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The Smell Test
Author: BobR    Date: 11/02/2011 12:45:34

(UPDATE BELOW...)

Upon the release of a story Monday by Politico on "alleged" sexual harrassment by presidential hopeful Herman Cain, the news seems to be focusing on little else. They've been doggedly pushing Cain for details, and he has continued to be deliberately obtuse. His meme has been that he remembers little of the incident, and has tossed off one silly "example" of what "might" have been construed as sexual harrassment.

To this I call bullshit.

Most people reading this have worked or are working in the corporate world. The NRA (not THAT NRA) is a lobbying group which advocates for the restaurant industry. As such, they are like a typical office (albeit with a lot of lawyers) - receptionist, administrative assistants, accountants, and - this is the key - an HR department. In fact - go to their help wanted website and you can see they are a big "company" with several offices and a lot of employees.

As such, they are like any other company where most of us have worked. The HR dept has employee handbooks, presentations on various subjects, and documents that you must sign. One of those things will invariably involve sexual harrassment, whether it's a statement in the employee handbook, a pre-recorded video, or an in-office presentation. Companies take sexual harrassment VERY seriously. In a lot of cases it may be simply to protect their bottom line from lawsuits, but - whatever the motivation - they don't treat it lightly.

Which is why I call bullshit on Cain's feigned memory lapse of the entire incident.

In the event of a real sexual harrassment claim (much less 2), the HR dept would've called him into their office pronto and gotten a statement from him. Had he been a low-level manager, that meeting would have involved HR and at least his immediate supervisor. Considering he was pretty much at the top of the food chain there, it would've involved the company's legal lawyer.

At the meeting, they would have described the incidents and asked him for his responses to them. They may have asked him to sign a written statement. They would've asked him to be very specific about what took place, and his viewpoint on the incidents. Because the reality is: if someone claims sexual harrassment, the company will have the accuser specify the harrasment in detail, with as many examples and dates as possible. Cain would've been required by HR to answer to every one of those.

After the meeting, the company would need to assess the statements of the accusers and the accused, and then decide what to do. They could've decided it wasn't a problem and just filed the paperwork... they could've fired Cain (which would've been the likely outcome had he been a low-level manager), or they could've moved the two women to another dept where they wouldn't have to interact with him (which may not have been possible in this case). They apparently thought the complaints had enough merit to be taken seriously.

Instead, they chose to provide the women with generous severance packages (UPDATE: it was 1 year's salary) if they would simply leave and not talk about it anymore, and likely forego any right to sue. The women took this offer and walked. Had Politico not released the article, that would've been the end of it. Instead, this is now a big story because America loves a juicy sex scandal, even one that's not particularly juicy. Cain is not a "moral majority" Republican, so there is no hypocrisy angle here. One of the woman involved is apparently disgusted enough with Cain's overachieving memory lapse to have asked for the non-disclosure clause to be waived.

The bigger problem for Cain in the long run involves possible campaign finance law violations, to which Cain also pleads ignorance. This is actually a charge which - if it pans out - could lead to a criminal conviction.

In the end, the problem for Cain may not be an old sexual harrassment claim, or a campaign finance law violation by his campaign manager. It is that he continually pleads ignorance, when all common sense says that he MUST know. He is showing himself to be a chauvinist and a bad liar. These are not traits America looks for in a president.
 

91 comments (Latest Comment: 11/03/2011 03:07:25 by BobR)
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Comment by trojanrabbit on 11/02/2011 12:48:05
I think if Herman Cain wants to know who's behind releasing all this "alleged" sexual harassment stuff, he should look no further than the one who scuttled John MC Cain's 2000 Presidential campaign.

Giving birth to a black baby anyone?

Comment by Mondobubba on 11/02/2011 12:55:54
The whole sordid tale is indicative of what a massive douche Herman Cain really is. He is nothing but a corporate whore. When he was the head of the NRA he spent a good deal of his time trying to prevent smoking bans in restaurants. In his whoredom, he allied himself with the likes of Philip Morris.

Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 13:05:12
Morning

I still can't believe Cain didn't prepare for a shoe to drop on some issue from his past. Really, how do you run for pres and not have something come up whether its serious or not. He's very poodle on linoleum


Mondo - Walking Dead - Otis. That was cold.

Comment by TriSec on 11/02/2011 13:10:56
Morning, comrades!

I want to apply for one of those "In God We Trust" jobs Kongruss created yesterday. Anybody know where the website is?



Comment by Scoopster on 11/02/2011 13:12:57
Mornin' all & Happy General Strike Day!

Oh dear.. I'm at work. Eh well at least I haven't bought anything today.

Comment by Scoopster on 11/02/2011 13:14:36
Is it off-base or weird that whenever I see Herman Cain I think about the smack dealer pimp from Requiem for A Dream?

Comment by Mondobubba on 11/02/2011 13:21:06
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning



Mondo - Walking Dead - Otis. That was cold.


Haven't seen it yet.

Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 13:24:25
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning



Mondo - Walking Dead - Otis. That was cold.


Haven't seen it yet.



Then that is all I will say but go watch so we can discuss. I have a theory

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 13:27:50
good morning!

Comment by Mondobubba on 11/02/2011 13:39:37
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning



Mondo - Walking Dead - Otis. That was cold.


Haven't seen it yet.



Then that is all I will say but go watch so we can discuss. I have a theory



Not sure when I will get around to it. I am kind of ambivelent about "Dead" at the moment. Less talking and more zombie killing please.

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 14:04:34
So the NYT is reporting that the woman who left the NRA was paid 35K -- a YEARS PAY....

The National Restaurant Association paid a woman who quit because of an alleged encounter with former Chief Executive Officer Herman Cain $35,000, the New York Times reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the payment.

The amount was equal to a year’s salary, the newspaper said. The woman was one of two whose accusations against Cain over sexual harassment prompted settlement payments, the Times added.


Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 14:07:20
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning



Mondo - Walking Dead - Otis. That was cold.


Haven't seen it yet.



Then that is all I will say but go watch so we can discuss. I have a theory



Not sure when I will get around to it. I am kind of ambivelent about "Dead" at the moment. Less talking and more zombie killing please.



Well they do have to move a plot line along

plus, there was zombie hordeing in this epi

Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 14:15:17
Quote by Raine:
So the NYT is reporting that the woman who left the NRA was paid 35K -- a YEARS PAY....

The National Restaurant Association paid a woman who quit because of an alleged encounter with former Chief Executive Officer Herman Cain $35,000, the New York Times reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the payment.

The amount was equal to a year’s salary, the newspaper said. The woman was one of two whose accusations against Cain over sexual harassment prompted settlement payments, the Times added.



I don't think an Association is going to put out money unless there weren't some facts to back up the allegation.

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 14:20:08
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
So the NYT is reporting that the woman who left the NRA was paid 35K -- a YEARS PAY....

The National Restaurant Association paid a woman who quit because of an alleged encounter with former Chief Executive Officer Herman Cain $35,000, the New York Times reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the payment.

The amount was equal to a year’s salary, the newspaper said. The woman was one of two whose accusations against Cain over sexual harassment prompted settlement payments, the Times added.



I don't think an Association is going to put out money unless there weren't some facts to back up the allegation.
Agreed. A years salary is a lot different than 3-6 moths severance pay.

35K in the late 90's also means this wasn't exactly a high level employee.


Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 14:30:24
Date line Georgia:
Four senior citizens walk into a Waffle House planning to go on a killing spree in order to "save the Constitution."

That's not the beginning of a joke, it's the scenario outlined by the FBI in a criminal complaint filed against four Georgia men yesterday who allegedly sought to use the online novel of a frequent Fox News guest named Mike Vanderboegh as a model for a terrorist plot against US government officials.


Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 14:32:29
Quote by Raine:
Date line Georgia:
Four senior citizens walk into a Waffle House planning to go on a killing spree in order to "save the Constitution."

