President 2012: Herman Cain Explains Sexual Harassment Case and Creates New Questions/Problems

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain speaks at the National Press Club in Washington, October 31, 2011. Cain acknowledged on Monday that he was accused of sexual harassment in the 1990s but insisted the allegations were baseless, as he grappled with the toughest challenge of his U.S. presidential campaign

Sometimes it is wise, if you are going to say an accusation is without merit, then to leave it at that and not explain.

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain for the first time has offered a detailed recollection of what led an employee of the National Restaurant Association to lodge a sexual harassment charge against him when he was CEO of the organization.

Cain spoke in response to detailed questioning from Fox News’ Greta van Susteren, who led Cain through the facts of the case in an extended interview. That interview was taped to be shown on Fox Monday night.

But, with Cain going public to try to explain the situation, he is digging a hole for himself. Why?

For most executives in this position, she said, it is only natural to inquire after the fact as to the outcome — even if it’s just to say, “Hey, what happened with that, and why are these ladies no longer here?”

In any case, she said, the National Restaurant Association could clear up questions by releasing the basic information about the case by speaking about the facts, without identifying the women. “They can be much more transparent than they are being,” she said.

Ms. Katz suggested that Mr. Cain might be creating new problems for himself through his recent comments “by suggesting that these are trumped-up charges.” Settlements commonly include nondisparagement clauses that he could be violating she said. “He’s either breached the agreement or he’s exposing himself to allegations of defamation,” she said.

Because of the risks, she said, lawyers were probably not involved in crafting his statements about the allegations. “I don’t think anybody’s advising him to say that,” she said.

Anyone want to bet that one or both of these women are sitting in their lawyer’s office contemplating either a new suit or complaint?

If he claims that the complaints are baseless, then say that and move on.

If something, like a gesture, was misinterpreted, apologize and move on.

So far, Herman Cain, has failed crisis management 101 AND he wants to be President?