Iowa, then split their support going into SC, just like Huckabee did for McCain in 2008. There is bad blood between Huckabee and Perry. Cain is the natural repository for Huckabee's evangelical base. A folksy, Southern, populist former Baptist minister and radio personality -- sounds familiar? Cain is a snake oil salesman, as bad as Romney, and he is angry that his act got the hook so early. Now Palin might have to get in after all.

Bayou Babe| 11.4.11 @ 8:31AM

Your thoughts exactly echo mine, Possum Dearie - thoughts I've had for quite a while. The question remains, though, as to the source of the leak to Politico. I'm fairly convinced it wasn't the Perry campaign, so, who?

SamMcGowan | 11.3.11 @ 9:55AM

Writing a letter to someone who is looking at an issue is not supporting it. That's the problem the anti-Perry crowd, they take something completely out of context and try to make it into an issue.

Jack in Wi| 11.3.11 @ 4:49PM

I have been stating for weeks on this site that it was down to Ron Paul or Myth Romney. Ron Paul is the best pro-life spokesman I have seen in decades of pro-life activism. He also is the most thoughtful and intelligent on economic issues and foreign policy. Although I dislike Romney and most of what he stands for I concede he is the best of the rest of the bunch. It is time for the rest to get off the stage and for Ron and Willard debate about the future of the Republican party and the future. I believe it would do both the country and the Republican party a great service if this debate and all it implies is long and thoughtful.

WL| 11.2.11 @ 4:35PM

Mr. Hillyer...

I am one of those who usually howl at you being a RINO...because you usually are...and you might very well be here (just conveniently justified).... but justified you are...in this instance. I really want Mr. Cain to be exactly who I want him to be...

and I am left with wondering if he is enough of the leader we need him to be...

He may be...he may not...

And if he does get the nomination, or lasts even that long...his gaffes will not end...his handling of campaign trouble will never be perfect...

And he may even say the old SOVIET UNION never had nuclear weapons...

But he is the only hope we have.

Romney aint it.
and Perry is sloppier than Cain...

The RINO's really have failed us...

And I have to go with Cain...

or we are done for no matter what...

More mealy mouthed republicans will keep us in this spiral...disagree if you must...but it is as certain the sun rising in the east. It does every day, and every day we can't prove it by noon....until it does..again and again...and again.

dafne| 11.3.11 @ 10:03AM

If you want a CEO of a pizza company and a lobbyist, then Obama wins.

Guest1776| 11.3.11 @ 10:12AM

Pizza guy huh? Yeah I noticed his detractors only use that one to describe him.

Here’s his bio:

* Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.
* Master’s degree in Computer Science.
* Mathematician for the Navy, where he worked on missile ballistics (making him a rocket scientist).
* Computer systems analyst for Coca-Cola.
* VP of Corporate Data Systems and Services for Pillsbury (this is the top of the ladder in the computer world, being in charge of information systems for a major corporation).

All achieved before reaching the age of 35. Since he reached the top of the information systems world, he changed careers!

* Business Manager. Took charge of Pillsbury’s 400 Burger King
restaurants in the Philadelphia area, which were the company’s poorest performers in the country. Spent the first nine months learning the business from the ground up, cooking hamburger and yes, cleaning toilets. After three years he had turned them into the company’s best performers.
* Godfather’s Pizza CEO. Was asked by Pillsbury to take charge of their Godfather’s Pizza chain (which was on the verge of bankruptcy). He made it profitable in 14 months.
* In 1988 he led a buyout of the Godfather’s Pizza chain from Pillsbury. He was now the owner of a restaurant chain. Again he reached the top of the ladder of another industry.
* He was also chairman of the National Restaurant Association during this time. This is a group that interacts with government on behalf of the restaurant industry, and it gave him political experience from the non-politician side.
Having reached the top of a second industry, he changed careers again!

* Adviser to the Federal Reserve System. Herman Cain went to work for the Federal Reserve Banking System advising them on how monetary policy changes would affect American businesses.
* Chairman of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. He worked his way up to the chairmanship of a regional Federal Reserve bank. This is only one step below the chairmanship of the entire Federal Reserve System (the top banking position in the country). This position allowed him to see how monetary policy is made from the inside, and understand the political forces that impact the monetary system.
After reaching the top of the banking industry, he changed careers for a fourth time!

* Writer and public speaker. He then started to write and speak on leadership. His books include Speak as a Leader, CEO of Self, Leadership is Common Sense, and They Think You’re Stupid.
* Radio Host. Around 2007—after a remarkable 40 year career—he started hosting a radio show on WSB in Atlanta (the largest talk radio station in the country).
He did all this starting from rock bottom (his father was a chauffeur and his mother was a maid). When you add up his accomplishments in his life—including reaching the top of three unrelated industries: information systems, business management, and banking—

STACK THAT UP AGAINST THE ‘COMMUNITY ORGANIZER’….Herman Cain may have the most impressive resume of anyone that has run for the presidency in the last half century.
http://www.israpunditDOTcom/archives/40345

#1Pat| 11.3.11 @ 10:32AM

Well with such a resume you would think he would be better read and up to speed on at least the basic stuff??

Dagny Taggert| 11.3.11 @ 11:39AM

I agree. Almost done with his book. The reality is no presidential candidate has the foreign policy experience prior to getting to the office and being briefed. What keeps me pulling for Cain is his non-politician way of speaking and thinking is very likeable and believable. Seeing how he worked up the ladder time and again with incredible results in the corporate world speaks volumes. I trust this man's judgement. I think he will get past this and win the nomination and the presidency. He just sounds better and simpler than his professional politician competition.

Nemo_of_Erehwon| 11.3.11 @ 3:37PM

"The reality is no presidential candidate has the foreign policy experience prior to getting to the office and being briefed."

Somewhat true, though former VP's, ambassadors, congress-critters on intelligence committees, etc. may be an exception.

But I would expect ANY presidential candidate to show some evidence of having made an effort to read a book about foreign policy, or be aware of current issues in foreign policy, or to hold informed opinions on them. There is no evidence that Cain has ever made any such effort, which is one of the things that convinces me he was not taking this campaign seriously until it surprised him by taking off anyway.

If he is serious about the Presidency of the United States, now that he is the front runner, he would be well advised to take some time out of his book signing schedule and get briefed by some folks who have even just a basic knowledge on this stuff.

Controse| 11.3.11 @ 12:43PM

Thank you for putting all these markers of character in one place for easy reference. To state the obvious we always need a man, or woman, of character as president. We don't have one now. Surely no one believes the last Democrat president was a man of character. An then of course there was JFK with his whores in the White House. We as a trusting people must keep our eye on the prize. The prize is once again having a president we can trust with our future. The popular culture as managed by Hollywood and MSM amplifies imperfections of people of character. Once popular culture shifts to embracing people of character Hollywood and MSM lose their oxygen.

Occam's Tool| 11.2.11 @ 4:36PM

Dear Quin:

Don't be thin-skinned---if you are pissing off the neadnerthal ridged ones, you are doing well (When writing for my College Newspaper (the Daily Skiff at TCU), I used to write my stuff with the purpose of making my political opponents throw up their breakfast---if I could observe it, even better.)Myself, I'm happy with anyone but Paul, and think you are quite the gentleman.

You write good stuff, and most of those who would eviscerate you over this are paulbots or dimwits or both.

My congrats on you choosing Mobile to live in. A truly lovely place with a great steakhouse and a magnificent world class botanical garden. My in-laws live in Cullman, so I know Alabama well. Except for the heat of the summers, I regard it as THE best state in the USA to live in. Take care, sir.

Clint| 11.2.11 @ 6:19PM

You're A Screwball Israel Firster Propaganda Bozo, Tool Job.

We Aren't Seeing Dr.Ron Paul's Supporters Evisceratin' Quinn Hillyer Over This.

You're An Industrial Strength Asshole,Tool Job

Allen| 11.3.11 @ 8:50AM

Wow! I was going to ask, "That's an interesting comment: 'anyone but Paul'. Given the breadth on the political spectrum of the current field, just out of curiosity, why would you accept all of them with only Paul as an exception?"

I don't need to ask the question now, though, after seeing the first reply to your comment.

Dr. Ray Miller | 11.2.11 @ 4:39PM

Well said.A presidential cadidate needs to have his act together. Total openness about his past life is part of that. Had Cain hit this up front, or anything else under cover, he's fair better in the end. In the meanwhile I'm still giving him the benefit of doubt until there is something more proven.

Quin| 11.2.11 @ 4:42PM

Thanks. I agree that Cain merits "the benefit of the doubt." Too many people who have worked closely with him have said too many wonderful things about him for me to believe, or want to believe, that he is anything other than a good man. Maybe the old Reagan saying is appropos: Trust, but verify.

Zbigniew Mazurak| 11.2.11 @ 4:50PM

Quin,

I'm not going to be even nearly as charitable as you are towards Herman Cain.

Cain's numerous gaffes (on issues such as China's nuclear capability, the right of return, the prisoners detained at Guantanamo, and so forth) and contradictory statements (e.g. on auditing the Fed and on abortion) are disqualifiers. The reent sexual harassment allegations that have been made against him should be the least of his problems. Cain is not, and has never been, a serious candidate for the Presidency. The sooner he drops out, the better.

Dai Alanye | 11.3.11 @ 2:41AM

Cain mentioned China's developing nuclear capacity in connection with her building aircraft carriers. I lack mind-reading abilities, therefore can't say what Cain knows or doesn't know, but if he was referring to China's development of *delivery* capabilities he was right on the mark. It's one thing for a nation to have ordnance, it's another to put the weapons on target.

JP| 11.2.11 @ 4:52PM

The "witness", a former PR hack for the NRA, currently works for a PR firm that does polling for Perry. The firm also has ties to Karl Rove when he worked for then Govenor of Texas George W Bush

We now know the source for the story. And it appears to be a gift that keeps on giving for Mittens, that is. Perry and not Romney is the source of the story. But, Perry's chances won't improve. His campaign is too far gone.

This story is so predictable. No details, just a feeding frenzy. Personally I don't like any of the candidates. We have a bonafide Liberal Republican (Mitt), a Moderate Republican (Perry), and a number of political eccentrics (Cain, Newt, Ron Paul, and Bachmann).