That's not the beginning of a joke, it's the scenario outlined by the FBI in a criminal complaint filed against four Georgia men yesterday who allegedly sought to use the online novel of a frequent Fox News guest named Mike Vanderboegh as a model for a terrorist plot against US government officials.



oh lord.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 11/02/2011 14:39:55
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Date line Georgia:
Four senior citizens walk into a Waffle House planning to go on a killing spree in order to "save the Constitution."

That's not the beginning of a joke, it's the scenario outlined by the FBI in a criminal complaint filed against four Georgia men yesterday who allegedly sought to use the online novel of a frequent Fox News guest named Mike Vanderboegh as a model for a terrorist plot against US government officials.



oh lord.


Considering my brother-in-law always calls it Awful House you have to wonder what the real reason would be to go on a "shooting spree"

Because we know the right wing is NEVER violent. NEVER EVER! It's just them dirty smelly hippies and commies that do that.

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 14:41:41
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Considering my brother-in-law always calls it Awful House you have to wonder what the real reason would be to go on a "shooting spree"

Because we know the right wing is NEVER violent. NEVER EVER! It's just them dirty smelly hippies and commies that do that.
Hippies and Al Quaeda obviously.


Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 14:43:18
Quote by Raine:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Considering my brother-in-law always calls it Awful House you have to wonder what the real reason would be to go on a "shooting spree"

Because we know the right wing is NEVER violent. NEVER EVER! It's just them dirty smelly hippies and commies that do that.
Hippies and Al Quaeda obviously.



Waffle House and Black Kettle are too things I miss about living in a southern college town

Comment by trojanrabbit on 11/02/2011 14:44:36
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy General Strike Day!

Oh dear.. I'm at work. Eh well at least I haven't bought anything today.


Unfortunately I had to get gas this morning.

or maybe I didn't. Can't really trust the gas gauge any more. I think it shows less than I really have, but I'm not about to test that theory.

Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 14:47:39
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy General Strike Day!

Oh dear.. I'm at work. Eh well at least I haven't bought anything today.


Unfortunately I had to get gas this morning.

or maybe I didn't. Can't really trust the gas gauge any more. I think it shows less than I really have, but I'm not about to test that theory.



are we not supposed to buy anything today? Don't think that will be a problem, but I did have to go to work

Comment by BobR on 11/02/2011 14:48:28
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
So the NYT is reporting that the woman who left the NRA was paid 35K -- a YEARS PAY....

The National Restaurant Association paid a woman who quit because of an alleged encounter with former Chief Executive Officer Herman Cain $35,000, the New York Times reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the payment.

The amount was equal to a year’s salary, the newspaper said. The woman was one of two whose accusations against Cain over sexual harassment prompted settlement payments, the Times added.



I don't think an Association is going to put out money unless there weren't some facts to back up the allegation.

I updated the blog with the link.

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 14:48:35
So what about this? Beck LOVED Goldline...

Goldline International, the precious metal retailer that has capitalized on conservatives’ anxiety about the economy by forging synergistic relationships with right wing TV and radio hosts, is facing a new series of legal challenges after authorities filed criminal charges against the company and its executives yesterday. Several major conservative talkers — including two former GOP presidential candidates — have endorsed and recommended Goldine, which critics have long contended is little more than a scam.


Comment by Scoopster on 11/02/2011 14:51:30
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy General Strike Day!

Oh dear.. I'm at work. Eh well at least I haven't bought anything today.


Unfortunately I had to get gas this morning.

or maybe I didn't. Can't really trust the gas gauge any more. I think it shows less than I really have, but I'm not about to test that theory.

are we not supposed to buy anything today? Don't think that will be a problem, but I did have to go to work

It was a solidarity thing with Occupy Oakland.. They called a general strike on the city and a number of Occupy groups around the country decided to join in.

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 15:00:57
Quote by Raine:
So what about this? Beck LOVED Goldline...

Goldline International, the precious metal retailer that has capitalized on conservatives’ anxiety about the economy by forging synergistic relationships with right wing TV and radio hosts, is facing a new series of legal challenges after authorities filed criminal charges against the company and its executives yesterday. Several major conservative talkers — including two former GOP presidential candidates — have endorsed and recommended Goldine, which critics have long contended is little more than a scam.
You will recall, the former congressperson from NY-- Anthony Weiner was going after Goldline....


