Herman Cain went to the National Press Club today and did what does best: Administered straight talk and no-nonsense answers.
While there are still some outstanding questions regarding this Politico story about alleged sexual harassment by Mr. Cain, Cain didn’t back down and spoke succinctly and directly about the allegations.
From The New York Times:
Herman Cain called the accusations of sexual harassment against him “a witch hunt” and said he had been falsely accused while the head of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s.
Declaring at the National Press Club that he “would be delighted to clear the air,” Mr. Cain said that he is unaware of any settlements paid to his accusers.
“It was concluded after a thorough investigation that it had no basis,” Mr. Cain said to questions by Mark Hamrick, the president of the press club after Politico first reported on the allegations. “I am unaware of any settlement. I hope it wasn’t for much, because I didn’t do anything.”
Mr. Cain’s comments were similar to ones he made earlier in the day during a Fox News interview. They came after a speech in which he talked about foreign policy and about his “9-9-9″ tax plan.
In the press club remarks, Mr. Cain said that he had “recused myself” during the investigation into the charges made by the women. He derided the report in Politico as being based on “anonymous sources.”
Instead, Herman Cain went to the National Press Club (Daniel in the Lion’s Den?) and once again showed why GOP primary voters have warmed to him. He’s an engaging, straight shooter who talks with optimism in his voice. You think Mitt Romney would like to bottle some of that?
And speaking of engaging, Cain was asked to belt out a little tune in is trademark baritone voice at the end of the session with reporters. He obliged, saying he wanted to share his faith and while Letterman and Leno (and the Democratic National Committee) may have a little fun with the clip in the short-term, I predict that his national singing debut will actually resonate in the heartland of this country.
Think about it. Herman Cain singing about Jesus and "Amazing Grace" to the press corps? How sweet the sound! (Separate question: Were any smelling salts given out to the press after Cain began singing? Just curious.)
The name of the song is, "He Looked Beyond My Faults." The lyrics are below:
Amazing grace will always be my song of praise
For it was grace that brought me liberty.
I can not know just why He came to love me so;
He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs.
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary
To view the cross where Jesus died for me.
How marvelous that grace that caught my falling soul;
He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs.
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary
To view the cross where Jesus died for me.
How marvelous that grace that caught my falling soul;
He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs.
He looked beyond my faults and saw my needs.