Yesterday, Maryland Juice published a short Halloween post titled Herman Cain's "Smoking" Web Ad: Political Trick or Treat? We were literally unable to figure out what the GOP Presidential candidate's ad was trying to convey, given that its most prominent elements are a mustached man smoking a cigarette, and a suggestive look from Herman Cain. Rival candidate Jon Huntsman's daughters even donned mustaches in a spoof response ad. It seems they were trying to capture a piece of the absurdity craze (hat tip to reader Monica!).
Unfortunately, the video's context is no longer a laughing matter. In fact, the web ad now seems a bit creepy. Politico has potentially game-changing coverage of past sexual harassment claims against Mr. Cain from female employees. We excerpt some basic facts and a series of quotes below:
Unfortunately, the video's context is no longer a laughing matter. In fact, the web ad now seems a bit creepy. Politico has potentially game-changing coverage of past sexual harassment claims against Mr. Cain from female employees. We excerpt some basic facts and a series of quotes below:
During Herman Cain’s tenure as the head of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s, at least two female employees complained to colleagues and senior association officials about inappropriate behavior by Cain, ultimately leaving their jobs at the trade group, multiple sources confirm to POLITICO.
The women complained of sexually suggestive behavior by Cain that made them angry and uncomfortable, the sources said, and they signed agreements with the restaurant group that gave them financial payouts to leave the association. The agreements also included language that bars the women from talking about their departures....
