American Morning
Wilson shouts 'you lie' at Obama, then apologizes
WASHINGTON (CNN) - A Republican House member shouted "You lie" during President Obama's health care speech to Congress on Wednesday, and members of both parties condemned the heckling.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/09/10/obama.heckled.speech/art.joe.wilson.heckling.gi.jpg caption="Rep. Joe Wilson shouted "You lie" after President Obama denied health reform would cover illegal immigrants."]
After the speech, South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson issued a statement apologizing for his outburst.
"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 health care bill," the statement said. "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 also called the White House to apologize and spoke with Obama's Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who accepted the apology on the president's behalf, according to a senior administration official.
"We can disagree without being disagreeable," Emanuel said to Wilson, according to the official. "That was the point of the president's speech."
The outburst came when Obama denied that proposed health care legislation would provide free health coverage for illegal immigrants. Immediately, Wilson shouted, "You lie!"
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I am appalled at the lack of respect a Representatiew from SC has of our President. I don't even want to give him the publicity of his name being mentioned. This man won the Presidential election by a wide margin. Learn the rules of etiquette.
there is a pink elephant in the room that NO one will address. People are so blinded by their racism that they are blatantly disrespecting the highest office in the land.
Pat, as to illegal aliens children, the majority of legally born American children of illegal aliens I am sorry to say are already on Medicaid and most likely will be until the age limit of age 18. That being said, I think that about covers that one.
Rosemary, your question about availability is a good one. As to the small percentage who are on the public option, which is only the loophole people since large employers, etc are not allowed on the plan, I would assume that most if not all, just like they Medicare, Medicaid current participating will be included in the plan. HR 3200 does in fact stipulate if a doctor is not part of the providers he or she may still treat you and file for the customary amount stipulated in the plan, Any overage would be your responsiblity, but in my experience, most doctors accept plan amounts as payment in full, so any overage amount may be from doctor to doctor.
Rep Wilson should be a disgrace to his party. For any American who say it is ok to do what he did, shame on them. A country that will advance in our global economy must be a country that respect our President. There's no place for this type of behavior. His apology was not sincere, he just thought he might be in trouble in his state. He should be and person living or from the state should be disgusted. All summer republicans have only said no, now they want to start the process over, do they think all Americans are stupid? Do they think American's want the status quo? They are wrong and should loose more seats in 2010. It's time for change.
To Michelle – regardless of whether the government subsidizes AMTRAK or not, it's a great service. Especially in the Northeast. It is a start in a direction we need to go in terms of regional mass transit. I have no problem with the government investing in that area.
You know what ripped me more than anything about the reaction by the Republican side of the house, was when the President shot back the death panel as a complete lie that not one single person in the GOP stood up and applauded or even applauded in their seat, not even Wilson. I am afraid that if they have not read the bill HR 3200 by now and are still living in Palinland that not one single person in the GOP should be eligible to run in the next election. I am sure we all pay them to read the bills they are protesting. ONLY other reasons they do support the death panel rumor is A: Pure Political, B: Have not read the bill, C: Are trying to keep private insurance happy and keep getting their campaign donations.
What Rep. Wilson should have said, in his comments about the outburst, was something along the lines of, "Hey, I'm psychic, what can I say? I lost control for one second and channeled the thoughts of 75 million Americans!"
