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Rep. Joe Wilson's 'You lie!' outburst is giving a boost to his Democratic opponent
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Barack Obama's health care address is giving a boost to his Democratic opponent.
Since Wilson blurted "You lie!" during Obama's health care address to a joint session Wednesday night, the campaign coffers of Rob Miller, who is challenging him in 2010, swelled by $700,000, according to Jessica Santillo of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
The contributions, she said, came in from 20,000 individual contributions. It's not clear whether the people who made the donations live in South Carolina.
The Republican Congressional Campaign Committee didn't respond to questions about donations to Wilson's campaign. All of Wilson's voicemail boxes were full Thursday.
Wilson's outburst made some supporters shudder even as others believed it could give him a political boost in his conservative hometown.
"He's the only one who has guts in that whole place. He'll get re-elected in a landslide," said John Roper, an insurance agent, as he sat among patrons at a diner near Columbia.
Still, Southern sensibilities reign in the district the 62-year-old has represented for the past eight years. Added Roper, "He probably shouldn't have said it in that context."
Wilson apologized to the White House soon after the speech and again Thursday, but did not back away from the issue that prompted his outburst. "People who have come to our country and violated laws, we should not be providing full health care services," he said.
The uproar may not be over, despite Obama having accepted Wilson's apology. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said he favors a resolution of public disapproval if Wilson doesn't apologize to the House by Tuesday.
Clyburn, whose district adjoins Wilson's, said he was not surprised by the outburst: "I think that's indicative of the combativeness he displays all the time when it comes to politics."
Wilson told WIS-TV "by calling the president right away following the speech, I feel that covers the issue the apology called for, and the response was accepted, and I'm now grateful we can get on to the issue itself."
Wilson's shout came after Obama said extending health care to all Americans who seek it would not mean insuring illegal immigrants.
The House version of the health care bill explicitly prohibits spending any federal money to help illegal immigrants get health care. Illegal immigrants could buy private health insurance, as many do now, but wouldn't get tax subsidies to help them. Still, Republicans say there aren't sufficient citizenship verification requirements to ensure illegal immigrants are excluded.
In Wilson's district, many voters said the heckle wouldn't affect their support for him. Some said they wished more politicians would speak their minds - but most said they wished it hadn't happened.
"Joe was very immature. He's always been pretty under control. I'm a little embarrassed," said Roy Smith, a business manager who spoke as he ate breakfast in Cayce. "I voted for Joe and probably still will."
Wilson, who served as a military attorney, retired as a colonel in the South Carolina National Guard in 2003 after 31 years. His four sons also have served in the military, something mentioned repeatedly at Wilson's public appearances in this military-friendly state. For some, that background makes the outburst against the nation's commander in chief even more striking.
"I thought it was disgraceful," said the Rev. Kevin Roberts, who said he doesn't support Wilson. "I don't begrudge him his feeling. But I think there's a way to communicate that and a way not to, and I think it's shameful. I expect more decorum and respect for the office."
Miller said Wilson should apologize to his district too. Last year, Miller gave Wilson his most serious challenge since winning a 2001 special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of Republican Floyd Spence.
"As a retired South Carolina National Guard colonel, he should have known better. It's disrespectful to our commander in chief in a setting where the world was watching," Miller, a former Marine who runs on online military memorabilia business, said from his home in Beaufort. "It was childish."
The district stretches across 10 counties from central to coastal South Carolina and hasn't elected a Democrat to Congress since 1965. It encompasses wide economic contrasts: Allendale County has the state's highest unemployment rate - 22.5 percent in July - while Lexington County has the lowest rate at 8 percent.
His district is also home to some of the state's largest military installations: the Army's Fort Jackson outside Columbia, and two major Marine Corps facilities - Parris Island Training Depot and the Marine Corps Air Station - both near Beaufort.
At least three members of Wilson's voluntary, minority advisory committee said they resigned Thursday.
"I didn't personally want to be associated with that sort of inappropriateness toward the president of the United States of America," said J.T. McLawhorn, executive director of the Columbia Urban League, who's served on the group since Wilson formed it a decade ago.
"It's just a sad day for us in South Carolina," McLawhorn said. "The perception to people outside of South Carolina is that we just live in a negative environment here."
Wilson is known in Congress for giving one-minute speeches when the floor is open for short statements on any topic, but he has been confrontational in the past.
During the 2004 presidential campaign, he demanded that Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., apologize for his 1971 comments criticizing those who served in Vietnam. Former Democratic Sen. Max Cleland of Georgia, who lost both legs and an arm in Vietnam, defended Kerry and called Wilson a "chicken hawk" for supporting military action without going to war. However, two of Wilson's sons have served in Iraq.
In 2003, Wilson called it "unseemly" for the mixed-race daughter of Sen. Strom Thurmond, Essie Mae Washington-Williams, to identify the longtime South Carolina senator as her father after his death.
