Image via Wikipedia
Simple question have you ever been accused of sexual harassment? Very simple yes or no question, and if you are running for President of the United States, you better tell the truth quick and early. Well as you’ve seen it has been anything but quick and easy for Herman Cain. The story broke this weekend by the Political news website POLITICO. The story said Cain was the subject of a sexual harassment allegation when he was the head of the National Restaurant Association.
His first response to the question from a POLITICO reporter Sunday was that he had knew nothing of the complaint. But as the days have gone on, actually only two days, Cain has gone from not having acknowledge of a settlement, to admitting to being accused. He said it wasn’t for much money, something like a year salary (which was correct). Cain is not the first politician (oops he’s not a politician) or big name person to be accused of sexual harassment. Bill Clinton went through this during his Presidential campaign in 1992 with the Paula Jones fiasco. Whether he did it or not is still up in the air, but how Cain has handled it is more to the issue.
First he and his conservative supporters have accused the liberal media for conducting a witch hunt. Now this is not just an allegation from Cain’s accuser, the case was settled. Herman you are in the big leagues now and you have to deal with stuff. Many think Politico was tipped off by a rival GOP campaign, its called opposition research and anyone who knows about running for office knows dirty laundry will come out when you are a front runner. The most offensive thing that has been put forth by Cain and his supporters is the race card.
On FOX news Tuesday, Cain was asked by Washington Post columnist and conservative flame thrower Charles Krauthammer, if the accusations against him were a form of “high tech lynching”. This is the same term Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas used during his confirmation hearings when Anita Hill came forward. Hill claimed Thomas had made unwanted sexual comments when they worked together at the EEOC in the 1980′s.
Cain’s problem is two fold, he is inexperienced in the nuances of political controversy. The other is he shoots off at the mouth without thinking. Not a good characteristic for someone who plans on being the President of The United States.
I as well as many other Black people feel no sense of sympathy for this man, who has attacked the African American Community for being brain washed. For being a man who stands in front of all white crowds proclaims his fore fathers were slaves, and says he is not angry at America. He is the perfect embodiment of Uncle Tomism and arrogant ignorance. When asked about China being a threat to the U.S. during an interview on the News Hour on PBS, Cain said yes China was a threat because it was trying to get nuclear weapons. Any one who has been paying attention to world events knows China has had nuclear weapons for more than 50 years. He is unqualified to be President and is an embarrassment to Black Conservative thought.
I often hear white commentators say he isn’t very bright but he is such a likeable person. I say yeah just like Steppin Fetchit or a minstrel show character is enjoyable to watch. You don’t take them seriously, they are no intellectual threat and they dance and sing a jig. Cain did his singing thing during a Washington Press conference Monday when he sang “Amazing Grace“. I’m just waiting for him to put on some white face and gloves next time!
Check out my out my boy DeAngelo Starnes take on the issue. http://thebigideas.tv/?p=764