David T| 11.2.11 @ 5:16PM

Not sure I'd lump Newt in that mess of "political eccentrics." He may be an oddball personally, but, as Speaker of the House, he oversaw welfare reform, a capital gains tax cut, and the first balanced budget in 30 years. He has more high-level political experience than anyone running, including Obama.

Mike Rogers | 11.2.11 @ 5:39PM

That completes the chain of dots which started yesterday.
We learned first that the head of the NRA who succeeded Cain was a Romney donor, but bloggers held their fire as they still thought Perry was a more likely mudslinger. Voila! Along comes another "witness", who happens to be working for a Perry PAC, and yet we expect them to be a neutral observer. Dots connected, case cracked, and harassment most likely imaginary.

ava green| 11.2.11 @ 5:58PM

Response from Red State on this issue:
"We have the response from the Cain campaign. It’s all Rick Perry’s fault. Or rather, it is Rick Perry’s consultant Curt Anderson who is to blame.

And Chris Wilson, who says he knows about it because of his time at the National Restaurant Association, works for a Perry Super PAC.

Curt Anderson was Herman Cain’s strategist when he ran for the Senate.

So let’s get this straight.

Herman Cain has at least ten days notice from the Politico. Curt Anderson was only hired by Perry in the last week, i.e. after the Politico had the story.

He also knows his former strategist was a Romney guy in 2008 and now is definitely not on Team Cain for 2012.

He also knows that Anderson knows about this stuff.

And he still can’t come up with a measurable response when the story finally comes out?

Even more damaging, I think, is when people tie it all together. Herman Cain’s consultant from 2004 uncovered it in 2004 and Cain launched a Presidential bid in 2011 without coming up with a damage control plan on a major issue that could destroy his campaign?

(Never mind that Herman Cain says he only told Curt Anderson about one woman)

And now there is a third woman?!?"
http://www.redstate.com/erick/.....ook-worse/

ava green| 11.2.11 @ 7:44PM

Here's another source that shows Cain knew all about this despite his initial denials. There were many people apparently that knew about this incident (past and present) and at least one board member, but Cain is now trying to hang this on Perry?
And, I suppose all of this should have been kept under the rug because..............?
And, he didn't prepare for this incident because..........?
And, now it's Perry's fault that it's become knowledge because......................?.
IMHO, Now, that's he's caught in all of his lies, he wants to use this as a campaign tool to 1) get $$ for his campaign as the conservative martyr, 2) to use on Perry w/o a shred of evidence that Perry was behind this.
and, 3) is hoping to escape answering for his misdeed by all the above while trying to retain his hope of becoming Romney's VP.

Here’s the link which seems to put to question about Cain’s inability to remember the details as he first said:
Politico: Two women accused Cain of inappropriate behavior:
http://hamptonroads.com/2011/1.....e-behavior

“Cain, who has been married to his wife Gloria for 43 years, did tell at least one campaign staffer this year about the possibility that claims of sexual harassment could surface, according to the aide. Cain, this person said, described a case in which he fired an employee in 1990s and the woman alleged sexual misconduct or harassment. Cain told the campaign staffer he had beaten the case and that the woman had paid for his legal fees. The aide had no further details….

Information about the incidents was apparently closely held, even among association board members. But one woman’s complaint apparently did make its way to at least some figures on the governing board when, at an association event, one board member got word that a female employee had complained about Cain’s advances, according to a source who was at the event.

The source said the board member asked the woman directly about the episode and was told that Cain had invited her up to his suite at a prior association event.”

Bumr50| 11.2.11 @ 4:58PM

I trust Cain more so than any other candidate right now but would find Perry acceptable.

As far as him "playing the race card," I believe that's quite a stretch. He gave an honest answer to a very specific question posed to him (twice I believe) by Dr. Krauthammer, and even then he delineated that those attacks that he viewed as racially tinged came specifically from the left.

I can completely understand if folks have reservations, but for me Rick Perry seems manipulable and have heard some knowledgable Texas conservatives express enough serious reservations about him that makes Herman Cain much more desirable.

I believe that he's a solutions oriented guy, and won't be afraid to try different things even if they prove unpopular with his peers at the federal level if elected.

ava green| 11.2.11 @ 5:53PM

Tell who/what the "knowledgable conservatives" in Texas know.......you wouldn't want to accused of spreading rumors w/o proof, would you? Like Cain is complaining about.

BTW, I'm a conservative from Texas and would really like to know as I haven't heard a thing. :)

Nite| 11.2.11 @ 7:22PM

I am a TX conservative and have not heard anyone express any type of serious reservations about Governor Perry. However, I believe that Perry has by far the best energy, jobs, and tax reform plan. Herman Cain's campaign accused the Perry campaign (without any proof) of leaking the "sexual harassment" story to Politico. I won't vote for Mr. Cain under any circumstances after this trashing of Governor Perry for a third time on national TV. He should have expected this story to come out and have been prepared.

Sandy| 11.2.11 @ 5:03PM

Re: the witness who said that what he knew would end Cain's campaign-- this is from your link above: "Wilson [the man who made that statement] is working for a pro-Perry super PAC now, and is a Perry supporter, according to Politico." Well, how convenient. A Perry supporter knows something (but won't say what it is) that could ruin Cain. Dropping bombshells "if you knew what I knew" just to plant doubt in peoples' minds is very underhanded. Too many people have stated earlier that Mr Cain is a really nice man to put much stock in this allegation. And the woman's lawyer says she "wants to come forward" then says "she's not sure she wants to come forward" just to keep the mystery going. The 90s were rife with women claiming sexual harassment either to get a monetary settlement or to damage some man's reputation. I used to remind my husband not to say anything about any woman in the office other than Hello ... some women get offended if a man holds the door open for her. To attempt to ruin a man's reputation because of some perceived offence ("you are the height of my wife" ??? come on!) indicates a very evil woman.

Beberit| 11.3.11 @ 6:18PM

It takes a pattern of sexual harassment incidents to make the charges stick. One incident usually does not count.

aware| 11.2.11 @ 5:08PM

Told you Cain would implode. The reason he is fumbling is because he knows there is something to hide. Wonder who you will try to put the Reagan costume on next.

Republicans just get more pathetic. . Like Mike Enzi of Wyoming and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who are about to take away sales tax exemption on internet sales at the behest of their owners WalMart, Home Depot, Best Buy, and other cronies.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-3192.....les-taxes/

Stinking piles of crap. Pretending to be for "small government" but don't miss a chance add to the coffers of the State. Cain will do the same with a national sales tax. But the mainstream "conservative" press is in full defense mode for him. Not just the Left is comfortably numb.

Partisans think what you want but the only way it makes sense is that there is only one party with 2 wings. That party is government.

Ken (Old Texican)| 11.2.11 @ 5:23PM

The comments above remind me why I keep chirping for Perry. He has been VETTED for 17 years.
With the exception of a couple of dumb moves, he has done a fine job.

Mike 3/505| 11.2.11 @ 5:39PM

Ken,

As far as doing the job and taking the country the direction we need to go...I agree totally. Question for you...How do we get Perry past 3, count 'em 3 presidential debates? I know the debates aren't the whole story, but theyndo have an impact...look what happened to Perry in the polls post debate(s).

Interested in your thoughts.

Regards,

Mike

Pretzel for the Gas Jets| 11.2.11 @ 5:54PM

Perry has committed to five count'em FIVE debates, and there's no guarantee he can get away with ditching the ones after that.

Whose idea was it to have so many debates??

The implosion of the Cain campaign gives Perry a huge opening and the timing is perfect. Perry is the only Conservative candidate left in the race, and most of Cain's supporters have nobody else to save them from Romney.

In the upcoming debates Perry needs to tap into whatever it was that had him so energized in that New Hampshire speech, and he needs to borrow a page from Newt and counter attack any gotcha questions. It's also time to start sounding out the Bachmann campaign about what sort of cabinet position or whatever she'd want in exchange for dropping out and endorsing Perry.

Ken (Old Texican)| 11.2.11 @ 6:13PM

Mike,
so far I have not been able to get full audio on Perry's speech in New Hamshire. I simply cannot hear him.
I can certainly hear the excerpts from MSM.

Personally, I laughed my ass off when I could hear.

Perry is going to go "Texas" from now on. Take him or leave him. He's a winner.

Mike 3/505| 11.2.11 @ 6:38PM

From what I saw...I chuckled quite a bit.

Ken (Old Texican)| 11.2.11 @ 7:02PM

Oh,
if necessary, we will watch the rest of the country go in the sh*tter while Texas climbs out.

Texans have NO obligation to go communist with you arseholes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
30 million rifles here.

Mike 3/505| 11.2.11 @ 7:11PM

Ken,

Any houses for sale on your street? :-)

Regards,

Mike

Tushie| 11.2.11 @ 7:30PM

If Texas asked politely the rest of the country would probably let you secede.

Mike 3/505| 11.2.11 @ 7:33PM

Texas is a "donor" state when it comes to taxes. It inputs more into the federal coffers than it takes out. Just FYI.

Regards,

Mike

Tushie| 11.2.11 @ 7:58PM

Yeah, but not by much and getting rid of Texas would raise the average education level. We'll set up a generous work program for Texans but don't get any ideas about it leading to citizenship. Also, if you come to this country you have to speak English, not Texan. One "yawl" and you're out, zero tolerance. We'll buy your oil if you sell it at a good price and keep it on your own beaches. Think we can work out a deal here?

os| 11.2.11 @ 9:09PM

News for you: Texans ain't leaving the state looking for jobs. Y'all (it ain't "yawl") keep coming here.

os| 11.2.11 @ 9:03PM

Would all the carpetbaggers still flood Texas in search of economic opportunity.

aware| 11.2.11 @ 5:58PM

Perry = DubyaII. We are just frogs jumping from the frying pan to the fire and back again. Over and over and over......

Kitty| 11.3.11 @ 6:33AM

I agree.

avafromtexas| 11.4.11 @ 3:54PM

That would be terribly strange since the Bush family hates Perry and are actively fighting against him in this race.

So, who would do that if they are so similar?

Doesn't make a lick of sense.

aware| 11.5.11 @ 8:44AM

It has nothing to do with personal differences, it is their policies that are identical. Perry doubled Texas budget as Bush did for the US. Same with debt. Both love illegals and make it easy for them.

Perry, the biggest spender in Texas history. If it wasn't for the commie who came after, Bush would hold the same record for the US. Politicians lie but the numbers don't.

Is it starting to make sense now?

