Gloria and Herman Cain at his Atlanta Announcement - Refined, Beautiful, Supportive - image: thegrio.com
Up until this point, any “Herman Cain Horror Stories” were pretty much eyewash – as they were politically well timed, involved severances of $25,000 to $45,000 (the word clerical pittance applies), and were brought forth again, in a political season – with those accusers remaining anonymous – the theory that putting oneself on a stand and going to jail (perjury) for politics, most likely not appealing.
Apparently, that aspect does not concern the latest accuser brought forth, by book deal icon of the prostitutes, ex-girlfriends and hangers on, one Gloria Allred. The statement released by Allred on behalf of on 59 year old Sharon Bialek is questionable to say the least. Sections of the statement particularly stand out – (see bold and underlined truncated version below)
From the Allred Press Statement via the Chicago Tribune:
Document (Truncated)
“I met Mr. Cain while I was employed at the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association.”
“About a month before I was terminated I interacted with him on several occasions during the five days of the NRA Convention in Chicago. “Mr. Cain sat at a table with me and my boyfriend. He was warm and attentive to both of us and invited us to join him at the after party in a suite at the hotel which we did. I felt very honored to be included in this select gathering. “
“ About a month later I was let go by the Foundation. I was devastated. I loved the job and the industry and in the short time that I had been there I felt that we were doing well in terms of fundraising. My boyfriend suggested that I should reach out to Mr. Cain to see if he might be able to help me find another job with the Foundation or in some other capacity.. He said,: "Herman seemed to think highly of you. Why don't you contact him and see if he can help you find a job?"
My boyfriend booked a room for me at the Capital Hilton Hotel and I called Mr. Cain to let him know my arrival date and that I would be staying at the Capitol Hilton Hotel I asked him where we should meet. He suggested the lobby bar. This was in mid-July, 1997.
He then took me to an Italian Restaurant where we had dinner. During dinner Mr. Cain looked at me and said, "why are you here." I said, "Actually Herman, my boyfriend, whom you met, suggested that I come- He thought that you could help me. I need a job. I was wondering if there is anything available at the state association level or if you could speak to someone at the Foundation on my behalf, perhaps in a different department." He said that he would look into it.
He said that he would show me where the National Restaurant Association offices were and then drove past the offices.
I was wearing a black pleated skirt, a blouse and a suit jacket. He had on a suit jacket without a tie.
Ms. Bialek first states that she worked for the National Association in DC, where she worked for a short time fourteen years ago, she went to a convention with her then boyfriend, both of whom met and sat with Mr. Cain. A month later she lost her job and her boyfriend suggests she ask Mr. Cain for help. Her boyfriend books her at the Hilton, Cain suggests meeting her in a public place – and then offers a tour of the association offices – someplace she was acquainted with? She has a fabulous memory, right down to the details in the pleated skirt. Frankly, not many people recall what they were wearing last week, let alone fourteen years ago. The statement leaves more than a few questions on the table for Ms. Bialek, and it may be true that Cain, (who is releasing a statement today), actually met with the woman, as he had been known to mentor individuals around the country. (Google Herman Cain mentor for personal stories). It has the makings of a fine book and a made for TV movie. It also is another fourteen year old story, but this time with a face.
In reviewing Bialek’s background, Chicago ABC Local left few stones unturned -
The public record on Bialek begins in 1991 when she filed personal bankruptcy for the first time while living in Des Plaines.
Between 1993 and 1996 Bialek worked for four different companies in promotion and marketing positions.
In 1996, and part of 1997, Bialek was at the National Restaurant Association. After being let go from that job in mid-1997, she says that she went to Washington, D.C., to meet with Cain, president of the association, because she needed a job.
In 1999, Bialek's son Nicholas was born and a paternity lawsuit was filed by the father, a media executive.
In 2001 came Bialek's second personal bankruptcy, filed after sizable legal bills. That year she was hired by WGN radio where she worked until 2004 when she took a marketing job and then a job at WCKG radio.
Along the way, according to her attorney, Bialek also held positions with Revlon and Easter Seals.
