Eric Cantor canceled a planned speech today on the gap between America's rich and poor after learning it was going to be open to the public—and that Occupy protesters planned to show up in force. Cantor had been due to speak at the Wharton Business School in Philadelphia but pulled out when "informed last night by Capitol Police that the University of Pennsylvania was unable to ensure that the attendance policy previously agreed to could be met," reports the National Journal.
Cantor apparently thought it would be open only to students and people associated with the university. Despite his no-show, the protest was still going on, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We want make sure Rep. Cantor knows he can run, but he can't hide," said an organizer. Outside Wharton, chants were going up: "Eric Cantor, can't you see what this movement means to me?" and "Get up, get down, there's a revolution in this town!" The Daily Pennsylvanian has the text of what Cantor was going to say here. Cantor has previously walked back comments referring to OWS protesters as "mobs." (More Eric Cantor stories.)