Wendy| 11.2.11 @ 5:24PM

I do believe there is an element of this that is about race. The MSM press buried Obama's past when he ran, or downplayed it. But they are cackling like hyenas over Cain's SUPPOSED sexual harrassment issues, and one network called them sexual assaults. In that regard I believe they do despise conservative blacks and are trying to finish Cain off.

As far as pols disclosing and being prepared, Bush's DUI came out the weekend before the 2ooo election. Neither Bush nor Rove, two seasoned professionals, got in front of that story, to say the least. So it happens. Did not mean Bush wasn't ready to govern.

The only thing that bothers me is that Cain needs to bone up on foreign policy.

TrueBlue| 11.2.11 @ 6:37PM

CNN also made a huge deal the first day they aired the story that the "settlements" the women involved received were 6 figures and not the 5 figure they actually got (less than 3 months pay).

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 10:13AM

The NYT reported one of the women received a full year's salary, not the three weeks Cain said.

GD| 11.2.11 @ 5:27PM

Funny how in the course of writing that Cain shouldn't play the victim, you go ahead and do just that, playing the "liberal media is out to get us" card. The media did not belittle sexual harassment allegations against Clinton - they were as gloriously hyped and investigated as Cain's are now, if not more so because they surfaced when Clinton was a more serious contender for the nomination and again when he was President. Do you not remember the Lewinsky thing, before he lied about it?

Kennedy lived and did his things in a slightly different time, but to be sure. But sexual impropriety made news for Dems and Republicans. Remember Wilbur Mills? Wayne Hayes? Gary Hart?

Your words of advice to Cain would mean something if you didn't toss in tripe like this.

Simon Templar| 11.2.11 @ 6:27PM

You liberals really have a talent for rewriting history. The MSM media viciuosly attacked Clinton's strings of accusers like rabid dogs in his defense. His administration actually hired a bimbo destroyer that worked with the media to smash these stories. Yeah, we do remember.
Ken Starr was made out to be a crazy, meanspirited ruthless wacko connected to the right wing conspiracy out to destroy your beloved Clinton. Just shut up and go away troll.

Mike 3/505| 11.2.11 @ 5:35PM

I am sorry to see all of this play out. I had some pretty high hopes for Mr Cain. Unlike Mr Hillyer, I am not quite as excited about Cain's ignorance of foreign policy. He could catch upon that. EVERY president-elect immediately gets smarter and moves to the right, as soon as they start getting the PDB each morning...even Obama.

What has come to light, is that Cain appears to spazz in situations like this making him appear un-presidential. I am concerned that over time, the media will continue attacks like this, softening him up for the debates with Obama. The independents need to see someone on the screen that they feel is in command of the situation and knows what he is doing. It might be time for Newt. In any case, I would pay a serious chunk of change to see those debates.

Regards,

Mike

Wendy| 11.2.11 @ 5:35PM

GD, Clinton basically got a pass on all of this passes, so to speak. Yes, the liberal press tut-tutted some, but they weren't calling for his head. And now he's considered the King of the Dems. And of course Ted Kennedy got the biggest pass of all. By the time he died the Dems had all but declared him a saint. There is a different standard for the GOP, and and even more so for black GOPers.

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 10:15AM

If Cain wanted to act like a dirtbag dummie, he should have run with the donks then.

CalMark| 11.2.11 @ 5:37PM

More wishful thinking by Quinn. More Beltway Establishment Pseudo-Consarvatism by a man who seems to have forgotten what real conservatism is about.

There is no perfect candidate. Even Reagan had flaws, and many regarded him as a "best of a bad lot" in 1980.

Go back in your D.C. Cave, Hillyer.

Quin| 11.2.11 @ 6:31PM

First, I don't live in DC. I'm in red country all the way, in Mobile, AL.
Second, as somebody who was strongly for Reagan not just in 1980 but in 1976 as well, I certainly did not consider him the best of a bad lot; he was the best of a good lot that included Phil Crane, Bob Dole back when most people thought of Dole as a solid conservative, and George H.W. Bush who despite his Eastern pedigree had been a solid Goldwater man in 1964. But none of them held a candle to Reagan. And few people can match my long, long record of working and opining from the right, against the GOP establishment, against the big spenders, against the Appropriators, against the Bushie careerists.

Simon Templar| 11.2.11 @ 6:55PM

So, what? What people look for is consistency, character, reason, logic, and fairness, not I told people what they wanted to hear or wrote some articles espousing this or that over the years when it suited me and my career aims. Talk is cheap and very flexible.

People recognize cheap shots, unsubstantaited accusations, political double talk, back sliding, unreasoned arguments, and hidden agendas.

There are also certain principles of jornalistic integrity and intellectual honesty that people expect those in the media to observe. It is not about I can write anything I want without any accountability. Stop trying to make news, start reporting the real news and when you are opining and editorailizing start offering leadership and insight that actually helps us win and advances our cause.

Kingofthenet| 11.2.11 @ 5:51PM

Herman Cain is my name, and I rode on the Pizza Train
I found fortune and fame hawking mushroom, and sausage, and plain
In the winter of ’95 I was winning — I was fresh and alive
Went back east to work for a spell
It was a time I don’t remember all that well

The night they dragged old Herman down
Well, he just kept drinkin’
The night they dragged old Herman down
Well, he just quit thinkin’
He went, “Na, na, na, na, na, na — na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na”

I’m just a poor boy from Tennessee, but one day God said to me
“Herman, quick come see — I’ll show you your true destiny”
I think I ought to be President, but those women never gave their consent
Now there’s only one thing to do
Blame the Left — and be Romney’s Number Two

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 10:17AM

Lol Cain sure hawked the sausage!

Michael| 11.3.11 @ 1:34PM

Love that!

Rick | 11.14.11 @ 6:58PM

I don't know who Kingofthenet is, but he got this song parody from my blog.

http://partisandawn.wordpress......ng-parody/

EL| 11.2.11 @ 5:53PM

>> Meanwhile, the list of subjects on which Cain has not just made gaffes, but actually sounded ignorant (NOT stupid; ignorant: There's a big difference) or inane keeps growing by the day.

in·ane/iˈnān/
Adjective:
Silly; stupid; not significant.
https://www.google.com/search?q=inane

So you're saying he's stupid?

Quin| 11.2.11 @ 6:34PM

Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary: "lacking significance, meaning, or point." Yes, I think a number of his comments fit that definition. But, as I clearly said, NOT "stupid."

Simon Templar| 11.2.11 @ 6:57PM

So, Cain is now stupid to you? But you do not have the balls just to admit it?

Teflon93| 11.2.11 @ 7:47PM

Cain doesn't have the right pedigree for Quin.

It's the same problem the NRO gang has. No self-made men need apply.

Nemo_of_Erehwon| 11.3.11 @ 4:12PM

Reading comprehension much?

Nemo_of_Erehwon| 11.3.11 @ 4:13PM

Sorry, replied to the wrong comment -- was intended for Simon above. I KNEW I shouldn't have gotten snide...

Bob| 11.2.11 @ 6:00PM

A third woman has come forward accusing Caned Cain of "inappropriate behavior" in his executive apartment. Whoa Executive Apartment? I wonder if Mrs. Cain (Godmother) knows about his "Executive Apartment” A third time ain't a charm for old Herm. Back to square one counting anchovies and taking second grade remedial history with Michele.

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 10:20AM

Gloria must be a conservative Republican; they will apparently buy any old story.

Clint| 11.2.11 @ 6:12PM

Drip, Drip, Drip.

C Bowen | 11.2.11 @ 6:18PM

No animus, sure, but there is plenty of racial cowardice.

Republicans, Ruling Class Republicans, will not call Affirmative Action a racist abomination which earns them the moniker of the Stupid Party as White Males, the ones discriminated against, are their core votes.

Has anyone fleshed out Cain on his anti-white racism? He wants to mend it not end that racist policy.

Simon Templar| 11.2.11 @ 6:21PM

Quin, it is a little late to start backing up now. You were one of the first to run with this trash story and sorry excuse for journalism. You repeated the slander and ran with the dogs.

Racism. Yeah, you are damn right. It exist and it lives primarily in the Democratic party and has been holding hands with progressives for a long time. Just what is playing the race card?
How does that differ from a legitimate complaint of racism? I don't think you know the answer, do you?

Your article's title itslef is a giveaway.
No, the country is in trouble and your adding to its trouble. Please, some of us are really not as stupid as you might think. Your supposed affection for Cain is pretty lame..you have been throwing a load of shit on the guy every chance you have gotten.

The guy is innocent until proven guilty. There is no place for this kind of politics in a free nation and certainly not within the conservative movement. You seem to have a talent of repeating liberal smear and talking points. Proper vetting, LOL.

Dan| 11.2.11 @ 6:32PM

So now besides being poorly informed about the global scene and America's foreign policy problems, yet nonetheless trying to foist himself on the GOP, NOW it's clear that Herm was PUBLICLY chasing tail during the Clinton tenure, ------------- YET HE STILL considers it a great idea if he tries to garner the Republican nomination.

WHAT the Sam Hill does that say about his judgement?

Furthermore, who here has ANY confidence in his ability to run a campaign in the general when he couldn't handle this story when he had sufficient lead time to put it to rest.

So the manner in which he's handled it disqualifies him from further consideration.

And of course the substance of it disqualifies him from such consideration.

Stick a fork in him.

And now, in some bitter, bitter cluelessness, he's about the pull the race card WITHIN the Republican party.

Yea, and he was supposedly the guy that was the answer to our problems.

Somebody tell him to get lost.

Simon Templar| 11.2.11 @ 6:43PM

How about you getting lost? Let's take a look at your judgement. It seems you think you have pyschic ability and a tinfoil hat that allows you to see things that the rest of the human race can only make reasonable guesses about.

I say we stick a fork in you, troll, and serve you up. Your not a conservative so stop pretending, your liberal thinking pattern and rhetorical style give you away.

Bumr50| 11.2.11 @ 6:38PM

Cain's numbers will go up now, much to the chagrin of many commenters here who are supporting other candidates.

He's getting railroaded, and no one else is getting asked specific foreign policy questions like he is because people who don't think that he's fit to be president are apparently trying to get rid of him.

Fat chance.

Yax2theMax| 11.2.11 @ 6:46PM

That may have been true when there were just two accusers, and no details, and Cain hadn't yet started changing his story. A lot has changed since then and with no sign of letting up.

