Herman Cain speaks at MTSU.

[Guest WyattEarp]

Before tonight, I had never heard of Herman Cain. Didn't know who he was, what he did, where he came from or anything. I received an assignment to go photograph a speech he was delivering at MTSU Thursday evening. I asked a co-worker who was a reporter who he was, and she filled me in that he is considered a contender to run for President in the upcoming election, but he's facing some allegations of sexual misconduct. Nothing really interesting to me, I tune politics out for the most part, and rarely watch the news. Mr. Cain was invited to speak at MTSU in the Business and Aerospace building, and after arriving a few minutes late, he was introduced and proceeded to give his speech. The place was crawling with Secret Service. Serious looking men, in suits with bulges on their sides or underneath their arms that were just barely noticeable to even the trained eye, and most likely unnoticeable to the untrained eye. Little clear coiled cords protruded from their ears, and laced around behind their backs made it unmistakeable who they were.

Herman Cain speaks at MTSU, interrupted by hecklers - WSMV Channel 4

I took photos, and some video while he spoke and listened intently. As I listened to Mr. Cain speak, my interest was piqued as he talked about growing up in a working class family, his father's vision was for both he and his brother to go to college. He talked about his numerous business endeavors and successes, and about leadership. Never once did he mention politics, nor the allegations that have come to light recently. He spoke very well, in fact, the last time I remember a man speaking so well, was Ronald Reagan during his Presidency. He didn't sound fake or rehearsed like Bill Clinton did, was 100% opposite of how George W. Bush usually sounded (arrogant, pompous and too deliberate and fake imo, every time he spoke I thought he was full of it), he sounded genuine, but at the same time it felt to me like what he was saying came straight from the heart. Usually I can smell bs a mile away when politicians and businessmen begin to talk, but I never once got that impression from Mr. Cain.

Then as his speech is really getting going, something confusing started happening. At first I thought it was part of the speech, but about 6 students in the audience stood up and began yelling "We are the 99%, and mic test, mic test, and sexual abuse is unacceptable", rudely interrupting Mr. Cain's speech. The rest of the audience booed the people interrupting the speech and were finally asked to leave by the rest of the audience, and let me just say the Secret Service was NOT amused, as soon as the students voices got loud, the Secret Service stepped into the room from all angles looking for the first sign of trouble. It was awesome to witness their presence as they came in to the rooom. As it turns out, these students were members of "Occupy Murfreesboro" and this was apparently a planned thing. I wish I had realized what was going on and flipped my camera into video mode and recorded all of this, but there were other video camera's rolling.

Raw Video of the Interruption: Raw: Occupy protesters interrupt Herman Cain at MTSU | Video | news10.net

Video: Herman Cain Talks Business with MTSU Students

everyone in the picture below, except the guy in Police uniform was Secret Service, this was about 20 seconds after they barged in looking for bad guys and the source of the trouble.

I'm all for freedom of speech and your right to voice your opinion, but there's also a time and a place for people to aire their grievances and disagreements, and I don't believe tonight was appropriate for the members of Occupy...whatever the hell it is they occupy to have done this. It was pretty embarrassing to be a student tonight, and I'm kind of ashamed that people like this would intentionally sabotage someone's speech, when it was not even related to politics.

There was nothing relevant about their disruption. It was uncalled for, rude, disrespectful, disruptive, and totally out of line, and out of context with the content of the speech. What he was speaking about, had nothing to do with their grievances. I have no clue if there will be any penalties for the students involved, but I surely hope the University doesn't turn a blind eye to this or deem it as "freedom of speech" and just does nothing. It's said clearly in the MTSU Student Personal Conduct Policy at the end of page 3 and top of page 4.

http://www.state.tn.us/sos/ru​les/0240/0240-03/0240-03-04.p​df

0240-3-4-.02 DISCIPLINARY OFFENSES.

(1) Generally, through appropriate due process procedures, institutional disciplinary measures shall be imposed for conduct which adversely affects the institution’s pursuit of its educational objectives, which violates or shows a disregard for the rights of other members of the academic community, or which endangers property or persons on institution-controlled property.

© Disorderly conduct. Any individual or group behavior which is abusive, obscene, lewd, indecent, violent, excessively noisy, disorderly, or which unreasonably disturbs other groups or individuals.

