Summary of press conference. Complete denial. Doesn’t even remember Bialek. As to other named accuser, Karen Kraushaar, repeats that only accusation he remembers is about gesturing the height of his wife. Took plenty of questions from reporters from major networks.
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Starts with lawyer Lin Wood, who represented Richard Jewell (wrongly accused in Atlanta Olympics bombing) and Jon Benet Ramsey’s parents for Cain saying that he has represented victims of sexual harassment or assault and serious cases do not settle for nuisancee value. Says Cain falsely accused. As to Bialek, says convenient that came forward when too late to obtain records, witnesses and other evidence.
Cain says: Starts “I am Herman Cain and I am running for President of the United States of America.” Then says that he has notes to make sure he didn’t miss any points.
Saw Allred and client yesterday in news conference for very first time. As sat in hotel room with staff members, first reaction was “I don’t even know who this woman is.” Didn’t recognize name. As to time period in question, he was CEO with 150 in D.C. plus 150 in Chicago. Tried to remember if recognized her, and didn’t. Didn’t remember name. Charges are “I absolutely reject. They simply didn’t happen.”
“As far as accustions causing me to back off … ain’t gonna happen because I’m doing this for the American people.” “I will not be deterred by false, anonymous, inaccurate accusations.”
“The Democrat machine in America has brought forth a troubled woman to make accusations.” “After press conference, I have known you for 46 years… that doesn’t even sound like anything you would ever do to anyone.”
Says takes sexual harassment seriously, and treats women who work for him with respect.
Asks media to leave his family out of it. Says stalking his family and extended family.
“I will repeat, I have never acted inappropriately with anyone, period. These accusations that were revealed yesterday simply did not happen.”
Takes questions:
Is he willing to take lie detector test? Yes, but only if have good reason to do it. (Not sure what that means)
Given drop in polls, how to convince non-supporters to vote for you? Natural that some voters turned off. Only needs 51%.
L.A. Times reporter, do you believe sexual harassment is real? Says it’s a very serious charge, takes seriously and always has.
Jonathan Karl ABC – asks about formerly anonymous accuser (Karen Kraushaar) who became public today, recalls her and that she filed a complaint found to be baseless. No legal settlement, an agreement between her and NRA and treated as a personnel matter. When she made her accusations found to be baseless, could not find anyone to corroborate story. Gets into distinction between agreement and settlement.
Wall Street Journal — how to explain how 4 women now accuse him? Some people don’t want him to get nomination or become President. I can’t answer what their motivation is other than to stop him.
Local Fox station — re Romney saying accusation disturbing. Says sexual harassment accusations are disturbing but false. Didn’t interpret Romney as saying they were true accusations.
Lee Ross Fox News — who is the Democratic machine, who involved? Can’t say a conspiracy, can only look at coincidences. Can’t point fingers at anybody at this point.
NBC News — what role do Bialek’s past financial troubles play? I can’t respond, she denies it. But from common sense standpoint seems would be relevant.
Why was accuser paid tens of thousands of dollars? Not sure amount, she got an attorney, NRA probably had outside counsel, not sure. Ended with separation agreement.
CBS News/National Journal — Is it possible it’s been too many years and you will recall more details later? Not expert on how brain operates. Possible but unlikely. Has watched Bialek yesterday and today, didn’t recognize name, face or voice. Pretty good at remembering people he has met.
NY Times — What did Karen Kraushaar accuse him of and what really happened. “I can only recall one thing that I was aware of that was called sexual harassment.” “One day in my office I was standing next to her and gestured” about being same height as wife. “That was the one gesture that I remember.” Other things in accusations I’m not aware of or don’t remember. “She did not react at the time.”
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Ended live stream. Will post video when available.
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