Time to take a fresh look at Newt?

Simon Templar| 11.2.11 @ 7:12PM

I do not give a damn if there are 10 million accusers.Where is the proof of wrong doing?
Anyone can make a claim. For every negative claim, there can be found testimony and claims to the man's character. But those do not count when you are trying to slander someone, do they?

Yax2theMax| 11.2.11 @ 7:36PM

http://www.politico.com/news/s.....67478.html

First hand account. From a conservative talk show radio host. Spin it, baby, spin it.

Simon Templar| 11.2.11 @ 7:55PM

So frigin what, yeah you are spinning. Where the proof? I happen to think you are an unintelligent, liberal jackass troll, and I have your comments to "prove it', a first hand account witness to your stupidity. Hey, am I spinning it?

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 10:23AM

Because Newt doesn't pretend he isn't a sleazy sexual predator now that he has been outed and divorced his cancer-stricken wife? Remember he says he cleaned up and found Jesus; he's been running his movie in Iowa for months now while wife #3 pedals children's books. But who was he paying off through a Tiffany's account? Why did he sail the Greek isles with her? Enquiring minds will want to know when they take a fresh look at him.

avafromtexas| 11.4.11 @ 4:03PM

Actually, he's falling in the polls at this moment, according to the ABC Poll:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seat.....post-poll/
Romney is back on top:
Romney is at 24 percent with Cain at 23 percent. Rick Perry is climbing again and is in third place at 13 percent (they forget to say Perry's numbers are improving).

fiona3399| 11.2.11 @ 6:51PM

The man has never held political office. 'Nuff said.

Simon Templar| 11.2.11 @ 7:13PM

You have never made an intelligent comment. Nuff said.

USAF brat| 11.3.11 @ 9:17AM

In their beginnings, none of the politicians had ever held a political office.

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 10:24AM

That's why you don't start out running for POTUS.

bluecollarbytes| 11.2.11 @ 7:03PM

Just because Herman Cain makes 'gaffes'- unlike any previous candidate and president- it doesn't mean there aren't factions out to get him. On this it's safe to say that all forces from Obama right over to all current candidates and much of Republican establishment is most certainly 'out to get Cain'.

Democrats in and out of media/office could never accept the concept of a Black man wielding conservative beliefs, so some of this Is a racism at work. The Right is to polite or to trained to notice.

M. Bachmann proclaimed that 'we can't afford a candidate with surprises'. Imagine my 'surprise' when her motives for taking care of so many kids in need were 'questioned'-think of all the money she and hubby 'pocketed'. And what's really up were her hubby's practice taking fed funds?

We are being steered to the correct choice, by the entire political-PopCulture industry.

i'll be casting a vote for romney in nov. 2012, i suspect

what a completely-lost opportunity to change much of anything

Proud Mormon| 11.2.11 @ 7:13PM

Thank You for supporting Romney. Mitt supporters are grateful to the Perry campaign for leaking Cain's extracurricular activity. This report must have validity since the apparent leaker is a former supporter who Cain confided in.

bluecollarbytes| 11.2.11 @ 8:14PM

I will cast a largely-wasted vote for the prince-o-utah against the obama. Obamagenda is here to stay

conservative bob| 11.2.11 @ 7:17PM

Our side did this? To one of our own? It really makes me want to vomit.
I was before and remain uncertain as to which I will support but this just goes directly to type. Politicians are just slimballs and the best only slightly less so. And the camp followers, the consultants and the ‘professional campaign staffers’ are self serving festering puss sacks unable to even conceptualize honor or principle or character.
Our nation is on the precipice and we search in hope of finding someone with the courage, strength, character and honor to lead; a principled conservative who can set us back on the path toward limited constitutional government.
Our choices are between a serial lying community organize whose dishonesty is only surpassed by his incompetence, and a cadre of vapid chameleons telling us what they think we want to hear. Is there the slights bit of honor in any of them? I think not.
It is too late in this cycle and as such may be too late for what was America, but the way we select our leaders is completely broken and needs a comprehensive over haul. This process, the clown acts we call debates, the kowtowing to the locals in obscure places, Ames, IA or anywhere in NH has little if anything to do with demonstrating the characteristics and skills necessary to the actually lead the country.
And on top of this folly we have Opposition Research a kind discription for spineless maggots whose job it is to devour the feces and garbage of your opponents past so at just the right moment you can hurl a selected morsel of rotting excrement from their past for public inspection. What vile despicable creatures.
To maintain any hope in this requires an act of will and more than a little wishful thinking.

Dale in LA| 11.3.11 @ 8:18AM

I hear what you're saying, Bob. But it has always been this way. Just read what the opposition called Lincoln when he was running for President. It's sad, but this is just the way it's always going to be. None of these men are perfect, as we are painfully becoming more aware. I guess for me the main goal is to defeat Obama. Which one of these flawed candidates can do the job? We'll have to wait and see.

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 10:28AM

Yeah, "your side" did it. They went back in a time machine and made those women file lawsuits against your messiah, and then they made him lie about it. Cain isn't responsible for the words that come out of his mouth. It's all the fault of the candidates running against him and the media expecting him to know stuff that a president would know like whether China has nukes or whether we should negotiate with Al Qaeda or whether Israel should exist as a Jewish state. You people kill me.

conservative bob| 11.3.11 @ 4:21PM

You must be reading impaired, as nowhere did I defend Cain or any of his alleged actions.

What I was speaking to was a process that is rotten to its core and the vermin that populate it. I have met people whose profession is opposition research, and think that washing your hand with hydrochloric acid is about the only way to remove the stench that comes from shaking their hand.

I idealistically recall Reagan’s 11th commandment and believe that there is much on the substance side of the discussion that will differentiate the contenders without resort to leaked character assignation whether true or not. The politics of personal destruction is a often used primary tool of our opponents I idealistically wish that our side would not resort to it and certainly not against a fellow Republican or Conservative. I think that candidates provide enough fodder for debate within the confines of policy positions and voting records without resort to character assignation.

The useless fool in the white house would not be there were it not for his use of PPD. Recall that when a candidate for the US senate he was behind his original opponent and then someone leaked confidential divorce papers his opponent withdrew and the rest they say is history. He can never win on substance as he has none.

Please pardon me if I prefer substance over slime.

conservative bob| 11.3.11 @ 4:32PM

I am not a Cain supporter but that does not preclude my thinking he is being mistreated.

As to my messiah he surrendered himself to a horrible death in the full knowledge of our flaws. He sacrificed himself, that we would have life. Looking at what we have become makes that sacrifice ever more amazing.

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 9:07PM

Oh, stuff it, you sanctimonious prig.

Consevative bob| 11.3.11 @ 9:30PM

Stay classy

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 9:07PM

You guys seem confused on the difference between an allegation and a fact. Cain has been accused several times of sexual harassment, and he has lied about the details of it. These women were paid a year's salary to settle for a lawsuit, and Cain left the NRA before his three-year contract was up. None of this is news. It happened right before 911.

Teflon93| 11.2.11 @ 7:17PM

There's only one guy who hasn't received any scrutiny at all in this campaign while all these painted rock and nonsexual gesture charges have been flung around.

People will stop accusing you of being in the Romney tank when you start scrutinizing him the way you do the conservative candidates, Quin.

I'm not going to hold my breath.

Yax2theMax| 11.2.11 @ 7:39PM

If you've got some dirt to dish on Romney go get your leak on right now! Leak it to Erik Erickson over at Redstate, he's jonesin' for some way to prop up his buddy Perry.

Teflon93| 11.2.11 @ 7:45PM

If I had dirt on Romney, I certainly wouldn't post it here since Quin wouldn't do anything with it.

BTW, any of those illegals who worked for Romney been interviewed yet? Nice human interest story there...

How about anybody at Bain or one of the companies Romney chopped up while playing Chainsaw Al?

How about any black Mormons who couldn't get ordained until Romney turned thirty commenting on how Mittens was a leading force for change?

Nothing but crickets while Perry and Cain get the full-on probes.

C Bowen | 11.2.11 @ 8:12PM

Trivia:

Bain Capitol, founded by Mitt Romney, sold what building to a certain Islamic group in NYC?

(Hint: near the WTC.)

Clint| 11.2.11 @ 8:24PM

" Worse yet, the tattered building that was bought by the Muslim real estate company had been owned by a subsidiary of Bain Capital, a company Romney founded in 1984.

So it’s OK if his company can profit off the sale of the land, but he’s ideologically opposed to how Muslims can use it. "

Quin| 11.3.11 @ 10:01AM

I've blasted Romney again and again and again. I've even blasted other candidates for NOT sufficiently blasting Romney when Romney was ripe for the blasting. Google my name and Romney's and try finding anything nice I've written about him except once or twice that he SOUNDED good in debate -- after which I wrote a whole column explaining that reading the transcripts showed that even when Romney sounded good, his content was pathetic.

Teflon93| 11.3.11 @ 12:26PM

Quin, just look at AmSpec's coverage knocking Romney's competition to the man himself.

You guys have been better than National Review but that isn't saying much.

He's unacceptable. You know it; we know it---why not say so?

Quin| 11.3.11 @ 4:43PM

But I HAVE said so, again and again and again. I'll say it again: I find Romney an entirely unworthy candidate for the Republican presidential nomination. Just my personal opinion, of course.

DAVID G| 11.3.11 @ 5:16PM

It's a good thing that it's just your personal opinion. My personal opinion is that Romney is an outstanding person, with moral courage, compassion and intelligence. We'd be blessed to have him as president.

Cris Worth| 11.2.11 @ 7:24PM

This is a sad day for the Republic. I knew Cain's chances at the nomination were slim because of the color of his skin and now they’re gone. Cain was refreshing and uplifting and debated well a Reagan redux from 1980. But the modern day electronic media is too much if you have something to hide. Cain's evasive answers to abortion started the process and the appearance of a third accuser has de facto ended his campaign.

Bumr50| 11.2.11 @ 7:56PM

How is the mysterious and anonymous "third accuser" Cain's death knell?

Anyone can say that now, and get attention.

If you look at what she said he did, it AGAIN doesn't look anything like "sexual harassment."

I don't buy for a second that anyone who was initially supporting Cain going into today's support has changed based on the "third accuser."

