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Video: Harassment Claims May Ruin Herman Cain's Airtight 2012 Campaign
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 31, 2011
Modified Oct 31, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 31, 2011
Modified Oct 31, 2011
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Before he began advocating for higher taxes for the poor and middle class, 2012 GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain headed up the National Restaurant Association. Sure, that group may have worked hand in hand to further the interests of the tobacco lobby, but at least Cain didn't do anything actually illegal, just morally reprehensible. But today, Politico reveals that the trade group was forced to settle two different complaints against Cain for "inappropriate behavior." Sounds like someone needs an electric fence around their groin.
Six sources revealed to the media outlet that "the women complained of sexually suggestive behavior by Cain that made them angry and uncomfortable," including, "conversations allegedly filled with innuendo or personal questions of a sexually suggestive nature" and "physical gestures that were not overtly sexual but that made women who experienced or witnessed them uncomfortable and that they regarded as improper in a professional relationship." Or what one former president might call "management skills."
The alleged incidents occurred between 1996 and 1999, and the women were reportedly given five-figure cash settlements. When asked about the allegations, Cain
breathed audibly, glared at the reporter and stayed silent for several seconds. After the question was repeated three times, he responded by asking the reporter, “Have you ever been accused of sexual harassment?”
Though Cain's campaign has denied the report, "the campaign has not responded to the substance of the report in any detail." His spokesman, J.D. Gordon, told FOX News, "All I'm telling you right now is, this is something the establishment is trying to attack Mr. Cain on." Kind of like how Gordon himself attacked a journalist with claims of sexual harassment that were never corroborated by anyone.
Appearing on FOX just a few minutes ago, Cain said “I have never sexually harassed anyone, I was falsely accused.” Great! Now he can explain whether or not his campaign broke any federal tax or campaign laws. As one attorney who has worked for both Democrats and Republicans puts it, "The number of questionable and possibly illegal transactions conducted on behalf of Herman Cain is staggering." This is stressful! Someone get the man a cigarette.
Tagged
2012
campaign
election
gop
herman cain
national restaurant association
sexual harassment
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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