South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson yells 'You lie!' to the president

It was a perfect storm of hot buttons that evoked an utterance of such negativity that it turned heads. President Barack Obama was giving a speech to Congress and he started talking about healthcare and illegal immigrants and money, and unexpectedly, Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina spoke up.

"You lie!" the Republican congressman blurted out on the floor of the House immediately after the president said: "the reforms I’m proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally."

It was Rep. Wilson who had been reinforcing the belief that the healthcare reform would include the so-called Death Panels. He called it an "end-of-life counseling program, which has been correctly highlighted by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as a program which could lead to seniors being encouraged to seek less care in order to protect the government´s bottom line."

Minutes before Wilson's wail, the president had debunked the theory that grandma's plug would be pulled in order to save federal dollars. "It's a lie, plain and simple," he said, which brought most of the attendees to their feet.

After the speech, the criticism for Wilson was bipartisan. "I've never seen anything like that before," said Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) "We do not invite the president of the United States into the House of Representatives and hurl insults."

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said the outburst was "totally disrespectful" and demanded that Rep. Wilson apologize to the president. "No place for it in that setting or any other, and he should apologize for it immediately," McCain told Larry King on CNN.

Wilson apologized shortly after the speech for how he acted out: “This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the president’s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the healthcare bill. 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.”

So how did you feel about the speech, the outburst, and/or the apology? Blurt out your comments in the field below. 

-- Tony Pierce

Photo: Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) shouts "You lie!" as President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on Wednesday. Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Related:

Rep. Joe Wilson's response to Obama's speech: 'You lie!'

Text of Obama's speech: Now is the season for action

Comments

[Judi romaine]

I'm very disappointed that the level of civility in this country as moved so low as to spur on a congressperson to behave in this way. I'm also concerned that the more that type of reactive behavior is allowed, the more it will become the norm, creating a society where it's acceptable to express our emotions at any time and in any way. I would love to see us all, including the media, represent the best of our humanity rather than react to the worst. This is a public request to Congressman Wilson, who has an obvious commitment to the people of his state and to the country, to be the extraordinary human being he is and speak in a way that reflects his commitment to the world working.

[Miller]

It's a sign of the times ... I was a Republican in the 1980's (shook Reagan's hand on election night). I have separated myself from the Republican party starting with the first Bush campaign.

National unity has been destroyed for a generation for the power of a party thorugh the use of topics of marginal value and high emotion. Rove is a genius.

[John Hutson]

Ironic that some one who would call the President a lier has been spreading false rumors about health care. As a teacher, I try and teach my students not to spread rumors and create unwanted drama. Sounds like Joe Wilson could use a litte of that advice.

[LAS]

I think it's too bad that you have lifted up this inappropriate behavior for discussion.

[gilbert peralta]

Why should he show respect to a socialist?! Someone needs to stand up for liberty and the constitution! I'm mad that he is the only one with the balls!

[Steve K]

The guy is a douche, nothing else can be said about that kind of behavior towards a sitting POTUS.

I voiced my opinion by donating to his Democratic opponent. I hopes others do the same by going to http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079

This kind of behavior is not fitting to represent any district.

[west129]

The president's message was aimed at the American people to endorse his HELL Care Bill. Did it work? I have my doubts.

The early release of the Cliffs Notes: Rep. Joe Wilson's "You lie!" pretty much summed up the content of Obama's speech.

Instead of making good on the millions of jobs promised, our snake oil salesman proclaims he will rescue us again and he will resolve all our dilemmas free of cost with a 3rd Reich style bill. Sure, this just might work: Kill us so we no longer need jobs?

[Howard Jones]

Thank you to Rep. Joe Wilson for taking a stand and saying WHAT WE ALL WANT TO SAY!!!

I am so sick and tired of the BS that this President and the Democrats are peddling. Ooops- I better not get sick or else I will be forced to consider the government's bottom line when it comes to my treatment!

Obambi, Pelosi, Reid and the other JACKASS Democratic leaders jettisoned bipartisanship on Day One and have instead tried to cram as much of their agenda down the country's throat, as quickly as possible. We are all now gagging from the poison!

[Dan Stegeman]

This guy should resign!!!! I wouldn't vote for any Republican after that, they have gone too far this time. All they offer is fear and take care of big business. This just un-believable

[Jim B.]

Welcome to the 21st. Century Republican party. Class? Restraint? Civility? Honesty? What are they?

