Lawmakers Condemn Outburst at Obama

Rep. Joe Wilson Apologizes for Screaming "You Lie" during President's Speech

(AP)  Democrats and Republicans alike are denouncing Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie" at President Barack Obama during his speech to Congress, an extraordinary breach of decorum for which the South Carolina Republican swiftly apologized.

"I was embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love," Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America." "It demeaned the institution."

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., told ABC on Wednesday: "Obviously, the President of the United States is always welcome on Capitol Hill. He deserves respect and decorum.

"I know that Congressman Wilson has issued an apology and made his thoughts known to the White House, which was the appropriate thing to do," Cantor said.

Wilson's outburst came after Obama said 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.

After the speech, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said, "There'll be time enough to consider whether or not we ought to make it clear that that action is unacceptable in the House of Representatives."

"Let's see what he does," Hoyer told WTOP radio before Wilson issued an apology. "Then there's time enough to consider further action."

Wilson's behavior caused a political hangover for him and possibly for the Republican critics Obama had cast as shrill and more interested in killing any health care overhaul than finding a way to provide it.

More coverage of Health Care Reform

Later, Wilson was contrite.

"This evening I let my emotions get the best of me," he 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."

He then tried to call Obama to apologize personally, but ended up talking with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel instead, Wilson's office said.

Biden said Thursday that he hadn't spoken with Obama, but, "knowing the president, I'm sure he accepted the apology."

By late Wednesday, though, the congressman's Web site had crashed, he had taken a beating on his Twitter page and Democrat Rob Miller had raised thousands of unexpected dollars online for a possible rematch with Wilson in next year's midterm elections, according to Lachlan McIntosh, Miller's campaign manager.

"Everybody was stunned," Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., said of Wilson's eruption. "It was just something that nobody had ever witnessed before. We all felt embarrassed."

Republicans froze; several glanced 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. Biden looked down and shook his head too.

Obama, meanwhile, looked toward the outburst and replied, "That's not true" before going on with his speech.

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 behavior was "totally disrespectful," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who had been Obama's rival in the 2008 presidential election, said on CNN. "There is no place for it in that setting, or any other, and he should apologize for it immediately."

Full CBSNews.com coverage of the president's speech on health care:

Obama Tells Congress to Stop Bickering
Full Video Full Transcript Speech Highlights
GOP Response: "It's Time to Start Over"
Marc Ambinder: Will Obama's Sales Job Work?
Mark Knoller: Obama Willing to Compromise - Up to a Point
Was Obama Clear on the Public Option?
Ted Kennedy's Letter to Obama
Rep. Wilson Apologizes for Obama Speech Outburst
Analysis: The Road Ahead for Health Care

[trojanny]

This was not the decorum for such. What do you want to do, have President Obama continue a personal conversation with this guy? This is not Libya or Iran, this is a professional first-world nation, and there are open, professional ways to deal with eachother, not just a shout-out.
You look at this man, and you can see he has personal problems. NEITHER party approved of what he did.

[generationc]

Thank you President Obama.

I am one of those Americans with no voice and no job after making a good salary steadily since 1983 and I have very limited very high medical coverage. I also went through a period with no coverage. I did not understand when you were running why you asked America to help you in changing our Country. That is, until I see how divisive and corrupt the Republican Party has been. We will help you fight to help us. I have older retired family members and for the Republicans to lie and insinuate lies about killing them is beyond unethical. It should be unlawful. They had no regard for the terror and fear they instilled in our seniors. All they wanted to do was to incite a Riot against you by any means necessary. You have people like Beck, Dobbs, and Fox Media News as their cheering section and supporting the lies and the whole time inciting riots all over the United States and they had absolutely no Remorse. They had no compassion. They did not care about who would suffer the most from their lies. Instead of spending this time working on building and supporting a healthcare plan for 46 million Americans, they used the time Congress was on recess to divide America that is, until now. Rep. Charles Boustany then says now, now they want to start all over. He is joke and they need to go. Enough is enough and Joe Wilson?s temper tantrum was an embarrassment.

Then they had an idiot representative respond stating that they want to start all over again. They do not care about America. It is clear that they do not realize that they were given these jobs, not represent Evil or instill hate through lies, but to represent the people, Main Stream America of your state. Mr. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, you do not represent the Americans of your state. You are an Embarrassment. You showed extreme immaturity. The trifling, uncaring, unethical, and ignorant way The Republicans handle themselves clearly shows they are all about political agendas rather helping hurting people who desire change. Thank you President Obama for fighting for Main Street America and we now know that you said Yes We Can, because you need our help. You are not fighting alone any longer. We will help you by voting out the Trash and voting for America. We will Help You to Help Us. YES WE CAN.

GOD Bless You.