(d) Obstruction of or interference with institutional activities or facilities. Any interference with or obstruction of any institutional activity, program, event, or facilities, including the following:

1. Any unauthorized occupancy or entry of institution or institutionally controlled facilities or blockage of access to or from such facilities.

2. Interference with the right of any institution member or other authorized person to gain access to any institution or institutionally controlled activity, program, event, or facility.

3. Any obstruction or delay of a campus security officer, fireman, or any institution official in the performance of his or her duty.

4. Participating in behavior that disrupts the scheduled and/or normal activities of the university.

5. Interference of either (1) the instructor’s ability to conduct class, or (2) the ability of other students to participate in and profit from instructional activity.

I'm not sure what should be done, but there should be some sort of disciplinary measures taken. perhaps a suspension? expulsion might be a bit too harsh.

anyone agree or disagree?

Edited December 2, 2011 by WyattEarp
redacted for photo sensitivity

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

really never heard of herman cain before today... wow

[Mike.357]

Never heard of Cain but remember Reagan speaking from when you were 7 or 8 years old? Yanno Reagan was a professional actor? I could never tell when he was genuine or acting while in office.

Edited December 2, 2011 by Mike.357

[Guest WyattEarp]

Never heard of Cain but remember Reagan speaking from when you were 7 or 8 years old? Yanno Reagan was a professional actor? I could never tell when he was genuine or acting while in office.

I don't remember everything, but he always reminded me of my grandpa. But the majority of what I remember, was things I heard him say later on in interviews on CNN or Foxnews when I was around 15 or 16, and even stuff I've watched the past few years at MTSU in history class, etc. I knew he was an actor, but I still think he was the most recent Great President this country has had.

[Guest drv2fst]

Funny, they chanted they are the 99% but there are only 2 of them.

[Mike.357]

I always thought my Grandpa reminded me of LBJ. They had the same haircut.

No one will ever convince me that Reagan was a great president. He did act very presidential though which more than any of them since did very well. And that counts for something.

[Guest drv2fst]

I always thought my Grandpa reminded me of LBJ. They had the same haircut.

No one will ever convince me that Reagan was a great president. He did act very presidential though which more than any of them since did very well. And that counts for something.

The President has many jobs. Reagan as the spokesperson for USA was perfect. Reagan as a leader for US to follow was nearly perfect. Reagan as world leader, fantastic. Reagan as chief executive of USA, eh, he did better than most but far from what his speeches had us hoping for. Reagan as steward of our money; yeah he kinda screwed us there, but not nearly as much as EVERYONE ELSE since.

Nobody is perfect. Even Washington, Jefferson. and Jackson had issues.

[laktrash]

Cains pretty much toast at this point, This whole process is looking more and more like well prepared carnival clown act.

i mean to say all the comer's and go'ers are part of the "grand final plan"

[Guest drv2fst]

This is unlikely but I'm hoping all the "front-runners" keep stepping on political land mines and Ron Paul is left standing when the smoke clears.

[Guest db99wj]

Don't be embarrassed, there were on a few knuckleheads, not indicative of the rest of you. there might not have been "political" speech, but this was political. He is/was considered a front runner.

I heard him awhile back on TV, did some research on him, and liked what I saw and read, then the allegations came out. First one, kind of bothered me, but wasn't too concerned about it, second one.....hmmm, then the third....well he is done.

I liked him a lot because he is not a career politician, and we need that in our leadership, someone who is in the real world and knows what is going on, he has proved successful in his endeavors and rose to the top of his industries. He is well spoken, very intelligent and yes, doesn't come off as arrogant or dis-genuine. I was pumped to finally have a person that I could support. However, with the multiple allegations, and if all are proven to be true, then his morals are called into question and I can't support him.

I have a feeling, as he is talking with his family and reassessing his run, that he will withdraw soon, and if not, he will fade away like many before him.

[Guest hawkeye10]

I like Cain and would have voted for him in a heart beat but I agree he is toast now. I also like Ron Paul except for his foreign policy and it sucks. No matter who the GOP nominee is I will vote for them. We need change. Don

[MacGyver]

I edited the OP to remove the picture of the Secret Service Agents. While we certainly enjoy freedom of the press, I'm a little sensitive to putting people who are professionally downrange faces online. The Secret Service also has a significant law enforcement role that often involves undercover work. I'd hate to have any part in compromising someone down the road.