[diahann dent]

never in the history of our counry has a president been heckled by a crazy man until last night joe you need some health care all right some brain surgery on manners which you probaly never had such bad manners how you got elected we will never know but you will reap what you soe

[Henst]

This jackanapes Wilson soils his office and should resign.

[Mark Lindsay]

Rep. WIlson should suffer sanctions. Censor would be appropriate. The office of the President, a position currently held by Barack Obama, deserves respect and Joe Wilson was completely out of line. While I am a Republican, he has shown disrespect to my President. Someone please kick his ass.

[Alan]

It is becoming more and more apparent that the ultra conservative end of Republican party and the far right religious cult are morphing into a Kamikaze state of mind. They have painted themselves into a corner they cannot escape. The rest of the world is leaving them behind. They have no mental ability to do anything but lash out and try to bite at anything passing by. I too have been a lifelong Republican, but in the last decade or so have been driven to make better choices across the aisle.

[Andrew Smith]

The House just became another rowdy townhall meeting full of ignorant and hateful morons. Look to this video to see the full measure of republican civility and their commitment to respectful debate.

To the people who are throwing out distortions of the President's name to mock the fact that it sounds African, please keep it up. You lose more and more credibility every time you behave like racist little children.

[Raven]

At the time Joe Wilson was yelling "you lie", I was yelling B.S. at my tv. How are illegals not a big part of this problem. They go to the hospital and give false addresses and never pay their bill... It affects all of us, the hospitals, the Ins. companies, the govt. The President himself is the leader of the liars. If they pass health care reform the way it is proposed now, this country will go broke.
All they need to do is eliminate pre-existing conditions, TORT reform, and allow insurance companies to cross state lines which will create more competition and lower premiums. All of this would cost NOTHING!!! If there is a govt option you will not keep your employer provided ins. And you may lose your doctor.

[Darren Cook]

I would like to thank Mr. Wilson for standing up for the truth and representing true American Values. Thank you Mr. Wilson, you are truly a Patriot...

[Donald Jones]

This latest spectacle of misdirected rage must be seen in a larger context. Yesterday it was Joe wilson attempting to make a kind of heckler's veto of the Presidents speech. Right before that it was a coalition of intolerant right wing obstructionsists seeking to prevent the President from giving an innocuous speech to kids- something Bush himself did in 1991. Before that there was the infamous New York Post cartoon depicting Obama as a Chimpanzee.

Joe wilson's comments are a culmination of a pattern of intolerance and hate- yes hate- directed at the first black President of the United States. One wonders if it is in large part because he is a the first black President.

America is getting a lesson in workings of unconscious racism.

Ironically Obama's campaign was largely a teach-in on race: the premise was that we must get past race to solve the problems that we have. Joe wilson and others apparently missed that class.

Donald Jones
Professor of Law

[Irvine Moyo]

I think that total immature and is very disrespectful. He should have had his reservations and even if it were true, an outburst ofthat nature on national TV is quite reprehensible. Im not an American, but if something like that were to be said in our beloved African State, the man will be reproached immensely

[mlimberg]

Thank you Rep Wilson for being honest.

American is proud of you for standing against illegal immigration.....

[Lucille Ball]

Although Joe Wilson's emotions got the best of him, he has at least done his homework. President Obama is not telling the truth. In the proposed bill, on pages 50 and 91, it states that it WILL cover illegals. Has Obama read his own bill? I feel just as frustrated as Representative Wilson. One other fact. Joe Wilson apologized quickly unlike Pelosi with her comments about the CIA. Double standards here.

[E]

I applaud him for speaking his mind. How dare these representatives of the people act in surprise at this response and hide behind protocol and respect. The president has lost the respect of the people by continuing to go against them. This goes for the rest of congress. Between democrats who are in it for themselves and their special interests and republicans with no back bones it is refreshing to see someone who is willing to stand up. To representative Joe Wilson, Thank you for the breath of fresh air in an otherwise stagnant city.

[jean815]

Congressman wilsons conduct is another example of a once great party in decline.

[carly]

South Carolina should be ashamed for voting this man into office. Wilson called to apologize because he said he lost it when he didn't agree with Obama's statement. I guess he disagreed with the truth. There is a related post at http://iamsoannoyed.com/?page_id=588

[Linda Johnson]

Don't you DARE resign!!!! I am a Las Vegas Resident. I heard what you did at the conference. THANK YOU!!!! This country needs more Representitives in the Legislature like you!!! Again thank you!!!

Respectively-
Linda Johnson