I think Wilson's behavior in a public forum calling the President a liar is like the pot calling the kettle black to coin an old fashioned phrase. Not to mention disrespectful. I do not care how you feel about legislation or an agenda, there should not be a public display of disrespect toward the Commander in Chief ever! As to the illegal alien problem, lets go back to the kettle and the pot. The President promised he would not sign a bill that covered illegal aliens. In that regard, he has confirmed this item. As to hospitals providing care, they have no choice as it is law that anyone who walks in their emergency room doors will receive care and they do not have time or money to do a background check on a patient and yes we have been paying for it and will continue to do so regardless of reform or not. If you want to address the illegal alien health care issue, perhaps everyone should start with addressing their Congressmen and Women that they should direct law enforcement including local, state, federal and ICE to start enforcing current law to deport them, and for employers who hire them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Illegal aliens do not come here to visit, they come here because an employer has jobs for them so the employer can pocket extra money that he never pays into the tax system either state, federal, social security, medicare or unemployment. Fight the illegal alien problem by demanding current laws be upheld! Demand that Republicans get off their high horses like they are not part of this problem and demand our laws be upheld instead of hand patting illegal aliens as though they are not part of the problem with our economy to start with as a whole. They do in fact direct law enforcement not to arrest and deport. For Wilson to call out in a public forum on an problem that he is responsible for himself is so much political riff raff. Congress is part of the major problem now on all sides. They are the ones directing law enforcement to not bother illegals except in certain law breaking instances. A traffic ticket for no license or insurance or auto registration does not apply to this directive. Not one misdemeanor results in legal status check. Leave them alone our lawmakers say, they are only trying to live. BS! Demand Congress and all states' governments to check everyone for legal status even if it is a traffic ticket! Do your job and stop calling our President names in public when you are an intgeral part of this problem!
THE REPUBLICANS WANTS TO PUT FEAR IN EVERY AMERICAN. TO MAKE US THINK THIS PRESIDENT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HE HIS DOING FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. JOE WILSON SHOULD HAVE CONDUCTED HIMSELF LIKE A MAN AND NOT LIKE A LITTLE BOY WHO DIDNT GET HIS WAY.
I don't know why everyone is surprised by Wilson's outburst and disrespect, isn't that what the Republicans trained all of the followers to do at the town hall meetings on health care.
Shouting "you lie" during a presidential speech is completely unacceptable no matter which party you belong to.
This is certainly a new low.
I hope they censure Mr. Wilson ASAP.
I have been reading all these comments and have a reply to something Sandra said about medicare being so great. It is a massive failure. After my Grandfather died my Grandmothers health started to decline. She was 77 and started to get dementia and alzhiemers. She was denied coverage to a special nursing home for people with those needs because of some foolish paperwork delay and my mother was forced to try to care for her. There are so many problems with the goverment today why do we still wish to give them power?
Steve - Can you please put up the quotes that explain this? Or tell me where I can go to read them? Thanks.
Rep. Joe Wilson has raised campaign funds over this comment and he is very proud! What kind of world do we live in.....bad behavior rewarded?? Don't republicans frown on things like this?
I am outraged that no one is calling for the South Carolina Congressman job for yelling out You Lie. His apologize is not sincere and I have never in my 50 years of living heard anyone treat a President like this man did on last night address to public. Weather a person believe in President Obama politics or not, one should steal respect him as the President of the United States. You guys keep saying that this was bad manners, I say this was stupid and unforgivable. The Republicans and the Democrats should call for his resignation. We finally have a President that want both sides to work together to make our Country better and this idiot do this. Can people really be this mad that this man is the President of the United States, I am not getting it. I almost wish I wasn't an American.
Is anyone going to discuss why that congressman felt so strongly that the President was lying that he had to yell out in such an unprecidented way? What language is in these bills that makes him believe that illegal immigrants will be covered?
Last night"s interuption was totally unacceptable and unacceptable!!!!
As a constituent of South Carolina I am deeply saddened at the behavior of our Congressman Joe Wilson. He needs to be held accountable for his action!!!!!
Rep. Joe Wilson – Childish. Our political leaders need to realize that a brief apology does not forgive simply stupid behavior. In my opinion, this behavior is representative of the Republican party in general. They continually throw stones from the side lines without willingness to be part of the solution. As an American citizen, I want to hold political office holders accountable. If they don't wake up, my vote as well as my dollars will be against every Republican incumbent.
I heard the President speak last night, and I heard Rep. Wilson say you lie when the president said that illegal aliens would not be covered under his plan. I would like to know just who he thinks is paying for those illegal aliens when they go to the ER. They say that there are between ten to twenty million illegal aliens in the United States and they have been saying that for ten years. I'm thinking that just maybe a few more might have jumped the fence since that survey was taken.
One thing that I didn't hear in the presidents speach was the part about if you don't have health insurance that you would be fined a
certain amount of money, I'm wondering if that includes the parents
( of the illegal kind ) when their child is born in the U.S. and becomes an automatic citizen. Now that child is compelled to have health insurance or be fined. WHAT'S YOUR OPINION?
