American Morning
Talk Back: Is the Cain accuser's statement a game changer?
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From CNN's Carol Costello:
After days of blaming the media, Rick Perry, and all those women named "anonymous," Herman Cain can at last point to an accuser with a face and a voice. Yesterday, Sharon Bialek, a former National Restaurant Association employee, accused Cain of groping her sexually in 1997 when she asked him to help her find a job.
Cain has denied Bialek's claims and issued a statement that reads, "Just as the country finally begins to refocus on our crippling $15 trillion national debt and the unacceptably high unemployment rate, now activist celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred is bringing forth more false accusations against the character of Republican front-runner Herman Cain."
However, Bialek's claims go beyond sexual harassment. CNN legal analyst Jeffery Toobin says Bialek's allegations amount to assault and that Cain may never recover.
Talk Back: Is the Cain accuser's statement a game changer?
Let us know what you think. Your answer may be read on this morning's broadcast.
Ohio to vote on union limiting law – professor explains how vote outcome could affect 2012 elections
On Tuesday, voters in Ohio will head to the polls to decide whether to keep a controversial bill that would strip public unions of much of their collective bargaining rights. The bill has energized Ohio union workers, who have actively organized to kill the bill. And because Ohio is a critical swing state, this vote could have important consequences for the 2012 elections.
Carol Costello speaks with Paul Sracic, professor and chair of political science at Youngstown State University, to get his thoughts on whether the bill will be repealed – and what this battleground means for the future of unions.
Cain refuses to discuss sexual harassment allegations – will it hurt his campaign?
2012 presidential candidate Herman Cain says he won't answer any more questions about the sexual allegations he's facing. But even if he won't discuss it, his rivals and the media certainly seem happy to.
Ali Velshi sits down with CNN contributor Hilary Rosen and Republican strategist Ed Rollins to talk about the Cain's struggle to stay on message – and the adverse affect it could have on his campaign.
Penn State rocked by football sex scandal
Former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, who served 23 years as defensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions, has been charged with sexually abusing eight boys. Â
Sandusky allegedly engaged in fondling, oral sex and anal sex with young boys over a period of more than 10 years, according to an investigative grand jury's summary of testimony. Penn State Athletic Director Timothy Curley and Gary Schultz, the university's senior vice president for finance and business, have resigned from the university after being accused of lying to the grand jury in a cover up.
Carol Costello speaks with New York Times contributor Mark Viera to discuss how the sex abuse scandal will affect this legendary collegiate football program.
Will Silvio Berlusconi resign? Author Niall Ferguson on what went so wrong in Europe
Just as Greece begins to get a handle on its debt crisis, another European country stands on the brink of crisis. There are reports this morning that Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will resign. On Saturday, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Rome to voice their opposition to his government and its reforms. A crucial vote on budget reform measures is expected in Rome Tuesday.
Niall Ferguson, author of "Civilization: The West and the Rest," explains to Christine Romans why Berlusconi needs to step down.
Mississippi to vote on definition of 'personhood'
Mississippi residents are set to vote on a controversial amendment tomorrow that would potentially give legal status to fertilized human eggs. Initiative 26 would define personhood as "every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof."Â Opponents of the measure say it would effectively make abortion illegal.
Ali Velshi speaks with Jonathon Will, Assistant Professor at the Mississippi College of Law, to discuss a law that could redefine the abortion debate for the entire nation.
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