You can keep trying to convince me, though.

mijattarab| 11.2.11 @ 8:12PM

It seems to me that the new story line is Cain's "pattern of harassment". If that is the case then, surely, we should be hearing about incidences when he was with Pillsbury, Burger King, or Godfather's. If not, why not? If so, then he's finito...

Jake| 11.2.11 @ 8:42PM

Kudos to Quinn for actually demonstrating that he has standards.
Unlike too many on the right , including , but ,not limited to , Limbaugh , Coulter,
Levin and Hannity.
Their full throated , race card defense of Cain in the face of the mounting evidence has
been absolutely vile.
Cain advertises on Limbaugh's station , so Limbaugh can be bought.
His conservative bona fides obviously end at
the bottom line.
I know longer recognize the conservative movement .
Once upon a time, someone with the troubling history and pattern of behavior
of Herman Cain would have been jettisoned
from the movement.
Today he's hoisted on the shoulders of Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter and Levin.
And made our new standard bearer.

Simon Templar| 11.3.11 @ 10:01AM

Mounting evidence? What evidence?

Troll.

AdeleInTexas| 11.2.11 @ 9:21PM

Actually, I think you nailed it pretty darned well. I don't believe - I hope - the fact that I'm not a Cain supporter has clouded my judgment either. Frankly, Cain lost me when he ran a 9/11 tribute that ended in a campaign ad. In my estimation, the other more recent questionable (by some) ads aired by his campaign, pale in comparison to that one's appalling lack of taste and self-aggrandizement. But, even if I could get past an attempt on his part to capitalize on 9/11, I have never liked the 9-9-9 plan either, especially its potential for additional (and higher taxes). Nor do I believe it to be a plan like Governor Perry's, that would create jobs as Cain claims it would.

At the heart of my discontent with Cain is that it makes me extremely uneasy to witness a man so long in the tooth and yet so blatantly ignorant. It's entirely possible, I suppose to be a very successful businessman and still be culturally illiterate, which Cain is. Why should we trust these unnamed advisors and experts he says he'll consult - on almost every single issue? Are we electing unknown experts and advisors based on Cain's judgment that they are what he claims? Well, I don't and most particularly in light of his recent performances that show a clear lack of anything even approaching expert advice and opinion.

No, given the choice I will vote for the person I feel most closely shares my principles - AND who will also share them tomorrow. Who knows where Cain will stand on an issue tomorrow? I daresay no one with any certainty, including Herman Cain.

Cain's gaffes, interminable flip flops and his ignorance of even the most basic school kid knowledge of the Constitution is frightening to behold in a presidential candidate.

We have a president on training wheels now - how's that working for everyone? Does anyone believe we need another one, regardless of their party banner or canned rhetoric?

The allegations against Cain may be baseless,I can't form an opinion based on rumor and innuendo, but he obviously was aware of them, and chose to lie rather than initially being forthright. The result is I'm now suspicious of his character and am also becoming increasingly resentful of his willingness to not only play the race card, but without grounds or evidence of any kind strike out blindly, willing to blame everyone, but himself - and Mitt Romney - for his woes. Shameful behavior, unbecoming.

Simon Templar| 11.3.11 @ 10:20AM

Translation for AdeleInTexas diatribe,

The allegations may be baseless, but I am going to believe them anyway. I can not form an opinion about rumors but I am going to do just that despite the fact I just said I am not goint to have an opinion. My opinion will be condemning and hypocritical as I tout the value of character while I condemn a man based on nothing but flimsy hearsay accusations. I will claim the man lied when I have no evidence to back that up as I accuse him that he has no evidence to back up his defense that this is a smear campaign. Apparently, I am a Perry supporter or at least pretending to be. As I slam Cain for supposed gaffes and everything else under the sun, I will ignore the reality that Perry has made more seriuos gaffes and damaging statements than Cain has and Perry has fallen off first place in just a matter of weeks.

Now, you are either incredibly stupid or evil or just a liberal troll posing as a gal from Texas which means both. Pick one.

Simon Templar| 11.3.11 @ 10:27AM

Quin, you are keeping very interesting company these days and your thinking process has sunk to the depths of the likes of troll, adellefromtexas.

Not only that you are now the hero of the left blogosphere and one of those good Republicans.
Congratulations.

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 10:36AM

It doesn't sound like the allegations are baseless, if there were numerous witnesses, as Hillyer reports, or if Cain had few fans at NRA at the end of his tenure, as Charlie Cook reports, or if the Iowa radio host is being truthful and Cain still makes degrading remarks toward women. Companies do not pay out a year's salary to someone they were going to get rid of anyway. The comments Cain has admitted to making about the woman's height makes it sound like there is a legitimate case here. You would have to see the whole report to verify this, but Cain is acting guilty here by covering it up.

Simon Templar| 11.3.11 @ 12:41PM

The facts as Aaron Goldstein has eloquently stated,
"Yet for all the allegations of sexual harassment that have been leveled against Cain, there have been no specifics. What we have are women who were allegedly made to feel uncomfortable "by gestures that were not overtly sexual." What we also have is allegation by radio talk show host of "awkward/inappropriate things" said to his staff. For good measure, he makes a note of saying "the guy's wife is never around." All it amounts to is a lot of mud."

If this, if that, means nothing. If you had a brain, you would write more logical replys.
Companies are settling all types of greivances and give out money to millions of people every year to avoid bad publicity, shut down ambulance chasers, and get rid of cranks in this tort reformless society. Don't be ridiculous and stupid.

Cain covered nothing up, you have no evidence of this. These incidents were handled by the NRA, records were sealed, agreements signed NOT to discuss these alleged incidents. Some critics say he discussed too much and broke the agreement. You can not have it both ways.

Go away troll, liar and false witness bearer.

Possum Dearie| 11.3.11 @ 9:13PM

"Troll, liar and false witness bearer..."

Don't make me laugh! You haven't seen the charges, either! You're a sad little sycophant, desperately hoping that Cain is still being truthful when he has already been caught in several lies, and these women were found to have enough credibility to be paid large sums of money.

Fourth Victim| 11.2.11 @ 11:50PM

Mr Cain, he *sniff sniff* made me uncomfortable when he, *sob sob* asked me if I wanted to see his pizza sausage. :......(

Clinton| 11.3.11 @ 2:12AM

Cain voted for Bill Clinton twice for President. That explains this scandal he was just acting like the man he voted for. It may also explain why he doesn't know China has nuclear arms -- he's waiting for those Buhddist monks and nuns to donate to his campaign too.

Tom| 11.3.11 @ 7:50AM

Excellent analysis. I am not for anyone in particular in the GOP race either right now. My inclination is to defend a fellow conservative when attacked by the MSM. But that conservative DOES need to be prepared for everything that hits him. It's unfair, but GOP candidates simply have to be better than any Democrat. That's life. Reagan dealt with it with humor AND smarts. Cain needs to get better, fast, if he's to survive.

Redatheart| 11.3.11 @ 8:05AM

No howls of objection from me. You nailed it perfectly. Mr. Cain is playing his own ugly card in the game of politics: the Victim Card. He is trying to spin this as if the silence money was never paid and the accusations were never filed and settled. He's trying to shift blame on others as if THEY made up these stories. His name is in the paperwork of these files. Americans have a right as informed voters to know and decide for ourselves. Anytime there is more than one situation, especially with regard to sex scandals, its cause for a deeper look. Others in this campaign are engaging and people magnets and have served in high positions and been the top dog in big business ventures. This type of story isn't coming out about them. Where there's smoke there's fire.

atypicalamerican| 11.3.11 @ 8:08AM

Lets be honest...those libs at Politico left a nice trap for Cain and he stepped in it--big time. The 'stepping in' is his poor handling of statements after the fact. Much as I like him I see him immolating himself as a serious candidate over the past 36 hours and it is not pretty. Add in his inexplicable comments on foreign policy issues and he's toast.

Its not too late to find/draft a real conservative to run, and/or hope/pray we have an inconclusive result after most of the primaries and draft a conservative at the convention--now that would be exciting!

Alex| 11.3.11 @ 8:10AM

You're wrong on so many counts. First, cain's "vetting" has been scorching precisely because of his race. Dems don't want to lose an important part of their constituency. In an isolated sense, you're right the allegations would have come out. But taken together his beating is race related. Liberal commentators in fact talk about nothing BUT his race.

Second, cain doesn't need to be able to win jeopardy in order to qualify for president. I think its safe to assume that he will quickly be brought to speed during the general election and once elected. More important are his world views regarding our allies, our rivals/enemies, and americas roll in the world. On these he has repeatedly shown that he draws from good inspirations. Ignorance is irrelevant, and no one should expect a businessman to be an international politics maven.

again regarding the race card, its obviously abused just like sexual harrassment accusations and faux scandals created by the liberal media. But when he's being called a minstrel actor, not a real black man, an uncle tom, etc etc it's definitely appropriate to acknowledge the racism in those attacks. its stupid to let liberal hyperbole whitewash liberal hypocrisy.

DAVID G| 11.3.11 @ 5:09PM

And yet it's o.k. to call Romney a member of a cult. Go figure.

porchhound| 11.3.11 @ 8:15AM

Cain is ONLY in trouble if he continues to lose his cool. The acts themselves do not rise to the level of a Bubba Clinton or Anthony Weiner. If he just keeps his cool his supporters will stay with him.

DAVID G| 11.3.11 @ 5:08PM

He does lose his cool. "Excuse me! Excuse me!!!"

Rob Seabrook| 11.3.11 @ 8:21AM

The thing that bothers me about the Herman Cain coverage, and leads me to believe this is a "witch hunt' is the fact that reporters are asking questions of him that they don't ask of the other candidates. For example. They ask him about abortion. Fine, they asked Romney about abortion too. But, they didn't, to my knowledge, follow it up with the "if your grandchild was raped " part. They ask Cain about negociating with terrorists, about right of return and China's nuclear capabilities, etc. Yet I don't hear Romney or Perry, the obvious establishment choices, being asked the same questions. They slam him for his views on foreign policy, but who in the field has any direct experience in that area.
It seems to me that he is deliberately being marginalized. So the question is why? I think it's obvious from the Left's point of view. Obama can't afford any split in the Black vote if he has any hope of winning. Herman Cain would do that if elected. The Gop Establishment doesn't want anything to do with throwing out the Progressive tax code, so they want him out as well. When both sides have reason to fear a specific candidate, the chances of him experiencing ultra sensitive media scrutiny are emmence. The people seem to sense this and that's the reason they are defending him so vigerously. We are addiment that this time, the media will not be choosing our candidate. So, much to the chagrin of the Washington power brokers, the old playbook will not work this time. Just my opinion.