You should explore what Hispanics think of the implications of Joe Wilson's comment. How many Hispanics are in his district?
Wilson, Palin, Boehner(sp), gun toting wack jobs at town halls, death praying preachers, on and on and on......... how anyone can take republicans seriously any more is beyond me. They have confirmed what many of us have always suspected, that they are the party of no new ideas, the party of corporations/profit before people, the party of angry white bigots, the party that is truely bad for America
Last night's interuption by congressman Joe Wison was totally disrespectful and unacceptable. As a constituent of South Carolina I am deeply appalled and ashamed. Cutting the chase this kind of behavior stems from that old deep seeded hatred of racism. Will we as a people ever overcome it????? Now is the time to put it away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shameful
I've been a Republican over 40 years and am SO DISGUSTED I'm sick to my stomach ! ! ! Rep Joe Wilson is another example of the representatives we Christians have elected to REPRESENT us, the CHRISTIAN REPUBLICAN PARTY. Sadly, I have to admit that it's been a LONG TIME since I've seen ANY CHRIST-LIKE-ATRTRIBUTES manifested from ANY elected Republican. Mr Wilson is incapable of RESPECTING the office of a LEGALLY ELECTED President of the United States...even if he is a black Democrat. I'm disgusted with (yet) ANOTHER elected Republican being exposed as a HYPOCRITE or of some sexual immorality. It's time I changed my political affiliation! I've had it with the bully tactics, hypocrisy, dishonesty, lies and sexual immorality of elected GOPer's while CLAIMING to be christians.
President Obama did a great job in explaining health reform. I was pleased with what I heard from the president, he said what I needed to hear and a plethor of others. He touched on senior care which was a plus. My mother is a senior and on a fixed income, we needed to hear what the president had in mine for her and others alike.
the rep. should let the president be the president, and stop trying to savatage is every move. If it aint their way, they beleive it should not be no other way. "smile" CHANGE! we all stand for. ur a buch of racist people.
Wilson should be fired and those who embrace his outburst should follow behind him. An apology is not enough. First impression is last impression. his apology isn"t sincear. He is heartless. He is proven to be a loser. Rep. are angry because they are not running white house, which is very sad on their part. However, wilson should loser his seat immed, and go feed the ducks, Im sure he'll do just find. thats what losers do. wilson "are you smarter than a third grader?" NO! get the steppin.
I WONDER WHERE JOE WILSON WAS WHEN BUSH AND CHANEY WAS PUSHING TO INVADED IRAQ.
I think that a lot of of Americans believe that Joe Wilson was right in yelling at the President and calling him a liar .
Afterall, just tune in to Fox News and you see the Hosts of of these programs disrecpecting the president 24 hours a day. It would be ok if they would just disagree with him but they take it to the next level and try to outrage people . Just look how angry people have gotten lately.
We used to be a caring people.
What happened?
Taking offense to the question "What can you do for me?", town hall meetings (meant to inform Americans) burst into near rioting, showing blatant lies as ads (every other commercial), speaking out at a formal joint congressional speech in such a hateful and, again, misinforming way is not about America.
It is about those few white Americans having to take direction from a black man. The undercurrent of tension here is becoming more apparent to the rest of us white folk that are starting to open our eyes to facts about these issues, and it is not pretty.
Blatant disrespect being overlooked as a misspoken mistake is not acceptable. I wouldn't allow my kids to get away with this – only because it would reinforce that there is a time it will be accepted.
I would have had him physically removed by a member of his party.
What is the big deal about the senator calling the Preident a liar? It is obvious that the President wants this country to be like many others in the world. In many countries the political process is very rambunctious. With this outburst ,he is getting a taste of what it's like. As for giving him respect, I was taught that you must earn it, not given it because of a office you hold. Until he begins acting like a president for all people he will hear more ourbursts of a similar nature. In my opinion, he missed a great opportunity to be conciliatory. Great speaker, poor in getting the country to work together. Seems only interrest in pushing his agenda forward.
