Whether this past weekend’s top news story alleging Herman Cain, candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, of sexual harassment will prove to be for him, a Halloween trick, or Halloween treat for fellow contenders is yet to be determined. But the story is the topic of the day across all spectrums of the news media.
Politico broke the story reporting that two female subordinates settled sexual harassment lawsuits against Cain during his term as chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990’s.
Politico questioned NRA counsel, Peter Kilgore, about the names of the women who had accused Cain of sexual harassment, and if they had received financial settlements. Kilgore advised that in compliance with company policy he could not discuss personnel information, other than employment dates. Kilgore’s legal response then serves the ball back into Cain’s court.
Since the story broke, the Romney nickname of the ‘flip-flopper’ seems more appropriate for Cain. When initially questioned about the allegations, Cain, his spokesperson, J. D. Gordon, and campaign manager, Mark Block declined comment. But, with questions growing in frequency and intensity, Cain has been forced to address the allegations more succinctly, and more directly.
In an interview on Fox News this morning, Cain said he had never sexually harassed anyone, and was not aware of any settlements.
Then, later on at an appearance at the National Press Club, Cain backtracked earlier assertions, and admitted he had been falsely accused of sexual harassment, while CEO of the NRA. Cain went on to add that as the chief officer of the NRA, he disqualified himself and let his general counsel and human resource officer to settle the matter.
Cain and his campaign people have handled the allegations very poorly, and are in a ‘wait and see’ period to see how potential Republican primary voters will react to the latest turn of events. By appearing reluctant to answer questions, more questions were created, and an issue that could have been settled quickly has been prolonged.
Last week for the first time, polls showed Cain leading Romney, the same polls that not too long ago had Governor Rick Perry in the lead. For a GOP presidential nomination campaign season that has been like a game of musical chairs, it’s anyone guess who will be left standing when the music stops.
Sources
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/republican_presidential_nomination-1452.html
Politico Reports Herman Cain Sexual Harassment Allegation Coverup
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/67233.html