Considering the drama surrounding GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain, one would expect him to be singing a different tune. Cain is caught up in a media frenzy surrounding accusations that he sexually harassed at least two women during his tenure at the National Restaurant Association several years ago. But in typical Herman Cain style, he was all smiles during his scheduled speaking engagement at the National Press Club on Monday afternoon. In fact, he smiled for pictures, ate the “9-9-9” cupcakes — designed special for the occasion — and even cracked jokes in his speech.
“I started speaking at Tea Parties in April of 2009 before it was cool,” Cain told the audience. “Some people have made the assertion that the only reason that I am doing so well trying to get the Republican nomination is because white Americans, the Republican party conservatives, are trying to send a message — we’re not racist. Come to some of my rallies, join us on our bus tour — you’ll have to follow along because we don’t have enough room there for all of you — and you will come to the conclusion that I have come to and that we have come to: this many white people cannot pretend that they like me!” he joked.
Cain did address the sexual harassment allegations, insisting the claims are nothing more than false accusations, and that he was unaware of any sort of settlement. “I hope it wasn’t for much because I didn’t do anything,” he added.
The Herman Cain train kept on track though — at the request of National Press Club president Mark Hamrick, Cain wrapped up by singing the gospel song “Looked Beyond My Faults.”
