Piers Morgan and Todd Akin Empty Chair, Canceled Appearance Makes Waves
Todd Akin, recently criticized for his comments pertaining to pregnancy as the result of rape, has canceled his appearance on Piers Morgan's television show, outraging the host as well as viewers.
Moreover, CNN's anchorman referred to Akin as a "gutless little twerp." British-born Morgan declined replacing Akin on the nightly news show "Piers Morgan Tonight," but instead displayed the Republican's empty chair on Monday night.
"Congressman, you have an open invitation to join me in that chair whenever you feel up to it," Morgan said addressing Akin during Monday's show.
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"If you don't keep your promise to appear on the show, then you are what we would call in Britain a gutless little twerp," said Morgan.
Over the weekend, Akin told a local television interviewer that in most cases of "legitimate rape" women cannot become pregnant. The Missouri Congressman and Senate candidate has since dodged the media's questions.
Akin, who is a staunch opponent of abortion, later tried to roll back the comment.
"In reviewing my off-the-cuff remarks, it's clear that I misspoke in this interview and it does not reflect the deep empathy I hold for the thousands of women who are raped and abused every year," said the Congressman in a written statement.
Republican forces are also on the task of righting the five-term Congressman's comments, and have reportedly pulled their money and support in attempt to oust Akin from the senate race.
Akin's comments and failure to appear on "Piers Morgan Tonight" have Twitters users in a frenzy, and a parody account of Morgan's empty chair arose on the social media site on Monday.
"What DID Akin mean," asked Twitter user Caroline. "I would really like to know."
Phillip posted, "So the big question today is whether Akin is as stubborn as he is moronic and misogynistic."
"Todd Akin, most women reject illegitimate apologies as well," wrote another Twitter user.
"The chair has a better chance of being elected," quipped Twitter user and editor of New Yorker magazine Ben Greenman.
