You know the drill. A politician gets caught sleeping around or sending lewd pictures of himself over the internet, and then his camp kicks it into high gear with damage control. When this happens, it’s time to bring out the secret weapon: the wife.
I wonder how long will it take before Herman Cain’s wife shows up?
Herman Cain, a republican presidential hopeful, is in major damage control mode right now because four women have come forward accusing him of sexual harassment. Although the alleged harassments took place over a decade ago, the implications are huge for Cain today. And the fact that his wife has been invisible on the campaign trail doesn’t help his attempts to salvage his image. Will she join him at a press conference? Will he make her a permanent fixture at his campaign stops from now on, or will she remain in the background? By the way, who is she? Does anyone even know her name or how she looks?
Even though Cain hasn’t said much about his wife, his fourth accuser is speaking out on her behalf. On CNN’s “American Morning,” Sharon Bialek expressed her concern: “What is his wife going through? You know, that’s who I feel for the most in this whole thing,” We don’t know if Bialek is telling the truth about what happened to her back in 1997 or if she’s sincere in her concern for Cain’s wife, but she does ask an important question, one that gets overlooked in all of the media hype and sensationalism: What about the wife? What is she going through right now?
My heart goes out to Mrs. Cain, not because I think her husband is guilty, but because of the burden this situation is placing on her as a wife and as a mother. Maybe she knew all along, maybe she didn’t. Whatever the case may be, I know her heart must be aching right now as she tries to hold things together for her family. That’s what wives and mothers do.
So, married folks. Think carefully about how your actions affect your family. When one spouse acts inappropriately or even illegally, the entire family suffers. The cheap thrill you get from a one-time fling or from flirting and telling sexually explicit jokes is not worth the pain you cause your loved ones. What is done in the dark, will come to light. And your spouse and children will be there to witness the reveal.
BMWK family, what role do you think a wife should play in situations like these? As the possible future President of the United States of America, do you want to hear from Cain’s wife on this issue?
Niambi says
Dr. Michelle,
This article hits home for me. Unfortunately, my father didn’t think about how a sex scandal would affect my family when he slept with my uncle’s wife. Now I have a half-sister who is also my cousin. It is not her fault for what has happened and she didn’t ask to be here as a result of this confusing mess but I am thankful for her and she is a blessing from God. Now she has a child of her own and I can’t even begin to imagine how she will explain to her daughter who her mother/father is or even who her grandfather/great uncle is which is my father.
Dr. Michelle Johnson says
Wow Niambi. Know even God can work all that out for our good. Somehow He does!
KEITH says
Unfortunately many wives sit back and allow their spouse to run for political position and know their husband should not be running. But not just people in politics they sit back and allow their husbands to become preachers and deacons and know they are not ready for that position. My husband was ordained a deacon eight years ago, he talked with me about it I told him he was ready, because exactly what the people at church see, his humbleness,caring, loving, was exactly the way he was at home. I asked the question at church meeting why when you looking to make someone a deacon you talk to their neighbors, co-workers, friends but you don’t talk to their spouse. The spouse know better than anyone whether they are ready for such a position. But I have talked to women who husband were made deacons and they tell me how mean he treats and talk to them, and I asked them why would you sit back and let the church make him a deacon? I am not the one to play with God that way! YOU CAN LIVE A LIE AS WELL AS TELL ONE!!
Dr. Michelle Johnson says
So true. It happens in churches too. All we have to do is watch the news.
Briana Myricks says
I would like to hear from her. I think a lot of wives have came out and supported their husbands for the sake of the publicity. However, I want to know how she really feels, if she knew, how much she supports his campaign, etc. More couples need to realize once you’re married, your actions don’t just affect you anymore. And Keith, your comment was a homerun!
Dr. Michelle Johnson says
Thanks Briana. We will see.
The Real Proposal magazine says
There is no question that a candidate’s personal character and integrity are relevant when presenting him or herself for public office. But what exactly is the truth in this Herman Cain scenario? Normally, we do not quote Ann Coulter. But here’s an article, which ought to suggest that we maintain perspective until the truth is fully – if ever it will be – known: https://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=47438
We are drawn, in particular, to her closing lines: “..This time, Obama’s little helpers have not only thrown a bomb into the Republican primary, but are hoping to destroy the man who deprives the Democrats of their only argument in 2012: If you oppose Obama, you must be a racist…”
Could the truth stranger than fiction?
Dr. Michelle Johnson says
Interesting. Not sure what the truth is. More so looking at how the scandal in general affects the wife and children. Guilty or innocent, it takes a toll on all.