"It's a smear on the image that (Thurmond) has as a person of high integrity who has been so loyal to the people of South Carolina," he told The State newspaper of Columbia. Wilson had worked as an intern in Thurmond's office. After a public outcry, he said he had the utmost respect for Washington-Williams.
Wilson's eldest son, Alan - who is running for state attorney general - agreed Thursday that his father chose the wrong place to vent, but said the heckle shows that "what the president said really struck a chord."
"He is a very even-keel and calm person. My dad never gets upset," Alan Wilson said. "Last night, Dad's emotions got the better of him. ... I'm proud of my father for apologizing for the venue he voiced his opposition. I'm also proud of him for calling the president out."
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ed and jeremiah: are you suggesting that two wrongs make a right? that because bush was boo'ed that obama should have been heckled?
so much for the republicans taking the high road.
One more time...
As a member of Congress, Wilson has agreed to abide by parliamentary procedure. These rules, that everyone abides by, are what keep things running. Screaming an accusation at the person who has the floor is a complete violation of the rules. Silence, refusing to clap or stand, groaning, and yes, even booing are acceptable means by which to express displeasure or disagreement. What Wilson shows an utter lack of respect for Congress, the President, and his own position.
And then, this man apologizes to anyone who will listen, while simultaneously telling conservative/special interests groups that he 'won't be muzzled.' Grow a pair, Wilson - either stand by your actions or don't, but spare us this disingenuous victimization.
I haven't watched the video, but I don't think any kind of booing, outbursts, etc. is acceptable during a President's address.
What are your thoughts regarding the video Ed Miller posted earlier?
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2009/09/10/flashback_democrats_boo_bush_at_2005_state_of_the_union.html
In my opinion, Mr. Wilson acted like a juvenile. There are too many adult means to voice your opposition. There was no need to act like a child throwing a tantrum.
I found this at www.rules.house.gov, under the heading of Decorum in the House and in Committees:
Under section 370 of the House Rules and Manual it has been held that a Member could not:
* Call the President a “liar.”
Although, this is just one item on decorum that is used as a guide for debate in the House. Yes, I realize that the president's address technically was not a "debate," but God forbid that Wilson would nevertheless practice this rule.
Apparently those on this message board and across the country who are applauding Rep. Wilson just don't give a damn.
As a member of Congress, Wilson has agreed to abide by parliamentary procedure. These rules, that everyone abides by, are what keep things running. Screaming an accusation at the person who has the floor is a complete violation of the rules. Silence, refusing to clap or stand, groaning, and yes, even booing are acceptable means by which to express displeasure or disagreement. What Wilson shows an utter lack of respect for Congress, the President, and his own position.
And then, this man apologizes to anyone who will listen, while simultaneously telling conservative/special interests groups that he 'won't be muzzled.' Grow a pair, Wilson - either stand by your actions or don't, but spare us this disingenuous victimization.
And when, Jeremiah, is it not acceptable to call someone a liar in a public setting?
Or do we no longer need to draw a line...in other words, anything goes?
Is it OK for a student to call his or her teacher a liar in class when they don't agree?
How about one of our local companies holding a press conference and a member of the press calling the spokesperson a liar and it's broadcast on the evening news?
It's also interesting that of the 8 lies that are laid out in the Huffington Post article to which you linked, the one topic Wilson picked to shout at the president about is one that he had no problem supporting in 2003 (see the post below).
Finally, as I have noted before, the final bill is nowhere near being completed. As such, no one knows what it will include. Wilson, it seems, is a little bit premature.
Obama did in fact compulsively lie throughout that speech and there was nothing wrong at all with calling him out on it, only a lunatic would object to liars being called out.
Please see this interesting article for a perspective, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-lindorff/in-praise-of-joe-wilson-w_b_284405.html
LOL JOE WILDON VOTED TO GIVE ILLEGALS ALEINS HEALTH CARE AND FREE DRUGS TOO. IN 2003 !!!
TORT REFORM IS MIS-DIRECTION
A 10 year study of Hospital Medical Records show that only 1 patient out of 14 who had a Malpractice claim ever filed a law suit and 80 % of those are settled out of court !
So all the lies about Tort Reform are FALSE FLAGS the AMA uses to keep Doctors making profits from all the test they order, all the referals, ILLEGAL KICKBACKS for drugs, operations, not to find a illness, kickbacks to find pre-existing conditions.
Just think about all the things some business would pay a Doctor to do and NOT to do !!!!!!
Don't be fooled by the Tort Reform line-o-crap.
According to the newest AP article, Wilson is also raking in the dough. Not as much as his 2010 opponent, but he is still in the ballpark. He should stand by his remarks and let them admonish him.
Back to the topic of this article, it appears they need to change it a bit. Mr. Wilson is kicking butt in contributions as of today
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2009/09/scs_wilson_rakes_in_750000_in.html
Total costs of med med suits constitute less than one percent of the costs of healthcare.
we need more like him in washington dc not afraid of high life and all those naysayers there GREAT JOB MR WILSON lay into them rascals up there anyway you can...