Simon Templar| 11.3.11 @ 12:49PM

Rob, you have a very excellent mind and ability to articulate a logical argument with insight.
It is just not another opinion. That is rare these days. Great comment.

DAVID G| 11.3.11 @ 5:07PM

Are you joking? You need to check your facts better if you think other candidates have not received the same kind of treatment. In fact, some of the more moderate candidates have received it from the right-leaning media as well.

David| 11.3.11 @ 8:21AM

Mr. Cain is manifestly unserious and incompetent, while his poll standing shows that many people are manifestly unserious about their choice of nominee. Mr. Cain's popularity says more that is troubling about the GOP, than his past says about him.

DAVID G| 11.3.11 @ 5:04PM

Amen!

tv22| 11.3.11 @ 9:01AM

We should all remember a couple of things. One, sexual harassment is in the eye of the harassee. Two, it would appear to be fact that there was some issue related to 2 sexual harassment charges. Three, it is not uncommon for some sort of settlement in these cases because there often isn't a right or wrong position. Fourth, we have no idea what he was acccused of. Five, we really have no idea where this story came out of.

So can we all back off. Cain is not being unjustly targeted, these are true cases and we should know about it. At the same time, there is no way Cain can't remember these cases and his handling of this issue has been terrible.

Now let's find out what really happened and make decisions on facts, not conjecture.

Tom S| 11.3.11 @ 9:13AM

I for one would love to see Herman Cain be worthy of the nomination and Presidency, but frankly it's pretty hard to see him as such given his numerous gaffes on basic issues (i.e., China and abortion are two whoppers), and his equivication and lack of basic judgment in handling these sexual harrassment charges. He knew what happened but he pretended even as late as Tuesday this week not to know things that he has since admitted he knew. This is NOT what happens when you are prepared to deal with an issue.

If he would be like this as President, we'd be doomed.

I'm praying that somebody else steps into the GOP void here. Romney as a smart man but is a complete empty suit. Perry is a capable manager but a horrible campaigner and I'm not sure he's mentally up to the task. Gingrich has a great record as Speaker and a brilliant mind but his personal history is an albatross. The rest are a bunch of also-rans, the modern-day Dick Gephardts and Alan Cranstons of the GOP field.

Ron Paul stands above the crowd as a man of seemingly impeachable political and personal integrity and philosophical grounding, and despite some disagreements with him, I support his positions in the main. I may very well wind up voting for him in the primary -- but I cannot see him getting the nomination nor winning the Presidency.

Jane| 11.3.11 @ 9:59AM

Governor Perry is a wonderful retail campaigner. I was amazed to learn that he had back surgery in July. He was courageous to throw his hat into the ring as early as he did. His record in Texas for job creation and his economic plan, unveiled on October 25, have been praised by independent analyses. His campaign is doing well in fundraising.

Larry Ball| 11.3.11 @ 9:15AM

There is a much longer line of people who have worked with Cain standing up and putting their reputation on the line for him than there is a line of those who are hiding and tossing accusations from the dark.
For now I think the accusations from from two places. Misunderstandings of a man who is very affable that I think some women assumed meant he wanted something. And those looking to end his campaign.
You opened with your concern about the man who said he would end the campaign if he said what he saw.. but of course isn't saying.. to protect the woman whose name he used openly.. IS a Perry operative...
The problem I have with this.. is Politico published a story with no facts and really no allegation except maybe something that was not really sexual harassment happened.
Not once did an attorney for the two who filed complaints ever ask to speak to Cain.. tells me they knew it was a negotiation for more severance pay vs a real case.
I see this as misunderstandings, and minor legal actions that many executives especially in the 1990s had to deal with now being used by GOP establishment to feed the blood lust the left has to destroy anyone from a demographic they assume they own.

Larry Ball| 11.3.11 @ 9:26AM

One more thought I see some saying I want Cain to be the guy, but the gaffs are making that harder. All humans make gaffs, and no one can know everything. Cain in trying to give honest answers vs canned non-statements makes errors.. you can get a man of good character with a vision for America that is needed for us to make it through tough times who is fast to learn and humble enough to build a team of people smarter than him in other areas. Cains stated policy of Peace through strength and clarity is more than we have had guiding a few administrations in making policy .. which is why often no one understands our goals.
Media hates Cain because he is an escapee from their view that American Blacks should be mad at the country and looking for more help.. and the Establishment GOP doesn't like him because he is not fully one of them and is looking to disrupt the tax code tool that both parties use to engineer pay offs for support.
Cain hasn't mad any worse gaffs then the previous two presidents.. and he sure as heck hasn't a single allegation close to what we let slide from Clinton.

Gary Gross | 11.3.11 @ 9:23AM

I wrote here that Cain's answers are getting him in trouble & that his pride is keeping him there:

http://www.letfreedomringblog.com/?p=11554

No, the Politico article wasn't good reporting. With that out of the way, it's time to admit that Cain's attitude has caused him lots of trouble.

Guest1776| 11.3.11 @ 9:38AM

Personally I think Cain is playing the media like a fiddle with the China answer and the way he's handling the accusations. I don't think the people criticizing him realize that because of the way he is handling his campaign it is exposing the racist within the MSM and Democrat party and their supporters on a daily basis. For example look at how MessNBC jumped all over the China comment calling him stupid, dumb etc..
Look at how the media is practicing Napoleonic Law convicting him and demanding he prove his innocence.

Do any of the people criticizing Cain about how he is handling his campaign realize that many many Blacks are watching the high-tech lynching on a daily basis and thinking HMMMM!

Herman Cain the rocket scientist businessman/CEO chairman banker systems analyst radio talk show host might just be a little smarter than all the 'experts' criticizing him about the way he's running his campaign. It seems to me Herman Cain is clever like a fox and many of his critics are too clever by half.

My opinion I could be wrong.

Guest1776| 11.3.11 @ 9:43AM

In other words if Cain gets 1/3 or more of the Black vote like he claims he can the Democrat party doesn't stand a chance of winning very many elections without that support. Cain is probably the only candidate that can possibly bring 60 senators to the GOP controlled Senate. Just think about all the ammunition the Left has given him to run against Obama along with all the ammunition the Obama administration has already with all the racist if you disagree rhetoric.

Guest1776| 11.3.11 @ 10:01AM

Watch the video where Lawrence O'Donnell is demanding Cain should have been cannon fodder in Viet Nam among other things Lawrence accuses him of from atop his white horse. Watch the video where Cain dismantles Clinton on Hillarycare. I think all the so called 'experts' ought to rethink they're views about how this extremely intelligent and analytically systems analyst minded man is running his campaign.

Oddly enough Obama using an unorthodox strategy on his way to the WH was considered brilliant but Cain not so much. Bizarre how that works.

Cain vs Lawrence O'Donnell
http://tinyurl.com/3fcsc98

Cain vs young Bill Clinton - Hillarycare
http://tinyurl.com/5u7gmtj

SamMcGowan | 11.3.11 @ 10:02AM

You might want to see just where Herman Cain stands with his fellow congregants in Antioch Baptist Church in Atlanta. While they like him, they're not going to vote for him because they don't agree with his politics. Should Cain get the nomination, he won't pull 30% of the black vote. As it is, 10% of blacks vote Republican. He might get 15%.

Guest1776| 11.3.11 @ 10:19AM

We won't know until after the election understanding that openly expressing support within the Black community will have you treated as a traitor and Uncle Tom etc... just ask Jesse Lee Peterson, Michael Steele etc...

Guest1776| 11.3.11 @ 9:47AM

Another example might be the smoking ad of which Bob Schiffer, Tom Brokaw and every politically correct dictator who admonished him for allowing adults to view another adult smoking.

As America’s anger thermostats overheats on Mark Twain censorship, Iconic Photos looks back at a visual issue that regularly graces our semi-annual, revisionist political correctness hissy fits: cigarette censorship in photos.Churchill would have hated it, but his German nemesis might be enjoying a posthumous chuckle. Adolf Hitler was an anti-smoking zealot; he believed that smoking was “decadent” and equal to “racial degeneracy” and that it was wrong for the master race to smoke. Feeling it was bad for Germans to see statesmen and role models with cigarettes, he ordered many top Nazi officials to stop
smoking; this directive even extended to foreign leaders. Hitler had a cigarette removed from the photos of Stalin that Nazi Germany published when Stalin met with the Nazi envoy, Joachim von Ribbentrop.

It is tempting to play “You Are Hitler” card here, but other unfavorable comparisons can be found too; sociologist Todd Gitlin put it better than I ever can: “The communists used to airbrush inconvenient persons from photographs. Americans are airbrushing signs of inconvenient sins.” However, it is not just Americans; everyone seems to be doing it these days. Soon, we will be learning sanitized versions of history, where FDR, Sigmund Freud or Humphrey Bogart never smoked, reading books where Sherlock Holmes didn’t rely on cocaine and tobacco, and watching movies where protagonists are allowed to blow others’ heads off but not allowed to light up.

Full here:
http://tinyurl.com/3663anc

SamMcGowan | 11.3.11 @ 10:06AM

No, he's not playing the media. He simply has little knowledge of the world. He displayed his ignorance when he downplayed the importance of Uzbekistan, which is the main supply base for US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. He's not even a businessman. He's been a lobbyist/politician ever since he joined the National Restaurant Association and became a lobbyist. He's constantly referred to as the CEO of Godfather Pizza - that was in the 1980s and early 1990s! Until he started his run for president, he was working for a political advocacy group. He's actually a Washington insider.

Guest1776| 11.3.11 @ 10:21AM

Nice try. I suspect you're just a partisan detractor who never intended to vote for Cain. I was originally a Perry supporter myself until Cain won me over.

Pokey| 11.3.11 @ 10:53AM

Hate to crash the party dude...But we were kicked our of Uzbekistan in '05. So... it really is not important ... anymore. To us that is. Maybe Cain is , at lest, more up to date than perhaps you are???

Our "invitation" to leave can only be seen as a result of Bush appointing Rice to State. No doubt she will list that as one of her accomplishments. Maybe she should run instead of Cain?

Wayne| 11.3.11 @ 10:22AM

And the racism in the GOP establishment.