Apparently, Ms. Bialek had the penchant to spend out of hand, have multiple boyfriends, one of which had filed a paternity suit, which must have cost her a pretty penny as she had to file for bankruptcy a second time, and she obviously cannot hold onto a job for long. Nor is she totally forthcoming: her current fiancé found out about the allegations last week after she had contacted Allred (WREX)
Not for nothing, but this is getting ridiculous, and one can bet the house, that this will not go to trial, but it should. Guilty until proven innocent in this society has gotten to the point where it no longer applies. If Allred is looking for a settlement, or not, perhaps a book deal for her client, this does not go to trial, and Cain will be face with another “he said, she said incident”. These types of allegations, although entertaining, career damaging, and politically damaging, are not against the law, unless and until one is put on the stand and makes them before a jury. Is this woman willing to go before a jury of her peers and tell her “side of the story”? That’s what’s missing from this press releases – I want to take this to trial”. Of course, there would be no basis for a trail; she was not working for the Association at the time, so sexual harassment does not apply. If she had called these alleged advances “sexual assault”, (but he stopped in her story when she said “no!”), an arrest may be out of the question due to the statue of limitations. Therefore, a civil suit might do it – and if Cain or his Campaign, can find a quick venue, put the woman on the stand – The question: would she still take the stand and if fabricating down to the ensemble – perjure herself if the allegations are false? Unlikely – which would vindicate Cain – Even if he brought a suit, would she continue to press the point of Cain as Harasser, or would there suddenly be holes in her memory? Bet on the later.
There are three aspects of these past weeks which are deeply troubling:
1. It’s a given that a black man running for higher office who is also a Conservative, suddenly finds himself charged with sexual misconduct – how very 1950’s and although prejudice abounds, it is not quite the same era.
2. The fact that a public figure, no matter if it is a politician or some dippy Hollywood “starlet” can be dragged through the mud without a shred of defense or ability to defend themselves, based solely on personal testimony is ludicrous - obviously, money trumps, and although the latest Cain accuser insists her allegations are not about the cash – why then did she hire Allred? Anyone in this situation is it political, entertainment, etc., should bring suit civil suit for slander - how many would take the stand and risk perjury? This perverts our system of justice, takes away “guilty until proven innocence” by a virtual trial by press and innuendo.
3. Of course, it takes away from those women who are actually harassed, and are put under pressure to remain silent because of these idiots’ actions.
Regardless of the fact that this blogger believes that Cain is a smart and honest businessman, who has a vision for the nation, and would make an excellent CEO based on the fact that he has had success after success, there are certainly others that would fit the bill as easily, Newt Gingrich for one, even Mitt Romney (if he could make it past the South Carolina primary on a steam roller, which is unlikely in any scenario) – it is a fact, that no matter who the Republican Party nominee is, Conservatives, Libertarians, Tea Party people, Independents and yes, Democrats will hold their nose if not thrilled, and vote for the lesser of two evils. In this climate, even Ron Paul, the Good Doctor, would get the nod over the President, and one can bet the house, there would be 30 or 40 year old malpractice suits surface – and Allred type lawyers ready to hang him in the court of public opinion. Only one problem, it appears not to be working as intended. So what is the left to do? If one thinks that this is not the doing of the left, and those whose sympathies lie in that direction, think again.
It will be interesting to see if Cain handles this latest bimbo (there simply is no other word), as well as he did the other women (who at least were smart enough to decline to perjure themselves) – the campaign muffed the last round of revelations, so herein lays the test.
If this blog were to advise the Cain Campaign, it would be to put Mrs. Cain in the forefront, and let her make a statement. Mrs. Cain appears to be "first lady" material, based on the few times she has publicly been in her husbands company. Let her answer questions - after Cain makes his statement - If it were this bloggers husband, one can bet the house, there would be choice words for those women, specifically if, based on one appearance at Mr. Cain’s announcement. Normally, the role of the candidates’ wife can be wearing, and Cain has undoubtedly done his best to protect her and one can believe that she would be a strong, intelligent woman who would see no point in mincing words. In addition, one does not see Cain the type of man who would “change his wife” to suit his political aspirations. (See Obama Campaign, ensuring that Michelle stayed out of the spotlight for the latter half of the campaign, until she was “remade” in an appropriate image). That would be damage control and should have been done from the onset – Not an interview on some news hour, but a press conference, designed to show a united front and righteous indignation on the part of both husband and wife.
Unless of course she shows up with a cast iron frying pan – then Cain is truly in trouble. For now, these allegations are what they are, ridiculous and damaging, and selfish.
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