[TLRMADE]

I edited the OP to remove the picture of the Secret Service Agents. While we certainly enjoy freedom of the press, I'm a little sensitive to putting people who are professionally downrange faces online. The Secret Service also has a significant law enforcement role that often involves undercover work. I'd hate to have any part in compromising someone down the road.

I would've never thought about that. But after reading your post I agree with you 100%!!!

[Guest db99wj]

I edited the OP to remove the picture of the Secret Service Agents. While we certainly enjoy freedom of the press, I'm a little sensitive to putting people who are professionally downrange faces online. The Secret Service also has a significant law enforcement role that often involves undercover work. I'd hate to have any part in compromising someone down the road.

I would've never thought about that. But after reading your post I agree with you 100%!!!

Good call. Never thought about it as well.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

So, you guys just believe what was done to Cain was all the truth? I'm not

going to defend his actions, but how much of what you have seen and heard

on TV about him is the truth? Trial by television. I just love it. Government by

public opinion poll. A lot of what Mr. Cain has been accused of has been shown

to be garbage.

Where is Ms. Alred when the Bieleck woman was being run out of her apartment?

What kind of evidence are you willing to accept accusing him? I think this stuff

is a blatant character assassination on a black man running against the Democrat

Party, who loves to control the minorities and expects to keep their votes in house.

But, hey! Who am I? I think some of y'all need to tune up your BS detectors.

[MacGyver]

So, you guys just believe what was done to Cain was all the truth? I'm not

going to defend his actions, but how much of what you have seen and heard

on TV about him is the truth? Trial by television. I just love it. Government by

public opinion poll. A lot of what Mr. Cain has been accused of has been shown

to be garbage.

Where is Ms. Alred when the Bieleck woman was being run out of her apartment?

What kind of evidence are you willing to accept accusing him? I think this stuff

is a blatant character assassination on a black man running against the Democrat

Party, who loves to control the minorities and expects to keep their votes in house.

But, hey! Who am I? I think some of y'all need to tune up your BS detectors.

I think he definitely represents a major threat - to both sides of the aisle, really.

I hate it, because Gingrich while smart, is crazy, and Romney is a certain loser against Obama. What these guys were thinking by agreeing to 32 televised debates moderated in almost every case by people who hate them is beyond me. The strongest candidate isn't going to come out the other end of this machine. It's going to shred all of them.

[Guest db99wj]

So, you guys just believe what was done to Cain was all the truth? I'm not

going to defend his actions, but how much of what you have seen and heard

on TV about him is the truth? Trial by television. I just love it. Government by

public opinion poll. A lot of what Mr. Cain has been accused of has been shown

to be garbage.

Where is Ms. Alred when the Bieleck woman was being run out of her apartment?

What kind of evidence are you willing to accept accusing him? I think this stuff

is a blatant character assassination on a black man running against the Democrat

Party, who loves to control the minorities and expects to keep their votes in house.

But, hey! Who am I? I think some of y'all need to tune up your BS detectors.

That's why I said "if all are proven true". I believe a lot of it is what you say, character assassination, but if their is some truth in it, is moral character comes into question. They did pay one of them off to go away.

However, I still don't think he has a chance anymore. Fair or not, this isn't a trial and public opinion can and will be swayed. It's sad. I really like him, enjoy hearing him speak and like his ideas.

I hope it comes out that accuser 1, 2, 3 and if any more were full of it, were paid to do it, whatever, and that he is cleared, it will need to happen soon.

[Mike.357]

I don't care if Cain did all of its. I would still vote for him.

There is not one candidate out there that does not have baggage.

[mikegideon]

I don't care if Cain did all of its. I would still vote for him.

There is not one candidate out there that does not have baggage.

Yep. Some just hide it better than others. I'm not the biggest Herman fan, but don't care so much about the scandal stuff. It could make him lose the general election though, and that's a big deal.

[Guest WyattEarp]

Im typing this from my phone so i cant multi-quote individual responses, but I will weigh in on the morality part of this.

An observation that I've had while in high school as I learned about politics and the nasty side of it that consists of smearing one's opponents to put themselves in a higher favor is that the all of the world's great leaders have at one time or done something morally, criminally, ethically, or biblically wrong, wnd the same can be said of every person who yas walked upon this Earth. Truth be told, the politicians that have minimal baggage generally dont have the leadership skills to do what is often necessary when very difficult situations arise.

