TOP NEWS STORIES (dec 2, 2011)

1. Herman Cain's popularity has dramatically plummeted in Iowa, amid past allegations of sexual harassment and a claim that he cheated on his wife with an Atlanta woman.

2. President Obama has spent the past few weeks trying to shame Republicans for their reluctance to embrace a payroll tax cut extension for workers.

3. Honda Motor Co. announced today it has recalled 304,000 older vehicles globally because they may contain defective air bags.