Herman Cain will hold a press conference at 4 pm ET to address the allegations of sexual harassment made by "woman number four", Sharon Bialek. Cain is likely to be all fire and brimstone today. Expect a lot of righteous indignation.

His campaign has sent out an e-mail to reporters that shows his strategy. You can read it here. Classic blame the victim, who he says has a history of financial problems and got fired from a lot of jobs. One section is called "Who is Sharon Bialek?"

I'm not a political consultant but I think Cain's reaction last night on Jimmy Kimmel and today are missteps. He shouldn't have referred to Ms. Bialek as "woman number four." Every time he does that, he reminds people she's not the only one accusing him. [More...]

Here are Eric Holder's prepared remarks for his testimony today before the Senate Judiciary Committee on "Fast and Furious."

From the news articles on the hearing, it doesn't seem like the Republicans accomplished much in their "got-cha game" hearing other than making Holder eat a little bit of humble pie.

Here is the opinion (PDF).

As I have argued repeatedly, the case is a simple one and Judge Silberman reaches the obvious conclusion. I do think the Anti-Tax Injunction Act may provide the SCOTUS an escape hatch for avoiding deciding the case in 2012.

I'm really busy so no deeper analysis from me until next week.

Now that the last of the Chicago corruption cases related to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has concluded (with the conviction of William Cellini last week), it's finally time for Antoin (Tony) Rezko and Rod Blagojevich to learn their fate.

Today the Judge scheduled sentencing for Rod Blagojevich for December 6. The Government has not yet filed its sentencing statement. Tony Rezkco's sentencing is November 22 and the Court recently unsealed Rezko's sentencing position and ordered the Government's to be filed publicly. The Government filed its statement last Thursday, seeking 11 to 15 years for Rezko, which includes a reduction for cooperation and his harsh conditions of confinement. Rezko is seeking time served (44 months.)

I've just read through the 100 pages of pleadings. This post is long, but it contains both sides' arguments and is a lot shorter than the 100 pages filed by the parties. If you're so inclined, read through, and tell us what sentence you think Rezko should or will receive. [More..]

"Smokin' Joe" Frazier, 67, passed away Monday of liver cancer.

The two-time heavyweight champion was diagnosed with liver cancer last month and spent this week in a hospice.

Joe Frazier was a symbol for a generation,” promoter Lou DiBella said. “His death is resounding for what he meant: He was the heavyweight champion when being the heavyweight champion was the most famous man on earth. He was a giant of the sport, a legend and also one of the most accessible people there was. It’s sad when the giants start disappearing. It’s a sad day for boxing.”

A documentary called “Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears” will screen tomorrow at the DocNYC festival.

R.I.P. Joe Frazier

Herman Cain didn't cancel his scheduled appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Jimmy opened the conversation with "So, how was your day?" Cain responded, "“Well, all things considered, I’m still alive."

Cain said he and his team were surprised by Woman #4's coming forward Monday:

We watched it because we didn’t even know that this whole thing about "woman number four" was going to even come out, so that was a surprise.”

Then he said:

“At least it wasn’t one of the many that have the first name anonymous so now this one actually had a name and a so we watched to see what it was and who it was....We are dealing with it and tomorrow we’re going to have a press conference. We’re taking this head-on.”

[More...]

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has stayed the execution of Hank Skinner. Skinner has requested DNA testing to prove his innocence and the court said it needed more time to consider a newly revised state law on DNA testing.

"Because the DNA statute has changed, and because some of those changes were because of this case, we find that it would be prudent for this Court to take time to fully review the changes in the statute as they pertain to this case," the Texas criminal appeals court wrote in a two-page stay order.

Why no bail until sentencing for Dr. Conrad Murray, following his conviction today for manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson? He was handcuffed in court and remanded into custody until his sentencing. Los Angeles jail officials say he'll be kept in protective custody, not allowed to mingle with other inmates.

The judge set Nov. 29 for probation/sentencing and told the lawyers to be prepared to address restitution issues. He also referred to California's new sentencing law, the "Realignment Act" which took effect Oct. 1. Under the new law, persons convicted of certain felonies, including involuntary manslaughter cannot be sentenced to the state prison, only county jail. The time spent in county jail is reduced, and in some cases, a sentence can be served on house arrest. While Murray's sentence will be under the new law, his good time credit will be determined under the old law since the crime was committed before October 1. [More...]

I've got lots of work before another snow storm hits later today. Here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

The New York Times reports on one of my favorite topics, the increased militarization and globalization and intelligence-gathering powers of our new world cops, the DEA.

From shootouts in Honduras to raids in Guatemala, Colombia, Afghanistan and Africa, to monitoring prescription use here at home, the DEA is smack in the middle (pun intended) at a cost of billions a year. Our new global holy warriors. But who's watching the DEA? Congress? It just keeps feeding them money. [More...]

Carlos the Jackal goes on trial tomorrow in France on decades-old terror charges.

Once among the world's most feared masterminds of terror, the man known as Carlos the Jackal is now a graying convict who has been behind bars for 17 years. On Monday, he goes on trial for four deadly attacks that occurred nearly three decades ago, and the verdict could determine his chances of ever being freed.

Lots of TV on tonight: Homeland, The Good Wife, Pan Am and The Next Iron Chef are what I'll be watching. Is anyone going to check out AMC's new Hell on Wheels?

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Herman Cain's popularity down 9 points with Republicans following the publicity of sexual harassment allegations against him:

The poll showed the percentage of Republicans who view Cain favorably dropped 9 percentage points, to 57 percent from 66 percent a week ago.

Among all registered voters, Cain's favorability declined 5 percentage points, to 32 percent from 37 percent.

Cain insists he is "back on message." Where's he going to deliver it? Late Night TV. He'll be on Jimmy Kimmel Live Monday.