I thought President Obama made a noble attempt to explain why we need the Health Care Bill and what is in the bill. It's sad when we have a member of Congress who has no manners and doesn't understand the rules of behavior when listening to a speech, and if he were a high school student would have been suspended from school if he had addressed his teacher in that manner. Add his outburst to the behavior of the S.C.Governor and you have a state to feel sorry for this morning.
Michelle is probably Representative Joe Wilson.......po thang!
Chuck,
That is a prime example of what i just said. "White sucker"? Your not racist are you! Your statement is a prime example of one of the most unintelligent statements that could be made. If you keep your mouth closed and your hands behind your back someone is less likely to be able to observe that you are incapable of putting together a cohesive comment.
When adults behave poorly we set the bar for our children. We teach by example.Many people had their family members (including children) watch the speech. Much to our dismay, a senator who should've known better, was disrespectful and as it turns out mis-informed. Simply calling and apologizing after the fact is not enough. The damage has been done. SC voters need to vote this guy out of office. We recently bought property in SC and were planning on building a retirement home. We are now having second thoughts.
This is the type of display that is keeping President Obama from making any headway. The only reason he even had the nerve to do this disrespectful thing on national tv was because the President was a black man. Don't think the american public is so stupid that we can't read between the lines. Had that been a black person who made the display he'd be out of a job as I write this comment and you know that to be a fact. Until we face the the real illness of this country, those who are really responsible for the shape we are in will continue to keep us divided and floundering.
I gotta tell you, it's amazing how so many of you are quick to jump on Wilson and run to the aid of Obama.
Funny, I never heard such outrage when Bush was verbally attacked. When people called for him to be killed and other senseless comments.
As far as the Republicans have had 8 years to fix this, open your eyes. They ALL of had plenty of time to fix any issues that are wrong with the healthcare in this country. Try this, take the politcal chip off your shoulder and try- just try- to take an objective view of the issue and the problem. Just because Obama says it does not make it true.
The devil is in the details. I suggest you actually read any proposed legislation and KNOW for yourself rather than run around like chickens with your head cut off repeating what either "side" may say! Don't show your ignorance by just repeating the talking points, have an educated opinion – if your capable.
THIS IS VERY SAD WHAT THIS WHITE SUCKER WILSON DID LAST NIGHT. THIS HOWEVER CAME AS NO SURPRISE BECAUSE THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN SENDING TUGS TO ALL TOWN HALL MEETINGS IN MONTHS PASSED. THIS BASTARD CLEARLY SHOW THE RACIAL SIDE OF A RACIST.
He is a disgrace to the House, the state of South Carolina, and to himself. Where does S.C. get all these clowns from.
Congressman Wilson's comment was not the smartest thing to do,but I guess the liberals have forgotten that Harry Reid referred to Pres Bush as a loser and a liar in 2007.And the self righteous Pelosi called the CIA liars. Hypocrites.No wonder their approval rates are low.
Wilson is a disgrace. Unfortunately, he is only the latest example of ugly, nasty partisian politics. At the rate we're going, it won't be to far in the future when our government "leaders" will be featured on YouTube and World's Wildest Videos beating each other senseless like you see in other countries. Grow up! Show a little respect for our country and constitution!
I feel the outburst was disrespectful. No matter how someone feels you need to show restraint during the Presidents speech no matter who the President is and no matter whether you like what he is saying. Congressman Wilson is passionate in what he believes but that was not the time to voice it. The Congress should be above that. They represent all of us.
Goodmorning, love your broadcast! My husband and I watch it everyday.
In regards to Mr. Wilson and the rest of his colleagues that seem to be following this path of behavior. My children show way more respect and maturity than he demonstrated last night.
While it is okay to disagree, it is not okay to be disrespectful of the PRESIDENT of our country. He should be accountable for this, an apology is really something he has to do to save face.
I think it is time our country stands behind President Obama and shows him the respect the office deserves. They are trying to blame everything from the past 8 years on him and he has only been in office a short time. The republicans had no problem showing respect to President Bush and our children's children will be correcting his mistakes.
Let's come together as a country and back our President!
Thanks again for reporting both sides, that's why we watch CNN!
