UPDATE: Congressman apologizes for heckling Obama
Published: September 10, 2009
WASHINGTON -- In an extraordinary breach of congressional decorum, a Republican lawmaker shouted "You lie" at President Barack Obama during his speech to Congress last night.
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., tried to call Obama to apologize in person, but ended up speaking to White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.
The contrite congressman, "expressed his apologies" to Emanuel, not the president at whom he had shouted a few hours earlier, Wilson's office said.
By that time, Wilson's House Web site had crashed and he had taken a brutal beating on his Twitter page for breaching protocol and good manners during a presidential speech to a joint session of Congress.
"This evening I let my emotions get the best of me," Wilson said in a statement.
"While I disagree with the president's statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility."
Wilson's outburst came after Obama said that extending health care to all Americans who seek it would not mean insuring illegal immigrants.
"You lie!" Wilson shouted from his seat on the Republican side of the chamber.
Republicans froze, with several looking in Wilson's direction.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi directed a fierce frown at him; first lady Michelle Obama pursed her lips and shook her head from side to side. Vice President Joe Biden looked down and shook his head, too.
Obama, meanwhile, looked toward the outburst and replied, "That's not true," and went on with his speech.
Right away, Wilson seemed to sense that he had fouled up. Wilson appeared to consult his Blackberry for much of the rest of Obama's speech. He shook his head defiantly after several of the president's statements. When Obama finished, Wilson bolted from the chamber.
Wilson's wasn't the only interruption during Obama's speech, but it was the most notable.
Obama's Republican rival from last year's presidential race for the White House defended the president.
Wilson's behavior was "totally disrespectful," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said on CNN. "There is no place for it in that setting, or any other, and he should apologize for it immediately."
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said "I have never in my 29 years heard an outburst of that nature with reference to a president of the United States speaking as a guest of the House and Senate."
"It was a shameful act," he told WTOP radio.
Hoyer said he'll work with GOP lawmakers to decide whether to punish Wilson.
Associated Press writer Ben Evans contributed to this report.
Reader Reactions
Hey—Dave—What the jerk said was not true.
Other posts are citing the Bill section prohibiting coverage of illegal U.S. residents. I’m not going to waste my time spoon-feeding you—you go find it, assuming you REALLY have some interest in the TRUTH.
Regarding that other LIE people of your ilk are spreading, either through ignorance or stupidity (or just to win a point regardless of the effect on other human beings)—
Health care businesses MUST figure out how to COMPLY with the provision prohibiting coverage of illegal U.S. residents. Whether/not the Bill also provides a mechanism to do so is irrelevent.
And, by the way, such mechanisms OFTEN (if not usually) are NOT provided by federal law. Implementing regs might provide mechanisms, but then again, might not. Often, it is left totally to businesses to figure out how to comply.
The bottom line still remains: The businesses must comply.
If the GOP decides to let this slide then yes they will see an increase in support from their base but will lose big with independents which they need if they want to regain the white house and seats in congress. However polls have shown that their base is shrinking so if they plan on competing then they need to make a example out of Wilson for acting like a spoiled child.
The only thing that Rep. Wilson do is show his true colors.
It is called low classed and stupid.
Those who do not see a problem with the way this man chose to express himself are from the same cut of cloth.
Everyone one has a right to express themselves, but showing that kind of disrespect to another is just in bad taste, not at all alluding to the fact that Obama is the President. Just show common courtesy. Not just be common. (Notice no race card played)
There are plenty of books on etiquette in publication for those who know how to read, the group that more than likely did not miss “ahem” the first day of school. If the Bible is the only book allowed on your premises, that can be used to distort into your favor.
I am proud of our President for the way he handled the situation, just did not lower himself and moved on.
Thats right pat him on the back and tell him it’s okay. We understand his deep hurt and emotion. There is no apology for his conduct or anyone else that thinks or acts that way. If it’s in you it will come out.
Punish him? His own party? For what? What did he say that was not true? Was what he did in bad taste? Yes, but it is likewise in bad taste to stand before the nation and not tell the truth about a plan one wants enacted by Congress. Is the President apologizing this morning and are Democrats demanding ‘punishment’ for him? Why not? No wonder this nation is tanking. ‘Up’ is ‘down’, and truth is negotiable as well as malleable.
Post a Comment(Requires free registration)
- Please avoid offensive, vulgar, or hateful language.
- Respect others.
- Use the "Flag Comment" link when necessary.
- See the Terms and Conditions for details.
Advertisement