Fading Away

My favorite Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, who if he isn't brain locking on a straightforward question about Obama's Libya policy or the name of the moderator in a recent debate, finds himself embroiled in yet another instance of sexual impropriety, the most recent being one Ginger White who alleges that she and the Hermanator carried on an extramarital affair for more than 13 years. As of this writing, Cain and his comically inept campaign advisers are in the process of reassessment in light of Ms. White's allegations. Apparently, "reassessing" means different things to different Cain aides, ranging from strategic and tactical considerations to the continuation of the campaign itself. But with sinking poll numbers and the cash flow drying up, it looks like it is all over but the shouting.

Perry's Gaffes

It seems that every week Texas Governor Rick Perry utters something that gives credence to the charge that he's intellectually challenged. Here he manages to misstate the voting age requirement and date of the next presidential election.

Twirling Around

Appearing before a newspaper editorial board in a routine question and answer session, Herman Cain stumbled badly in trying to answer a question about Obama's actions in Libya. Cain's embarrassing moment invites comparison with his rival Rick Perry who was hard-pressed in naming the third agency he would eliminate if elected.

Now, Not Later

It is interesting to note that the president of Penn State will either resign or be fired by the Board of Trustees shortly in the wake of the child sex abuse scandal; meanwhile, Joe Paterno has announced that he will resign at the end of the season and that the Board need not concern itself with his status. In other words, the legendary Joe Pa is saying to the world that he's going out on his own terms. Such a move indicates who wields the power on the campuses of big time collegiate athletics. In a rational world, Paterno would be fired forthwith.

A Disgraceful End

The New York Times reports that discussions are underway for legendary Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno to step down amid the arrest of former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky for sexually abusing boys. When told that Sandusky was involved in inappropriate behavior with a boy in a shower, Paterno only reported the incident to his supervisor the athletic director, an action legally sufficient but far short of the mark morally. This is especially damning for an individual and program long regarded as the exemplars of how to operate an above board, transparent manner.

Murray Guilty

It was no surprise that a Los Angeles jury, after deliberating for not quite two days, convicted Dr. Conrad Murray of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. With what proved to be a lethal combination of ineptitude and sheer incompetence, Murray's crime was allowing the glow of the King of Pop's celebrity to interfere with his professional judgment and responsibility as a physician. But the trial also reminded us once again that Jackson was a drug addict and tormented soul who sadly never came to grips with being deprived of a childhood.

The Straight Shooter

With a fourth woman coming forward alleging sexually inappropriate behavior, the beleagured Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain has scheduled a press conference this afternoon, presumably to finally set the record straight. Few have remarked upon the most significant fact surrounding this scandal, namely, how badly the Cain campaign has mismanaged this crisis and what it says about an improbable Cain presidency, despite having prior knowledge for 10 days that Politico was working on the story.

Joe Frazier 1944 - 2011

It is sad to hear about the death from liver cancer of former world heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. Frazier, whose name will be forever linked with Muhammad Ali for their three legendary bouts, was a great champion both inside and outside the ring.