Wendy Thomas, from Ohio
After the comment made by Mr. Wilson "You Lie" and President Obamas negative shake of the head – the next call out should have been "Prove It". Mr. Wilson showed the frustration felt by so many of us.
We can all hope that Joe Wilson will be defeated in the next election! We will be watching the election results.
I am sick and tired of the Republican Party and their negative input! With having 2 terms to make changes to this Nations medical issues for people they did nothing at all. Stop the bickering! Maybe their insurance coverage should mirror the coverage of those facing the lost of their home, or their life, or their family members. None of them worry about their own medical coverage and don't worry about it when they retire do they?
I think Senator Kennedy understood the pain most families could face when a major medical occurance hit them.
Those voted into an office that gets to act and vote on our behalf need to think more about us.
Joyce
How disrespectful. Shame on the State of South Carolina for electing a congressman who has such disregard and lack od respect for the Office of the President of the United States.
This is my last post. Joe, the Medicare system is a "government run system". Boy do they look out for the seniors. They have excellent guidelines for interfacing with the seniors. They are available to the public 24 hours a day. As an insurance agent, I think they do a pretty good job of managing Medicare and regulating how people and business communicate to the seniors, some times overly so, in my opinion but it's still okay. Ask any senior (or a disabled person who is not of retirement age) if they want their Medicare to go away because it's a government run program. Ask a senior if they would like Medicare to stay out of their affairs when it comes to someone trying to take advantage of them with healthcare choices. The public is in too much of an uproar over this healthcare reform and it's just plain rediculous. What do we Americans have against a public choice vs a private choice? Medicare beneficiaries go to any doctor they choose who ACCEPTS Medicare; can change their "private" insurance carrier under the Medicare Advantage program every year and some people can change at will. What is the big to do? Just politics. Bottomline–just politics. Let's do the Rush Limbaugh thing and hope Obama fails wacko stuff is what this is all about. Americans need to get off their egos and start doing what we should all be doing–"loving our neighbor as we love ourselves". Oh, that's from the Bible (our Book of Instruction Before Life Ends). You can get all hung up on this world or you can get with God. Who you with?
the bill gives insured healthcare to illegal immigrants, this is a fact and all the death ray pelosi stares in the world will not change this fact! I guess the morality of this country has changed entirely: If you lie, you go far–if you tell the truth, you must apologize.
This so wrong what Mr wilson did i have a boss who treats me like an animal he puts the fear of life in me .He talks down to me and everyone i do not scream at him or disrespect him especially not in public .We teach people to respect their elders their leaders and anyone in authority .The leaders of this country need to act like leaders especially in public .If a student had shouted at a teacher while they were speaking would they be punished yes .I am very dissapointed in Mr wilson and he should be held accountable for his action just to say i am sorry is not good enough .
The president should be given the utmost respect even if we agree or disagree with him .Mr wilson should be asame of himself .
It's time for Representative Joe Wilson to buy a trailer and a mangy hound and set up shop on some rural, dusty piece of ground, living down to the level he demonstrated in the House Chamber last evening: Low rent, low ...class. (Fittingly, his future opponent for the seat received $40,000 in campaign contributions overnight!!!!)
Of course Obama lies. nothing new about that....i agree Wilson obviously feels like 79% of taxpaying Americans today. wonder why CNN doesnt show some of the rude behavior of the DEMs when GWB was addressing Congress – how biased our media is today – they promote the run away.
Oh, no, Democrats have NEVER called a Republican President a "liar" have they? Of course, they have, and the media could have cared less about that. Now, just because it is a Democrat President, we are all supposed to be outraged that someone had that someone had the audacity to shout that a President Obama. Technically, the president did lie. When speaking of health care reform and the uninsured, Democrats have always (until last night) thrown around the 47 million uninsured figure. That figure did include illegal immigrants. If they weren't being talked about in regards to any reform, why did Democrats continue to include them in the scare tactics used by the left of inflating the uninsured numbers?
Also, why no coverage of the clever tactic used by Republicans last night when they waved their reform proposals when Barack Obama falsely claimed that the opposition has no ideas and that he is open to any suggestions from them. This guy has not met with Republicans since April. He is NOT open to opposing ideas. Democrats in Congress are NOT open to republican ideas. It's time that the President is called on the carpet for the false premise that he is somehow working in a bi-partisan way.
