Joe 'You Lie!' Wilson vows to behave himself tonight
It was the expletive heard 'round the world, the emotional outburst by South Carolina Republican Joe Wilson to President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress in September. When the president promised that reform of the healthcare system would not benefit illegal immigrants, Wilson shouted, "You lie!"
Speaker House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was furious. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel complained that no president had ever been treated so rudely. Even Republican leaders were chagrined at the breach of House etiquette, putting pressure on Wilson to apologize.
The outburst propelled Wilson to national fame -- and infamy -- helping the campaign coffers of his reelection bid -- as well as that of his Democratic challenger, Rob Miller.
Tonight, Wilson promised, he'll behave himself.
"That was a one-time incident," he told McClatchy Newspapers in an interview published Wednesday. "I will continue, through my agreement with the White House, to discuss issues civilly."
-- Johanna Neuman
Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
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Too bad - I think we now know Mr. Wilson has been completely vindicated - unfortunately, this president DOES lie. He keeps telling us things are not in "his" health care plan, that clearly ARE - I've read them myself. Could go on & on about the various things he promised that he's not even come close to honoring, but why bother? At this point, we've all seen more than enough to know what he really is. Joe, you were right the FIRST time...
Posted by: Chris Kirkendall | January 27, 2010 at 01:08 PM
It should be president Obama's actions that count not his fancy words and written speeches. I cannot respect a person that continues to lie like Obama does. No matter what he say in his state of the union speech, I will not believe him nor trust him again. He should resign.
Posted by: Ca | January 27, 2010 at 02:14 PM
Rude or not,
appropriate venue or not,
disrespectful of a president or not,
We ALL, as American's have as our right...
...FREEDOM OF SPEECH!
That is, unless you believe in socialism, fascism or some other "ism" which
does not belong in this "Greatest Country on God's Green Earth".
Posted by: djlsco | January 27, 2010 at 04:15 PM
Obama either does not understand his job or his handlers don't know how to advise him. He has seen the biggest political about face in the history of this country. Everyone riding the bandwagon a year ago has either been run over or fallen off since the wagon seems to be going over a cliff.
He won't be able to save face tonight. It's sad since many of us felt he had some great ideas twelve months ago.
Posted by: California Moderate | January 27, 2010 at 04:19 PM
Only to narrow minded republicans think Obama lied. Point in fact, the republicans lie all the time. Want proof? Go to Snopes.com and select politics. Now look at how many lies have been spread about Obama compared to McCain or any other prominent republican. It is near 4 to 1. You all lie so much, you believe Fox News is fair and balanced. You are all insane and live in a sick, demented world. God help us all if you take back the government. You'll screw it up even worse than before you handed it to Obama.
Posted by: Carey J Grayson | January 27, 2010 at 04:32 PM
He did lie, and continues to lie. He said we'd be out of Iraq and Afganistan in 6 months. Not only are we still there, he's increasing the war in Afganistan which is completely unwinable. Yes, Obama is a liar!!! And the liberal black supremist media contiunes to support him and not critize him. "Don't want to make a black guy look bad". Total black supremist. If he was a white republican, the media would be completely on his butt.
Posted by: Maddmax | January 27, 2010 at 04:53 PM
Chris,
Really? You're either dishonest or misinformed. From day one, there has been specific language in the proposed bill that excluded illegal immigrants. Mr. Wilson is the liar. Perhaps you are, as well.
Posted by: Concerned | January 27, 2010 at 04:59 PM
At least Joe Wilson spoke up. President Obama is driving our country into an endless ocean of debt and whatever hope I had in him at te beginning of his presidency is long gone now. Maybe he'll anounce he's resigning tonight, for the good of the country. That is something I would respect him for.
Anyways, he is our president and I wish no ill-luck upon him but I would like to see more than words.
Posted by: Hayden Morris | January 27, 2010 at 05:07 PM