[Editorial] The fall of Herman Cain

I’m still not sure whether to be relieved or outraged at today’s announcement of Herman Cain’s ended run for the Republican nomination in next year’s Presidential election.

At one time, Cain was on top of the world. He literally came out of nowhere during the closing days of summer and began to sweep the hearts of conservative voters. His charisma and bold plans (9-9-9 anyone?) helped boost him above other possible candidates. He was a down-to-earth individual that really struck a chord with Republicans. Cain even just about got to the point of running away with the nomination.

But then, out of nowhere, a woman accused Herman Cain of sexual harassment during his days with the National Restaurants Association. If that wasn’t bad enough, three other women came forward, all with the same stories. It’s never a good thing if four women accuse you of sexual harassment.

Cain went from being the shining light of the GOP race to being the controversy of the month. Naturally, Cain denied all the allegations. But then, another woman came forward.

A woman from Atlanta, Ginger White, came forward, claiming to have had a thirteen year affair with Cain, also alleging the relationship had just ended months ago. Cain claims to have known White, but only on a friendly, charitable basis. White claims otherwise.

Cain, already in hot water, couldn’t have had these claims come at a worse time.

Cain lost supporters slowly through the month of November, but after this, things were not looking great for the Cain campaign.

On Dec. 3, Herman Cain announced the suspension of his GOP campaign, citing that he wanted to protect his family, friends and supporters from “false and untrue” claims regarding sexual harassment and infidelity. Cain will continue to support his ideals with his proposed “Plan B”, thecainsolutions.com.

I could delve into all the messy details surrounding the allegations and speculate each and every detail, but in reality, what’s done is done. Cain’s promising bid to the White House has come to a screeching halt.

With Cain, we may never know what truly happened. Is Cain truly the adulterous, immoral man he is accused of being? Or is Cain an innocent victim of a character assassination? Unless either side decides to change their story, it’s the question to which we may never get an answer.

If Herman Cain truly sexually harassed women and cheated on his wife, then I say, “Good riddance.”

If Herman Cain has fallen victim to lies and deceit, then I say, “Shame on us” for not believing an innocent man in the face of false allegations.

Whether you choose to view Herman Cain as a monster or as a political martyr, it’s your choice. Whether brave women have come forward to make sure a terrible person stays out of the White House or cowards have ruined the presidential run of an innocent man, there’s no clear cut answer.

The rise and fall of Herman Cain could be one of the most dramatic in recent politics. A man, who could have been the next President of the United States, gets stopped in his tracks by serious claims of infidelity and sexual harassment.

At the end of the day, I don’t think anyone knows what to believe. To be bluntly honest, I’m sickened either way.

I’m sickened if this man did everything he’s accused of. I’m sickened if an honest man just had to end his honest run for the presidency of the United States based on hollow claims by ruthless people.

According to CNN, being the firm man he is, Cain said today during the press conference, “I am not going to be silenced, and I will not go away.”

This may not be the last we hear from Herman Cain, but personally, whatever the situation may be, I don’t expect Cain to be in the White House anytime soon. Whether we should be proud or ashamed of the fall of Herman Cain may never be revealed.

And if that doesn’t sicken you, I don’t know what will.