I just want to know what the bill really states concerning illegal immigrants. Secondly the fact that an elected official that represents people would disrespect the president as he did tell me that he is not qulified to ever rule his own house much less work in the public. and last he needs to just go home and close the door and never come out again. WHAT DOES THE BILL SAY ABOUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS?
I assume that Rep. Wilson was just caught up in a moment of passion. Makes one wonder what he shouts in his moments of passion with his mistress.
OK, so Rep. Wilson calls the President out about his speech. Big deal. The Democrats had the chance to do that with Bush, but let GB slide every time he got behind the micorphone. They didn't do what they should have done when they had the chance, Wilson did. The nation is in serious trouble and I wish we had more Joe Wilsons in Congress...on both sides.
Here's an idea:..... South Carolina.. please DO NOT allow this man to speak to your children about ANYTHING. – he will teach them how to be UNBELIEVABLY RUDE! –
Joe Wilson showed great disrespect for our President at the highest level. How unprofessional and it shows that he can't control his emotions even in a very civil public place. Remember what comes out of the mouth is in the heart. He needs to be reprimanded.
I'm proud of our President that heard that awful disgracful remark and moved on. The likes of Joe Wilson can't stand that we have this kind of President and they will stop at nothing to try to tear him down.
President Bush had a shoe thrown at him in another country, but never has this happened to a republican at this type of forum in our history. The fear that is put out by these types of republicians is scary, there is no telling what they will do next.
I believe President Obama is on the riight track for health care reform bill. The President said what I needed to hear and a plethora of others. This miss leading info put out there by rep. will continue because they are a buch of angre sad ducks that will do anything to win the white house over, so that we can go further down in the ground. Their actions are sickning and very disgraceful to our country.
wilson should lose his seat, he don't have respect and he's proven to be a looser. If in fact this was a white president speaking, he would lose his seat. small people like wilson should not be able to speak for anyone not to make any decissions to agree or disagree for this country. He is rude and disfunctional, some one who want to be seen. Willson, "are you smarter than a third grader?" the answer is hell no!
there for get the steppin. We don't need people like you. You are for you and yours only. not for the country as a whole, we are all in this thing together. An apologie just won't do. Always first impression is what it is. your apology is not good enough. Who's the lie "wilson".
GET OUT!
I am happy with the president and is health plan. its sad for the amout of respect he gets from rep. and their followers, and their sillyness.
I am really angry. House Representative Joe Wilson is a 'disgrace' to himself, South Carolina, the House and Senate. He should 'resign'. What a 'despicable' person. Talk about rude and unprofessional. The Republican Party should kick him out. A total embarrassment to to the great state of South Carolina and the Republican Party. Somebody should take him outside behind the barn and 'wash' his mouth out with soap. Mike in Montana
Sandra,
Read my respectful comment to Liz's request. Also, do some reading.
Unfortunately for all of us, Rep. Wilson's outburst will just add more fuel to the fire. This incident should be a non-story. Instead, people will continue to eat up the demagoguery dished out from both sides of the so-called "debate", which will continue to be "all heat and no light".
I am appalled at Congressman Wilson for his rude and disrespectful behaviour on the floor of the House of Congress. It just goes to show that because someone might be educated, doesn't mean they are smart. It is no wonder that many young people today (and even many adults) have no respect for anyone, no matter who they are. He sure is no example for anyone to look up to. It is becoming more obvious that no matter what President Obama does or says, even when the facts are shown, that he will never ever get the respect of those who are bigots/prejudiced, stupid, uneducated. They will never accept the fact that a black man is President of the U.S., and that he is smart, intelligent, and articulate. I am sorry, but I can't accept that Congressman Wilson is sincere in his apology. There was time for him to read the transcript of the speech. It is just another way of the Republicans repeating lies.....something that is being repeated will be believed by those who do not want to hear the truth and accept it. This is what the Republicans are really good at....lies and fear mongering.