Patrick| 11.3.11 @ 11:37AM

I completely agree that he's very smart. No doubt about that. The problem is he's woefully ignorant, especially on foreign policy. His positions are almost never thoughtful or coherent.

Now, it's not even the charges of harassment that are the problem. It's his completely incoherent and inconsistent responses. He's starting to make it clear he's just not fit for the the Presidency.

Kerri| 11.3.11 @ 9:46AM

His poor answers on issues are what continue to bothering me. If you can't fake your ignorance as Obama has done regularly, nothing else matters, he wins. I say this sadly having contributed a little $ to his campaign. The harassment allocations are just part of the sickening political lives we taxpayers have to be subjected too.

Dan A| 11.3.11 @ 9:47AM

Mr. Cain first raised a note of concern in a comment he made with regard to the controversy surrounding Rick Perry and the now infamous slanderous painted rock. His answer when asked his opinion on the issue was pandering and smacked mildly of using the race card.

Until Mr. Cain and his Chief of Staff overtly accused the Perry campaign of "leaking" the harassment story, I was in full defense mode behind Mr. Cain. To accuse the Perry camp of being complicit in leaking the story to Politico however, without any corroborating evidence, screams of opportunism, diversion and gotcha.

We already have someone in office that uses these tactics to smear his critics and cow his detractors. Mr. Cain now has a lot of work to do to assure us that a Cain presidency would not be as detrimental.

Jane Holt| 11.3.11 @ 9:49AM

Well written article. Thanks.

SamMcGowan | 11.3.11 @ 9:59AM

I second the motion.

Guest1776| 11.3.11 @ 9:55AM

Cain MTP
http://tinyurl.com/6eysdhw

Cain vs Romney 9-9-9
http://tinyurl.com/3dnb56z

David Romney/Mitt Gregory: Are you saying the state tax will go away?

I ask people to watch the videos at both links and notice at how similarly David Gregory and Mitt Romney are deliberately being obtuse or trying to confuse the American people they must believe are stupid.

SamMcGowan | 11.3.11 @ 9:58AM

What gets me is that those who use the term RINO wouldn't have been happy in our father's Republican party. They would have been Democrats, the same as their fathers were. As for Cain, "ignorant" is the right word, not stupid, but ignorant. Now it turns out the man is also lacking in character as well. Any executive who makes comments to a female subordinate that his associates take as sexually suggestive is lacking in leadership qualities.

Guest1776| 11.3.11 @ 10:06AM

Last night I watched Trump on Greta’s show and he explained "you say good morning Darling" to a woman and she gets herself a parasitic lawyer and sues and its typically cheaper with less headaches to just pay them off and make it go away.

The real story here is that we need Tort Reform Law passed so these baseless charges won't go undefended and the plaintiff paid off to make it go away. Once Tort Reform Laws are passed you won't have parasitic lawyers suing people and enticing would be plaintiffs with the "If I don't get paid you won't have to pay" line the ambulance chasers use.

I think people criticizing Cain should rethink the idea the man is ignorant and perhaps the fact the Cain is clever like a fox. It's not a coincidence that Cain is exposing the hypocrisy, racism and bias of liberals within the MSM and Democrat party on a daily basis.

Wayne| 11.3.11 @ 10:20AM

What I have seen so far is "much to do about nothing." The author has no problem attacking Cain and the 25 percent of the conservatives who are supporting him in favor of unsubstantiated rumors. As nasty as the Dems are, the GOP establishment can be just as nasty.

Pokey| 11.3.11 @ 10:37AM

How absurd it is to believe anyone would dredge up these allegations for racial reasons.

Cain just happens to be black. There is not one instance of the media ever doing this to a conservative. Ever.

I'm so over this. I got over it way back when, when Clarence Thomas, cry baby that he was, had the nerve and gall to suggest he was the victim of some sort of a "high tech lynching" and that he was being attacked for reasons of race. What is a high tech lynching anyway?

Everyone knows the media is fair and its standards would forbid such partisan actions. We all know Politico has very high standards as does the rest of the MSM.

Cain is guilty, nuff said. Who needs evidence? Just kick him to the curb with the rest of the trash. Wonder who the RNC rootin for here? Hummm.

jack carlson| 11.3.11 @ 10:41AM

The reason that the pundits are so quick to write off Herman Cain is that they really would like for him to go away. Ain't happenin'! The public knows that "sexual harassment" charges are almost always BS. And they will not be fooled. This could even help him. The people who are critical of him right now are folks who would never have voted for him anyway...

By the way, his statements about China were not "gaffes". Unlike other candidates, Cain actually WAS a military rocket scientist.

Colin| 11.3.11 @ 3:52PM

You don't know jack....

1. "The public knows that 'sexual harrassment' charges are almost always BS." Is that so!? I'd like to see the data that proves this, please.

2. "This [sexual harassment] can even help him." What are you talking about!? How would he benefit from multiple charges from multiple women, including an observer who is a conservative radio who claims to have witnessed an incident, going to HELP the candidate!? If it does, it would speak volumes about our [GOP] electorate.

3. His statement about China and then his "clarifications," are not gaffes, you're right. They are categorically false, without merit, and indicative of someone who has a superficial understanding of the subject. Kind of like you do.

Nemo_of_Erehwon| 11.3.11 @ 4:10PM

FWIW, my thoughts on your points:

1. Yeah, that seems "sort of made up" to me as well, though hopefully there is, by now, some public recognition that such a charge is easy to make, and that a charge is not the same as evidence that anything was done wrong.

2. The charge COULD be helpful if people rally around a guy they think has been unfairly charged. A more deliberate and reasoned handling of the situation by Cain and his staffers might make this more likely.

3. Cain is woefully ignorant on foreign policy, but I have probably expressed my thoughts on that sufficiently in other posts.

I would love to get behind a serious conservative candidate who happens to be black, but Cain is not that guy. (I would also love to get behind a serious conservative candidate who happens to be white, Latino, Asian or whatever -- I'm not sure that candidate is running this year. However, Obama is not an option for me, so hopefully the GOP will settle on the best we can do and at least put the brakes on a country headed in the wrong direction.)

Danny K.| 11.3.11 @ 10:59AM

Obviously not ready for prime time, but what I've heard so far does not amount to sexual harassment. Let's compare another recent case. Here is what Jesse is accused of:

" ... In another instance, he alleges he was asked to pick up a prescription and apply it to a rash on Jackson’s inner thigh. When Bennett refused, he claims Jackson called him “little mot herf***er.”... In the most lurid of the allegations described, Bennett alleges Jackson, dressed only in briefs, made implicit sexual advances towards him when describing a time when he got oral sex from a teacher. Read more in the complaint (.pdf) here."

There are three points here.

First, Herman Cain is accused of asking someone to come to his hotel room.

So?

Second, how is this sexual harassment? He asked, she purportedly said no, end of story. If initiating contact with a female has suddenly become a crime, that's pretty much the end of this species.

Finally, how does what Herman Cain is accused of compare to being dressed half-naked and suggesting a sexual act to an employee or asking an employee to lube your inner thigh?

Boris| 11.3.11 @ 11:45AM

In the first paragraph of this article the author states he is "a little worried" by the latest report that came from a man who is a pollster for the PERRY CAMPAIGN!!! When your article starts with this premise anything you say from that point forward has no credibility!

Suze2| 11.3.11 @ 12:02PM

Cain's handling of this issue shows that he is unready to serve as President. He evidently gave no thought to what he would do if the allegations came out and seems to be winging it. Not good. That and other gaffes and bumbling responses to various issues makes him the unserious candidate. How anyone can continue to support him is beyond me.

GJPinks| 11.3.11 @ 12:11PM

Let me address and "support" the use of "The Racecard".
I believe there are 3 groups, Those that really believe racial discrimination actually happens to often, Those that know it doesn't happen that often but use it for their own power grab and those that believe it doesn't happen all that often and the individual has more control of their own life than the few racists that exist.
Cain playing the RaceCard are shocked and forced to consider that something unfair may be happening to Mr Cain - a percentage will now pay closer attention to this man and like his ideas. The second group will be frozen because they can't claim the problem doesn't exist or ask the public to investigate because this silliness is no different from the majority of what they have been pulling for 50 years. The third group that can understand why playing the "Race Card" is wrong, should instead sit back and enjoy the entertainment of the "Progs" twisting themselves into pretzels. "Use your enemies strengths against them." This is exactly what is going on. Sit back, have a brew and enjoy the next 5 days.

Controse| 11.3.11 @ 12:20PM

So if we disagree with you we didn't understand what you wrote? And you say you are not a stealth progressive. Can you sound like Paul Krugman and not be a stealth progressive? I don't think so. Your very last, italicized, sentence gives the game away. To your credit you didn't turn off commenting altogether as Paul did.

Rick| 11.3.11 @ 1:07PM

Trolls need to realize that these are accusations, many companies rather than litigate choose to settle because it is easier in the long run. At this point Cain is not guilty of anything. It is a he said she said situation. He was not convicted, did not lose a lawsuit. Many C level executives are targeted in this manner for financial gain. The fact the women settled and did not pursue a lawsuit tells me that there was questions in the allegations that would put them in question of losing. Cain is in the clear in my opinion.

Jane in Michigan| 11.4.11 @ 11:16AM

Regardless, Cain constantly has contradicted himself, wildly accused others, had to back off on that, etc. It's been very unsettling.

Eric S| 11.3.11 @ 1:45PM

Don't forget Newt!

We don't want open borders Perry, or Romneycare Romney. One on one, if the choice was between Newt and Romney, who would you pick?

Jane in Michigan| 11.4.11 @ 11:14AM

Newt in a heartbeat!

mike edelman| 11.3.11 @ 1:55PM

I'm not sure why its important that conservatives
prove they are color blind if it means supportiing
a candidate who is singularly not qualified to
be president of the united states..Herman Cain
may be affable but he is clearly over his head
on both domestic and foreign policy issues and
simply because he says he is conservative is
not a reason to give him a pass on crucial
issues that affect this nation every day..Cain
simply is remarkably misinformed about most
issues and other than a simplistic 9 9 9 tax plan
that appeals to those whose understanding of
the economy is zero he has nothing to offer

Karla| 11.3.11 @ 2:02PM

For me it is not so much the allegations as I feel that is a whole lot of smoke and mirrors. For me it it the fact that he had time to sit down with Legal advisers and others and know what he could and could not speak to and he still sounded hollow like this was an after thought. Now it turns out he knew this was out there and even knowing he did not do anything why leave anything to chance that makes you seem less than forth coming.
I would think someone as well educated would have taken the time to study up on certain things so as not to sound so out there on some responses...sorry but for me the grey areas are becoming a very dark shade of grey now....

spoofproof| 11.3.11 @ 2:06PM

Consider the unhindered expansion of U.S. Federal gov bureaucracy since the Income Tax was instituted in 1913. In one-hundred years HC is the only candidate for President who has gotten genuine heft with TAX REFORM as a campaign centerpiece. How much Liberty would be set free when 82,000 pages of corrupt tax law are thrown out? If you were a well-connected political professional what would you do? Embrace reform or fight for the status-quo?

