Cain Goes To Hollywood To Answer Harassment Claims
HOLLYWOOD (CBS) — Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain took refuge in Hollywood Monday night amidst a raging storm of allegations of sexual impropriety.
Cain appeared on late night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to answer the latest in a string of harassment charges.
During a taping at the El Capitan Theatre, Cain told host Jimmy Kimmel, "there's not an ounce of truth in all of these accusations."
Audience members seemed convinced.
"If he's a liar, he's the best liar I've ever seen," said Jeff Napshin, who had a front row seat.
Audience member Sherie Kamel was won over by Cain's candid repartee about his wife. "He seemed very genuine in his words, and I believe that he was telling the truth," said Kamel. "He seems like a good politician."
In an email to his supporters Monday, Cain called the allegations against him the byproduct of a media-driven process that seeks to distract voters from discussion of serious matters. In the email, Cain chided the media for publishing "anonymous, ancient, vague personal allegations."
Though three other women have made similar claims, Bialek was the first of Cain's accusers to appear on camera, holding a news conference Monday. Attorney Gloria Allred stood by Bialek's side as she recounted an incident she says took place in 1997 in Washington D.C.
"He suddenly reached over, and he put his hand on my leg under my skirt, and reached for my genitals," said Bialek of Cain. "He also grabbed my head and brought it towards his crotch."
Bialek claims when she told Cain he was out of line, he asked her, "You want a job, right?"
Bialek says she came forward to give the charges against Cain a face and a name.
Cain announced on Kimmel's show that he will hold a news conference Tuesday to address the claims against him. Cain told Kimmel he intends to "set the record straight."
The most recent Gallup poll has Cain running neck and neck with Mitt Romney for the lead in the race for the GOP nomination.
