My problem with the Herman Cain sexual harassment story is that even if it turns out to be a vile hit piece of the lowest sort designed to bring down a candidate with false accusations, I'm still bothered by his response to it. Jennifer Rubin gets it right:
Herman Cain was in the center of a firestorm, largely of his own making, yesterday. He knew before he entered the presidential race that he had a sexual harassment settlement in his past. He knew, ever since Politico started questioning his campaign, that a story was afoot. He knew he had to get the story out quickly and truthfully. And yet, by the end of the day, the business executive peddling his leadership skills and know-how looked somewhat like the hapless PBS executive who eventually got ousted for screwing up the Juan Williams firing.
Cain's response to the scandal failed in at least four significant ways. First, his story changed multiple times, giving the impression of untruthfulness. Second, he didn't make sure everyone on his campaign was on the same page. Third, he made wild accusations of a witch hunt without denying the substance of the original story (e.g., his employer settled at least one sexual harassment claim brought against him). Fourth, he dominated the news for an entire day without resolving key questions.
Cain's biggest problem, which we've seen indications of before and which is on clear display here, is the belief that he can always wing it. He doesn't have to study or prepare or make plans or do research. He can just make it up as he goes along. Kind of scary to consider that such might be his inclination as president, too.