WE DO NEED REFORM, TORT REFORM. BUT THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN AS LONG AS THE TRIAL LAWYERS ARE IN BED WITH THE DEMOCRATS. DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS ORDER TWICE AS MANY TESTS AS ARE REALLY NEEDED JUST BECAUSE THEY FEAR BEING SUED. THAT'S WHY HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE SO HIGH. BUT OBAMA REFUSES TO EVEN TALK ABOUT LIMITING HIS AMBULANCE CHASING BUDDIES. THEY GIVE TOO MUCH MONEY TO THE DEMS.
What I find interesting is that Wilson apologized to the President, and then immediately went around telling conservative and special interest groups that he "won't be muzzled." No one is trying to muzzle Wilson, no one has suggested a censure, and the White House made NO demand whatsoever for an apology. If he believes that what he did was appropriate, then he should grow a REAL pair and stick by it. Instead, he engages in this weak double-talk by apologizing for what he did, then running around acting like he was somehow victimized by his own actions. I cry bullsh*t.
NUNYA BIDNESS. If you have to ask that question then you surely don't know what's at stake here and would not understand my answer.
If you have ever tried to get assistance with medical bills you would find that our President was speaking the truth. The gov. now has you verify citizenship, no photo copies only certified originals. This incident just showed immaturity.
I support Joe Wilson... Although may be it was not the proper thing to do.... but the rest of the country needs to do the same... we need to take our country back..... Some have asked me why I write these letters etc... Well the Lord gave Joshua the power at Jerico, Sampson the strength and who parted the Red Sea for Moses... well Washington DC is our Jerico and we will lose our Religious freedom if we don't.... Stand Up For Jesus ...... Support your local Tea Party ... we don't have time to wait for another election....
I"m sorry Brother Early but you should have expected the Republicans to fight dirty like that - they have no valid argument to stand on, so they have to stoop to childish tactics like copying your tag, yelling at town halls, disrespecting the President....
"I love Socialism there I said it"
Click on the name and look at "comments" and you'll see some loser has decided to attempt to pose as me. How stupid.
NOT ME!!!
For those with short memories..
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2009/09/10/flashback_democrats_boo_bush_at_2005_state_of_the_union.html
can you imagine what would have happened if bush had been going on about the WMD's in his address and a democrat had said "you lie"? republicans would have called for him to be drawn and quartered on the spot. unpatriotic, traitor, hates america, etc. etc. yet this guy does it and he's a true american, speaking out for the little man. well no, he's not. Do you think that while in the military he would have said that to the face of his commanding officer? I would certainly hope not, for his sake. Yet here is the commander in chief of our armed forces and he treats him as if they're both in 3rd grade.
Leather Band, you said, "...not to be upset at the direction our country is now taking."
By "now," did you mean in the last 10-20 years, or in the last 1 year.
Just curious.
I remember that, Brother Early. If I wasn't late for a meeting I would find that link and post it. Wilson is crazy.
Wilson is the same moron who keep screaming that a Democratic Representative during an interview was unAmerican for saying Regan sold arms to Iran. Remember that? He claimed it was a lie made up by the Left and anyone who believed it was basically a traitor. Sound familiar? Sounds a lot like the cussing and screaming by some on here against those of us who kept calling the Tyrant and his cronies exactly what they were/are; lying, hypocritical, power hungry, fascists.
History is a great teacher. The sight of Wilson and his fellow brownshirts reminded me of the reason Hitler came to power. Blind allegiance to hate. America voted for President Obama. If you disrespect the Presidency, you disrespect America. The crazy guy we had before Obama was treated with more respect, and it was because he was white.
John Davis. I think I read in one of your earlier post that pertained to a 1960's event that you were in Viet Nam at that time. I can tell you don't like Republicans but I can't help but wonder what happened to make a man willing to fight in a h---hole like that not to be upset at the direction our country is now taking. Not an insult, Just curious.
I don't care what side you are on politically or whether you like or dislike Barack Obama. The fact is that that was not the proper forum for heckling. The man is our President and his "live audience" was comprised of the next-highest elected officials in the country, who should have some decorum and idea of how to behave in public to show respect for the office and, therefore, the man. He wasn't my choice for President, but he is who we have, and for some Joe the Plumber off the street to behave that way is one thing; for an "esteemed" (and I use the term loosely) elected official to do so is nothing less than boorish, ill-mannered and disrespectful.
Amazing the wingnuts are still believing the bullmess lies. Also, Wilson is well known for this kind of behavior and is an embarrassment.
No one is asking you, Mark.
JD, you're an idiot. The man was only speaking the truth. Get your head out of the sand, get a grip and get a clue to what's going on in this country. What a moron you are.
If you ask me it shows the true nature of republicans. They are all loud, obnoxious and fear mongerers.
If you ask me this took a lot of guts..........