[jennysgateway]

It's amazing to me how single folks such as yourself are so righteous. Have you never made a mistake in your life ? Have you ever spoke out of turn ? Have you ever told a lie ? How perfect are you ?????? I wonder ! Who are you to be pointing fingers at others character ? I think your demeaning words and hateful attitude show your true character and hence a eye into the person you seem to be supporting. How interesting!

[jennysgateway]

We must be willing to constantly scrutinize Mr. Obama because it is one tool we have to keep him remembering that he works for us....not himself. He must live under a microscope the entire time he is in office...he chose to be there. He knew what past presidents have had to put up with and he still chose to be there. He's not God, He's not a hero, and he's doesn't have all the right answers...if you think he does, you're lying to yourself.
Just "think" about it realistically. None of them are perfect, not even close.
Use you head and think.

[jennysgateway]

Please understand the main point here. It's not about Dem's being right or Rep's being right....it's about how each of these parties (in government) are keeping "We The People" fighting each other. Realize the true capacity of the people if we stop bickering over "their agenda" and start to take our position seriously as their "BOSS."
We must stop listening to the lies from both parties....we must become educated for ourselves on issues that truly effect us as Americans and we must stand together and do something about it. Free yourself from their mindset and begin to think INDEPENDENTLY ! Have your own mind, without anger. Be willing to be courageous and bold, which I beleive Mr Wilson was. Watch his face when he speaks...he was clearly upset with Mr. Obama telling an untruth. He was willing to speak what he believed....there are not many in congress who have the passion left to stick up for what's right. Don't knock him for his action, be grateful for his ability to speak freely and unsensored.
Once our voices are taken away...so will our FREEDOM be.

[proudmilvet]

What in God's name has happened to the Republican Party? They seem to be in the midst of a complete mental breakdown! It seems that not a day goes by that they don't make themselves look more foolish then they did the day before. The Republican leadership needs to take a long hard look at themselves & realize that their party has come to resemble some sort of right wing vigilante group totally owned & operated by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, & Fox News.

[jennysgateway]

please...at least make intelligent comments. There is disruption equally on both sides.....you just make it obvious which side you believe is above the law.

[albie43]

Why did the Democrates vote down an amendment to HR 3200 that would have stopped all free health care to illegal immigrants.So i guess obama lied about that one.Oh my god did i say obama lied,i guess i'll have to proudly go sit with Joe Wilson.

[robham777]

Fortunately for the Democrats some over zealous member(s) of the opposing party have a knack for inappropriate or incendiary commentary at the least opportune time. Now instead of any real analysis of what the President said, the coverage is on some stupid comment from a congressman who up until now was unknown. I think it will be up to his constituents to pass judgment on him.

[robham777]

Fortunately for the Democrats some over zealous member(s) of the opposing party have a knack for inappropriate or incendiary commentary at the least opportune time. Now instead of any real analysis of what the President said, the coverage is on some stupid comment from a congressman who up until now was unknown. I think it will be up to his constituents to pass judgment on him.

[SaulAlinsky]

What part of "you lie" is not clear.

Of course illegal aliens will not be turned away.
Use your heads people.

Obama is obviously a master of doublespeak.

Joe Wilson for President !!!!!

Our government should not be in the health care business or any other business for that matter.

Our government has a regulatory role in business and that role should be minimized to the greatest practical extent.
Some may disagree...please tell me the last time that more government regulation has improved something?
Or conversely when has less government regulation made things worse?
The only exceptions that I can think of are natural monopolies such as some utilities.

If the "public option" becomes a reality all private options will be forced out due to lack of ability to compete with our taxpayer dollars.

Then the only health care choice will become the "public option"

Socialized government controlled health care is just around the corner folks if this bilge water legislation passes.
And other countries have already proven that socialized medicine is not the answer. And then there is Tenn Care.

[sciline]

GOP Rep Taunts Obama: 'You Lie!'
Wilson issued a red-faced apology for his "lack of [sanity] civility" later last night. "I let my emotions get the best of me..."

Due to the absence of certain cognitive elements, it is usually only the immature and the insane that "let their emotions get the best of them".
Given Mr. Wilson's questionable mental state, if I were a SC Voter, I would certainly question Mr. Wilson's ability to properly represent me and/or my State. Now or in the future.
Tom Nass
5th Marine Division - WWII

[jennysgateway]

Sorry Sciline....but Mr. Wilson only apologized for how he spoke his mind....not for what he spoke. He stands firm in his accusation. Better think twice before you follow someone blindly....I understand all the hype of Obama being elected has twisted some people to think there's a great win for (whomever), but there is no true victory if we all end up loosing the one most important asset....FREEDOM ! So be willing to seek the truth, and if you find it to be so, be willing to admit the choices that were made poorly. Everyone makes mistakes, and we all have the potential to get caught up in the moment. When I listen to Obama, I find myself wanting to believe.....but I was taught by my grandparents to find the truth myself....never to just accept the words of an imperfect human.