I am a British citizen living in the USA with a green card. My question to President Obama would be.Will all doctors and medical facilities be forced to take the government healthcare ? The system in England is an example of what President Obama wants to acheive and is fraught with problems, a lot of the good doctors have opted out of the government run National Health System and go into private practice, thus making the NHS doctors more and more over crowded.You have to wait for appointments, and should you be critically ill, have to wait sometimes weeks even months for treatment and a hospital bed. My mother in law had a massive stroke 8 years ago in England and had to wait 4 days for a cat scan and died.Every working individual has contributions deducted from their salary, the more you earn the more you pay. The system hasn't worked for years. Now a lot of people take costly private medical insurance to avoid waiting for treatment .As nearly all doctors here are in private practice to start with and sometimes dont take the insurance you have, will they be forced to take the new Obama plan ????????
The only thing more disgusting than Rep. Wilson proving what an idiot he is, is the fact that now he will be the darling and the hero to the Glenn Beck's and Rush Limbaugh's of the world. The man has proved to the entire country what a disrespectful, out of touch jerk he is, which is precisely the mentality that the likes of Beck and Limbaugh revere.
Shame on Congressman Wilson!! Politicians like him are disgrace to this wonderful nation.
Michelle,
I can show you where republicans didn't want medicare or social security either. Let's compare apples to apples. Time to stop making excuses and get the job done!
I was absolutely disgusted at Rep. Wilson's comment to the President of the United States. What he did was a disgrace to all Americans and it showed that we do not have any respect for anyone. I am from South Carolina and am already embarrassed from our governor's poor judgements. Now I am greatly ashamed of our Congressman Joe Wilson.
@ Dickey.....you must be a 'Child Left Behind'. It would be 'appalled' for the correct spelling. Town hall wingnut?
Wilson is a Kentucky Fried Jacka$$ who disrespected the President of the USA, along with the other Rethugs for their actions....... not to mention Eric Canton on his blackberry like a junior high school kid. Then again, Eric Canton attended a Brittney Spears concert alone, no child.
Liz,
I agree with you accept the part about "even Jesus Christ". Jesus is the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega. This world is temporary; God's kingdom is forever. The American public needs a wake up call.
THEY ARE ALL LIARS! DON'T YOU GET IT!
they will do ANYTHING to be elected and get on the GRAVY TRAIN!!!
bureaucrats = SCUMBAGS!
Our whole government needs to reform!!!
IRS – They cannot account for the money they take in, and cost us billions a year. FAILURE! Point of sale systems today can track every cent a business makes! With a flat sales tax, we could audit it easily!
Drug war – costs billions, obvious failure
Energy – desperately needs our focus
Joe Wilson is a disgrace to the USA, and should resign,and move to another country. It's ok not to agree with someone,but you don't behave like that! He is a poor rep of SC,but it looks like most of the SC Rep are low life womanizers,and liars.
You don't call the Pres of the USA a liar on national tv,and then try to take it back later. Joe Wilson has done this stuff before,but not to this level. He has gotten away with it ,so his bad behavior continues. I wish nothing but bad things in his political career, and his life.He's a low life,scum of the earth, good for nothing person. And speaking of lies,check out all the things he's been caught lying about during his political career.
I don't know why you even bother to bring Guliani on your show. He is so partisan, that it is no longer a news item. Isn't he a perfect example of what the President stated we do not need in this dialog? Are you at CNN only trying to fan the flames of controversy?
We need to build a consensus rather than increase discourse and disagreement. Isn't that what the President was calling for? Isn't that what is needed for our country?
The media has a role in this debate by reading the various proposals and asking where various lawmakers where they stand with respect to what is actually in the bill instead of opinion about opinions. The media reporting is trending more towards entertainment instead of news.
Stop this madness and get back to your core and the your name (i.e., Cable "News" Network, not Cable "Entertainment" Network).
Tine Dickey, you are absolutely right.
I think Joe should go back to his plumbing job.
Michele,
Who are you? A CNN provocateur? Hypocrisy? Calling someone out is NOT the same as calling someone a liar! That is synonymous to exposing Joe Wilson for opening his big, disrespectful mouth and letting the chips fall where they may. When someone actually lies, it's actually okay to call them a liar about what they lied about. It is not okay to call our President, leader of our country, a liar when you don't have the facts and you don't know what you are talking about. Whatever 48% or 49% of country thinks, there is still an air of decorum and respect you give our leader.