JFK has probably bedded more women than any other US President, but he did not allow his sexual life to interfere with his vision for what he wanted for this nation or his abilities to act as President and the proof lies therein with how he conducted himself and his Administration during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Sexuality immorality has been rampant in the world since mankind was first put upon this Earth and it will be that way till the end of mankind. I dont think what a person does in their bedroom consenually with another person, whether they are married or not, is a valid testament as to their character or their ability to lead a nation or represent the interests if a country.

Its awfully convenient that none of these allegations came to light until he announced his intention to pursue the Presidency, the timing is entirely too coincidental. I dont doubt the truth, but I just dont think it really matters who he is sleeping with or how many. Thats between him, those women, his wife and God. Each and everyone has some integrity issues of some sorts. So its a shame that people have to smear a man for what many people do on a daily basis to begin with.

[laktrash]

So, you guys just believe what was done to Cain was all the truth? I'm not

going to defend his actions, but how much of what you have seen and heard

on TV about him is the truth? Trial by television. I just love it. Government by

public opinion poll. A lot of what Mr. Cain has been accused of has been shown

to be garbage.

Where is Ms. Alred when the Bieleck woman was being run out of her apartment?

What kind of evidence are you willing to accept accusing him? I think this stuff

is a blatant character assassination on a black man running against the Democrat

Party, who loves to control the minorities and expects to keep their votes in house.

But, hey! Who am I? I think some of y'all need to tune up your BS detectors.

I not getting to the race thing but I discussed among family along time ago that this might be a plan to throw the minority vote back to O's side. I mean really ? did he have a real chance. I thought later in the race in would get yanked for some reason making this minority votes mad and the automatic thing they would do is go back to Obama. Far fetched I know but with corruption running wild it would be a good backup card to play , but again I thought it would closer to election time. Think about it

[Guest pfries]

I just enjoyed how he kept his composure during and after the event, that says a lot to me. I am not his biggest fan but if he is on the ticket I would not cringe, (there are a few out there that would make me cringe). The way he played it off and turned it to his own advantage made the OWS folks look like even bigger fools. The fact that he admitted to supporting their right to free speech even if “some abuse it†makes a statement, and with that being off the cuff it would lend to the fact that it probably holds more true to his beliefs than anything scripted.

I tip my hat to him for the way he handled it and himself.

[mikegideon]

I just enjoyed how he kept his composure during and after the event, that says a lot to me. I am not his biggest fan but if he is on the ticket I would not cringe, (there are a few out there that would make me cringe). The way he played it off and turned it to his own advantage made the OWS folks look like even bigger fools. The fact that he admitted to supporting their right to free speech even if “some abuse it†makes a statement, and with that being off the cuff it would lend to the fact that it probably holds more true to his beliefs than anything scripted.

I tip my hat to him for the way he handled it and himself.

He wouldn't make much of a president if he can't get on TV and lie like a dog . I don't know if he did it or not, but he needs those skills.

[Mike.357]

Yep. Some just hide it better than others. I'm not the biggest Herman fan, but don't care so much about the scandal stuff. It could make him lose the general election though, and that's a big deal.

I just wish the witch hunting was done fairly and evenly. So far some are getting a free pass. But I believe that is only because those candidates not being torched are not seen as a threat to the Big O. If and when they become a threat the dirt will come out. Of course the mudslingers and media will not even cover any of Barry's shenanigans. I am sure he has plenty of bones in his closet.

[mikegideon]

I just wish the witch hunting was done fairly and evenly. So far some are getting a free pass. But I believe that is only because those candidates not being torched are not seen as a threat to the Big O. If and when they become a threat the dirt will come out. Of course the mudslingers and media will not even cover any of Barry's shenanigans. I am sure he has plenty of bones in his closet.

I don't know how unfair it is, and I'm not gonna spend a lot of time on it. There are records to back up the Herman stuff. There WERE settlements paid, and he DID have a long term relationship of some sort with the girl in Atlanta. I agree that it's not going to be big news if the candidate isn't big.

Look at the dirt they drug out of Obama's past, and all the crap they threw at Palin. Would have never been big news if they weren't big.