ITM trading is the company Steph, Ed, Thom and Randi promote.


Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 15:01:09
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy General Strike Day!

Oh dear.. I'm at work. Eh well at least I haven't bought anything today.


Unfortunately I had to get gas this morning.

or maybe I didn't. Can't really trust the gas gauge any more. I think it shows less than I really have, but I'm not about to test that theory.

are we not supposed to buy anything today? Don't think that will be a problem, but I did have to go to work

It was a solidarity thing with Occupy Oakland.. They called a general strike on the city and a number of Occupy groups around the country decided to join in.


I thought that was the 5th but then again I get my days mixed up all the time


Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 15:02:21
ooOOoo the President is at the Key Bridge today?

Comment by BobR on 11/02/2011 15:04:39
Quote by Raine:
Date line Georgia:
Four senior citizens walk into a Waffle House planning to go on a killing spree in order to "save the Constitution."

That's not the beginning of a joke, it's the scenario outlined by the FBI in a criminal complaint filed against four Georgia men yesterday who allegedly sought to use the online novel of a frequent Fox News guest named Mike Vanderboegh as a model for a terrorist plot against US government officials.

Toccoa, Ga. Not surprised. Redneckville.

What I find interesting is that the author of the book refers to himself and others like him as "the 3 percenters" that won't back down from gun laws. That seems to acknowledge that the other 97 percent understand the need for reasonable gun restrictions.

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 15:06:53
Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 15:12:23



game and point Mr. Kristof.

I would love to have the money to build a school


Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 15:13:59
and maybe a dingo would come out and get the dog and take the baby... what?

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 15:20:07
Clinton WAS impeached. Edwards is very likely going to jail.

Weiner is gone.


Actually -- FOLEY is gone (a little too gay for the GOP) -- that flake from Buffalo is gone too (right quickly I might add)

The only one I don't get is VITTER. Oh yeah -- and Clarence Thomas.

Comment by Scoopster on 11/02/2011 15:25:57
Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 15:29:43
and in other sexual assault news:
LONDON — A London court ruled on Wednesday that Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, can be extradited to Sweden for questioning over allegations of sexual abuse there last year. He will seek a final appeal to the Britain’s highest court, according to a person close to Mr. Assange

The decision was the latest chapter in a months-long legal battle that has seen Mr. Assange under house arrest and WikiLeaks temporarily shuttered. In their ruling, two British appeals judges said a European arrest warrant seeking Mr. Assange’s extradition could not “be said to be disproportionate” since it related to “serious sexual offenses,” which Mr. Assange has denied.



Interesting timing considering what is happening with regard to Herman Cain.

If he is innocent as he claims, then stand trial, Mr. Assange. I refuse to believe that this is about political silence. If he did what he is accused of, he should face time, if he didn't then he should be found innocent.


Comment by trojanrabbit on 11/02/2011 15:44:56
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy General Strike Day!

Oh dear.. I'm at work. Eh well at least I haven't bought anything today.


Unfortunately I had to get gas this morning.

or maybe I didn't. Can't really trust the gas gauge any more. I think it shows less than I really have, but I'm not about to test that theory.

are we not supposed to buy anything today? Don't think that will be a problem, but I did have to go to work

It was a solidarity thing with Occupy Oakland.. They called a general strike on the city and a number of Occupy groups around the country decided to join in.


I thought that was the 5th but then again I get my days mixed up all the time


According to Nicole Sandler's latest tweet, it is today.

Good thing I bought enough cat food to last a few days. Otherwise there would be 3 members of Occupy Daddy's Chair.

Comment by livingonli on 11/02/2011 15:47:50
Good morning everyone. I think Rachel and Keith and maybe a few others have mentioned that there is apparently also some IRS questions that Cain may have and that some of his campaign funding may be illegal (even with Citizens United).

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 15:48:48
With regard to the General Strike today -- isn't it ok today go to locally owned business'?


Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 15:49:58
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone. I think Rachel and Keith and maybe a few others have mentioned that there is apparently also some IRS questions that Cain may have and that some of his campaign funding may be illegal (even with Citizens United).