[ProtectAmerica]

While decorum is honorable, so is honesty. Should we not expect honesty and integrity and respect for America and our constitution from our President and Commander in Chief? Do we not deserve this as a nation?

Congressman Wilson appeared far more honest in his reactions, albeit perhaps ill timed, than Obama is with our country. If Obama has America's best interests at heart, why is it that he appears to support bills which are attacking our constitutional rights, our freedom of speech as individuals, our freedom of speech for the press, our right to financial privacy, our right to medical privacy, our right to choose our own health care, our freedom of religion, our right to arms and our financial stability?

Don't get angry with me if you disagree with this comment. Don't even take my word for this. Show personal responsibity. Seek out the facts. Read the bills and evaluate this information for yourself. Please read each section. After you know the facts, fight for America. Voice the truth of our freedoms and financial stability under attack.

As for Obama, talk is cheap. Prove your honesty and integrity. Tell the truth. Earn our respect. Read all of the bills you support. Act to protect America. Act to protect our freedoms. Show fiscal responsibility. Demonstrate common sense. Command respect for your words based on their merit rather than your position as President. Oppose all bills and segments of bills detrimental to America and our constitution. We want to believe you care about America and Americans but we need honest, responsible actions to prove it.

[sciline]

That's tellin' em, Sparky.
Keep punchin', your bound to hit yourself!

[Karplus3]

Actually Joe Wilson was correct and the President of the United States was standing there lying. Undocumented (illegals) children will still get free health care. And that is not the only lie that the President said. More Republicans and Democrats should stand up to the President. Also what he says is not what is in the bill. Read the long confusing bill. You will see that Mr. President really doesn't know what he is talking about.

[nordeck52]

This reminds me of the time when another representative from South Carolina made a major statement in Congress. Right before the Civil War broke out (in May of 1856, specifically), Senator Charles Sumner of Mass. verbally insulted Senator Andrew Butler of South Carolina by mocking the way he spoke and his physical mannerisms (caused by a stroke). To defend Senator Butler's honor, his nephew Preston Brooks, who was a member of the House also representing South Carolina, entered the Senate chamber and physically beat Senator Sumner over the head with his cane. Sumner was pinned by his desk being nailed to the floor, and finally the desk was ripped from the floor by Brooks. Poor Senator Sumner tried to get up and into the aisle but collapsed, and Brooks continued beating him with his cane until it broke, at which point he quietly left the chamber.

The outburst at Obama was thankfully nowhere near like what happened 150 years ago, but it still has no business in government. The interesting thing is that both of the people who caused these outbursts were from South Carolina. The difference of course is that the parties of those involved were reversed back in the 1800s. But still, they were from South Carolina. What is it with South Carolina and disruptions?

[jennysgateway]

In the book (Mistakes were made, but not by) by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson they state, "Mindless self-justificaiton is like quicksand, it will draw us deeper into disaster.

[jennysgateway]

people will reason their way through lifes moral issues, trying to find a way to justify what they already know is wrong or immoral. They are willing to trash their own integrity to feel as if they have a good excuse to avoid the truth of any given matter.
True integrity is knowing that you have made a mistake...that you believed something that ended up being very wrong, and that you took the steps to change it
True integrity doesn't point fingers at others....it only works on becoming the best it can be.

[jennysgateway]

It's amazing how people will convince themselves of something when the truth (from facts) are staring them right in the face. They are so stubborn and set in their own mind, that they are willing to deny the answer to the problem.

[jennysgateway]

Point fingers all you like, and watch as the people are the ones who continue to suffer for it. Deny the Dem's and Rep's and stand together as One People and watch as our country becomes strong again.

[jennysgateway]

Why do some of you keep saying nazi crap....there are black republicans just as there are black dem's.....hello.
This is not about race....Mr. Obama has such a way with words...I find myself daring to believe, but then I search and find the truth behind his "sweet talking words" and remind myself he's in it for himself just as all the others are.....wake up America !

[jennysgateway]

DOWN WITH THE PARTIES.....UP WITH "WE THE PEOPLE" BEING UNITED INDEPENDENTLY !!!!!

[jennysgateway]

Until we stop allowing the government to keep us seperated by the parties...we are never going to get anywhere good for "The People." Things are going to keep being wealthy for the politicians, and We The People are going to be the ones putting that wealth in their pockets. People, just say no to Dem's and Rep's.....become INDEPENDENT of them. We greatly out mass them....we are the boss....lets act like it!!!!