John E| 11.3.11 @ 2:48PM

While I do not believe Cain is being attacked for being black per se, I do believe he is being attacked as a black conservative. I remember the whole Clarence Thomas controversy, and there are eerie similarities.

Nemo_of_Erehwon| 11.3.11 @ 3:49PM

And black conservatives Bill Clinton and Gary Hart, let's not forget... oh, wait... never mind...

Yeah, my instinct was to link this to the Thomas case as well, as an example of how the left destroys women and minorities who are on the right. But upon reflection, I don't see the evidence for that in this case. At least, not yet.

Rather, when a political story can include juicy sex stuff, the media will always have a large time: sex sells newspapers.

tired of it| 11.3.11 @ 3:12PM

Why can't there be just one, at least one, descent, intelligient and free from stupid scandels ,Republican candidate in the race, so we can feel good about voting for once.

DAVID G| 11.3.11 @ 5:00PM

Has Romney had scandals??

tired of it| 11.3.11 @ 5:23PM

he is too libel for me, not exactly conservative, he is the Romneycare and he flips flops on issues, he is prochoice then prolife, in Ohio he can't figure out if he is pro union or supports the small business people. A guy has to formulate who he is and quit changing in order to please the crowd or latest poll.

Arliss H.| 11.3.11 @ 3:17PM

"serious economic literacy"????
Are you kidding?
His 999 plan is a joke!

Chris| 11.3.11 @ 3:43PM

I'm with this author 100%, but what ticks me off the most is that this wonderful Website and many other "Conserative Alternative Media Websites" has never to my knowledge written anything concerning The Fair Tax Plan HR-25 [FTP] and its ability to restore America and more important its "People" although I've referred to it in many posts here. Ending the "Class Warfare" games of Congress and K-Street's games of picking the "Winners & Loosers" with the current 67,000+ pages of the Tax Code. Resulting in $400 Billion in compliance cost, 8 Billion man hours to do so.

The [I]ternal [R]acketeering [S]ervice Of The United State Of La Cosa Nostra America, The Federal Mafia, Juice payments and all comes to an end.

[Think Mobbed-Up Teamsters Union et. al.]

Why do the Authors here ingnore it and not write about it, while at the same time crying about all who do not pay income taxes at all,while also crying about the EITC for every Child of those who do not pay in, but draw thousands of $$$$$$ every year?

Radio talk show host Mr. Neal Boortz et. al. wrote two books on the subject in which no Author here as far as I know has ever read,understood and wrote about it.

The Only "Plan" in my opinion which will SAVE AMERICA, compelling everyone to pay a 23% "National Sales Tax included in the price of ALL NEW GOODS A SERVICES. [anything used is exempt] Saving the landfills.

This IS NOT A "VAT" [Value Added Tax] Tax".[Pelosi] This Captures the entire "Underground Economy", all illegals and all those who visit America from other Countries, spending their monies HERE. It end's China's ability to munipulate their currency too.

This in my opinion is a compelling example of the Conservative's "messaging" incapability of fighting as Cream Puff Politicians, until Cain arives with his 999/909 plan as a bridge to HR-25 becoming law.

The dummies of the left, all of those who oppose the Bill including the RINO's of the right are Flammmmming Fooooooooools! Why? They argue Against Keeping all THEIR OWN MONEY EVERY PAYDAY, while screaming for the "Rich to pay their "Fair Share". How Stupid is that?

What about the Thug Union Leaders? We know they are incapable of reasonable thought, while digging for more $$$$$$ out of corporate America, and/or State & Federal Government entities. They're too stupid to see the benefit of keeping all their own money while crying for more at the "Bargaining Table". The Union Rank & File Members could make this happen if they knew about it in toto! More money for Health Care Premiums and/or "Riders" thereto, AFLAC.

The 6.2% FICA Tax is an automatic pay raise, in which all Employers could pass on to their Employees, while said Employees retain THEIR 6.2 Percent. How Sweet is That?

The adverage 22% of embedded corporate tax goes away and is substituted by the 23%, so the price of new goods and/or all sevices either will remain the same or decline in price.

The "Free Market" will see to that! Another belief of all Conservatives, who can't seem to defend or incorporate as applied to the FTP without poo, pooing it. Then the conservatives stand their with blackened eyes and bloodied lips applying their Band-Aids.

As Herman Cain's troubles in the Un-FairPolitico story mount. I have a solution.

Have these accusers GIVE THE MONY BACK AND THE THEY CAN TALK THEIR A$$ES OFF, NO LAWSUIT REQUIRED, NO VIOLATION OF ANY CONFIDENTUAL AGREEMENT!
Bet they won't do that, because the MONEY is more important than TRUTH!
Herman Cain for POTUS!
Obama has sold-out Black America in toto, while the FTP sits on a shelf collecting dust when it's the solid answer to prevent America's downfall.

I "Hope" the consevatives will grasp the "Plan" as well as the Authors of this Website and Scream it from the Roof Tops across America for real "Change". "The Children" [as the libs cry] deserve nothing less.
In other words, AMERICA becomes "The Tax Haven Of The World" while turning "April 15th into Just Another Spring Day"

Investment and Jobs, Jobs, Jobs and more Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. So many the revenue to the US Treasury would surpass Ronald Reagan's success and end the B*tching & Crying once and for all.

Hey, American Spectator why don't YOU GET ON BOARD TOO! If NOT you aren't any better than the "Libs or "RINOS" while America vanishes.

You know Reagan would Sign It Into Law in a Nanosecond, and Mark Levin [ who praises this website often] would be burning up the airwaves moreso than he does now from his "Undiscript" Building. " a/k/a "Bunker".

What say you American Spectator? How about helping me out here and unleash every wonderful writer you have,that is if you have someone who actually reads the Public's Posted comments. and this also applies to those who do so. It's your money, What Say You "John Q Public"?

Furthermore, Hillsdale College should help out as well. Thank You [Mr Boortz], Sean Hannity, and in Particular Mark Levin for the Education, "Bringing Truth And Reason To My Ears" Once a LIB from Chicago now a Conservative FOREVER in Missouri

Pass HR-25 NOW! Save America from the Ruin of Obama allowing the Titlewave of HR-25 to "lift all boats" all around the World. the Clock is ticking. 3-2-1- What will it be? Success or Complete Failure!

Nemo_of_Erehwon| 11.3.11 @ 3:46PM

I'm not in a position to know what happened between Mr. Cain and some young women some years ago. I have not seen nor heard any evidence beyond allegations that something happened, and still have not heard anybody say what the "Something" was. So, in the absence of any information on that, I won't form any opinion about it: Cain is presumed innocent until there is at least SOME evidence of guilt, as far as I'm concerned.

Yes, his campaign handled their first real crisis badly, but they may learn from that and move on to bigger and better things, I am not concerned about that.

What does concern me is that Mr. Cain, faced with the story as it was initially breaking, instinctively lied about what had happened, claiming that he knew nothing about any settlement being reached, which we now know was not true. We know that because he said so. (His follow-up position, to play the Race Card, has not been inspiring either.)

If he is a serial harasser of women, he is not fit to be President. But there's no evidence of that yet.

If if he is an instinctive liar, he is not fit to be President. We have our first bit of evidence of that. Hopefully it was an aberration: we'll have to watch what happens next and see about that.

DAVID G| 11.3.11 @ 4:58PM

You say you are definitely NOT for Romney. In other words, you are for Obama. Cause let's be brutally honest here - non of the other candidates will or can beat Obama. Romney might have some flaws, but they have even more. If independents are faced with the flaws of Cain or Perry or Gingrich, or whomever, they will reluctantly pick Obama. Romney on the other hand, has shown that he can get the independent vote. So hey, be foolish and "NOT" be for Romney. It's just another vote for Obama.

John P| 11.3.11 @ 7:17PM

What kind of nonsense is this. Modern conservativea are just as racist as their predecessors. The attacks on President Obama's birth certificate et al are racist. No president has been disrespected more. The Tea Party would have never originated if a white president has won. They aren't fooling anyone with their budget and low taxes schtick. That's why they went out and emptied gun stores after Obama won. They are supporting an Uncle Tom with a travelling minstrel show. This is racist in itself.

Math| 11.3.11 @ 9:43PM

Pleaseeeeeee. Racist.

A. Hick| 11.4.11 @ 4:06AM

Forget a peek at the settlement agreement(s), just use your imagination. Herman and a (blonde) female underling way back in the bubbly dot.com nineties have a few drinks at a some swank, dark, oak paneled DC lobbyist watering hole with a crooked as a hind leg congressman; her job is to show a little leg for the sake of trying to entice the pervy small town Midwestern pol to vote against a lower DUI blood intox level, or a dining room smoking ban. Eventually, after their “work” is done, Herman and the “lady” stumble out onto the sidewalk together, where Herman leers over to his staffer and blows breathily into her ear, “why waste it sweetheart, come back to my room over at the Watergate, and lemme show you my nine,” pause, belch and stagger, “uh nine,” pause and wobble toward the curb and a waiting taxi, “uh nine inches.”

Question of the Day: Why would the Wall Street speculator class now dump their former darling, Obama, after he saved their butt, for Willard Mitt Romney?

Answer: There is no honor among thieves (who gives a ratz azz anyway).

Cato| 11.4.11 @ 10:37AM

I am glad to know there is at least one sane voice left at TAS. Jeffrey Lord is a hack

Jane in Michigan| 11.4.11 @ 11:07AM

This was a thoughtful, well reasoned column. I agree with it 100%. Let's not be like Democrats and "fall in love with a candidate." Despite his winning personality and good business background, Mr. Cain is not up to the job, especially now with this unnecessary complication.

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