The campaign was started up by a Non-profit (that is now defunct) That is still VERY illegal.


Comment by Mondobubba on 11/02/2011 15:51:10
Quote by Scoopster:

OWNED!





Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 15:54:59
I wonder if Paul Reikoff will be in the march! According to the NY Daily news, IAVA joins the occupy movement!
Members of the New York City Chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War are leading the rally, which starts at 11 a.m.

"As veterans who have served our country in the military, we now have a unique opportunity to continue serving here at home through our participation in this civic movement for change," chapter president Andrew Johnson said in a statement.


Comment by livingonli on 11/02/2011 15:55:38
Quote by Raine:
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone. I think Rachel and Keith and maybe a few others have mentioned that there is apparently also some IRS questions that Cain may have and that some of his campaign funding may be illegal (even with Citizens United).


The campaign was started up by a Non-profit (that is now defunct) That is still VERY illegal.

I have to go find some articles but there are apparently some bigger legal questions than the sexual harassment suit sitting in the Cain campaign. Although I am starting to think Turd Blossom leaked the sexual harassment stuff since he is working for Romney.

Comment by Mondobubba on 11/02/2011 15:55:52
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Considering my brother-in-law always calls it Awful House you have to wonder what the real reason would be to go on a "shooting spree"

Because we know the right wing is NEVER violent. NEVER EVER! It's just them dirty smelly hippies and commies that do that.
Hippies and Al Quaeda obviously.



Waffle House and Black Kettle are too things I miss about living in a southern college town



Mala, there is a Waffle House at Rt 15 and 95

Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 15:59:47
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Considering my brother-in-law always calls it Awful House you have to wonder what the real reason would be to go on a "shooting spree"

Because we know the right wing is NEVER violent. NEVER EVER! It's just them dirty smelly hippies and commies that do that.
Hippies and Al Quaeda obviously.



Waffle House and Black Kettle are too things I miss about living in a southern college town



Mala, there is a Waffle House at Rt 15 and 95



I've only traveled 15 north - this must be near Gainsville, though I've not seen one there since they've been working on the area

Comment by livingonli on 11/02/2011 16:00:01
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Considering my brother-in-law always calls it Awful House you have to wonder what the real reason would be to go on a "shooting spree"

Because we know the right wing is NEVER violent. NEVER EVER! It's just them dirty smelly hippies and commies that do that.
Hippies and Al Quaeda obviously.



Waffle House and Black Kettle are too things I miss about living in a southern college town



Mala, there is a Waffle House at Rt 15 and 95

But how does everyone feel about IHOP?

Comment by wickedpam on 11/02/2011 16:03:09

Quote by livingonli:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Considering my brother-in-law always calls it Awful House you have to wonder what the real reason would be to go on a "shooting spree"

Because we know the right wing is NEVER violent. NEVER EVER! It's just them dirty smelly hippies and commies that do that.
Hippies and Al Quaeda obviously.



Waffle House and Black Kettle are too things I miss about living in a southern college town



Mala, there is a Waffle House at Rt 15 and 95

But how does everyone feel about IHOP?



I enjoy the IHOP from time to time - I just remember going to the Black Kettle every once in a while with a bunch of friends

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 16:05:21
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by Mondobubba:

Mala, there is a Waffle House at Rt 15 and 95

But how does everyone feel about IHOP?


Apples and Oranges.

Three words: scattered smothered & covered.


Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 16:10:28
Quote by livingonli:
I have to go find some articles but there are apparently some bigger legal questions than the sexual harassment suit sitting in the Cain campaign. Although I am starting to think Turd Blossom leaked the sexual harassment stuff since he is working for Romney.
I don;t think he is working for Mitt. As a matter of fact, I think he is working against Cain, and Perry.

the legal issues are big, IT was mentioned in the blog today.






Comment by Scoopster on 11/02/2011 16:33:34
http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/november.png


Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 17:20:14
BTW, Mala, November 5 is bank Transfer Day.

Comment by Raine on 11/02/2011 17:38:14
Evidently HErman Cain has called a press conference. Looking for deets on time etc.,...