It is utterly mind blowing to see how Americans are reacting to this president versus the last regime who laid the biggest bam buzzle on everyone and continued the cherade for eight years. Someone comes our and says the Obama is lying and everyone jumps on the bandwagon. Tell someone what the lie is and maybe you'll have some validity to making that statement.
Once again, the republicans show just how out of touch, how classless, and how disrespctful they are, when they are NOT THE MAJORITY!
Shame on wilson, he should be sanctioned and asked to publicly apologise, so that America's children learn from this and know that this behaviour will NEVER be tolerated.
Disgusting behavior on the part of Rep. Wilson. When Pres. Bush and his hench man Cheney sold the American public on "Weapons of Mass Destruction" lie no one shouted Liar to him. The Republicans spew such hatred and division. I thought that as Americans we have the privilege of having different opinions without being called names. I am a liberal democrat and proud of it.
In the american way of life, no one has ever successfully created a national business overnight. So what makes the gov't think that it can successfully make a national health care system. The politicians should think smaller. Hey, here's an idea. Lets start a health care system for just one state, controlled by the state, but overseen by federal gov't. Then fix and tweek it until you have a smooth running health care system running in that state. Once you have a real life template, then you can move on. Oh, but that would make too much sense. COME ON PEOPLE K.I.S.S. {keep it simple stupid}
Wilson's outburst was on national TV..... his apology should be also.
You "tell us" of an opology..... but I've seen nothing of one. Till I see it, it does not exist. He should be thrown out of Congress.
Liz, I can show you "in the language" where AMTRAK was only going to cost a small amount for the govt and be self sufficient two decades ago. Ditto for every govt program. What actually happens has little to do what is "in the language" when it comes to our very complicated legistative and bureaucratic processes. The President could mean well, but he's not part of the group of bureaucrats who's going to execute it.
What is it with you people about "he still lies"; "he lies". How many of you stood up against Bush and Cheney with their huge lies?
What makes you think because a President delivers a BIG PICTURE that he is lying? It's not his place to speak on every detail. That's why he has a cabinet and they have management under them. It trickles down. Get your facts straight and stop being judgmental before you actually see the end result. No wonder cable news channels pander to the pandemonium of hysterics.
SHAME ON HIM. He not only disrespected President Obama but the American people. It was obvious that he is one og the Republicans that put out all the garbage that we have had to hear for so many months. He is not a patriot, and does not deserve to sit in that room.
i hope the folks in South Carolina remember this when he goes up for reelection, that have a few characters they should send home.
Responding to Steve, your comment that GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLACE IN PROVIDING HEALTHCARE, as just one of the things that clouds so many judgments. Who do you think regulates insurance and insurers? If government has no place in healthcare, there would be no need to regulate these providers. An oh, by the way, before regulation got involved, you best believe they did what the heck they wanted. In fact, there are still restrictions in today's eligibilities for insurance, which is one of the BIG reasons so people are without insurance! We are fortunate to have some guidelines, checks and balances in place for the sake of the people as a whole. But more is needed. Most folks need to get their heads out of their behinds and learn skills in objectivity, not clouded by personal interest, anger because their presidential choice didn't get elected, or that a large number of illegal immigrates are here in our country and continue to get across the boarders, or that we are being led by a "black" president. I believe there are many people who will never give him respect just because. But God judges all, now and after. I believe God fights his battles. Watch and see.
I am appalled by Representative Wilson's arrogant, outrageous and totally disrespectful behavior towards the President of the United States,his peers and the citizens of the United States.
By Rep. Wilson 's rage, he validates, angry outbursts of disrespect toward any elected official on the national, state or local level. We have seen this at many local town hall meetings. Rep. Wilson, by his actions last night will serve as a form of validation for others to act up and act out in similar disruptive ways. His goal was clear: Derail and distract the President.
Rep Wilson needs to be held accountable and disciplined.
He should be sanctioned and publicly apologize from the the FLOOR.....
Joe Wilson is a disgrace to the House and will be held accountable at the next polls for his juvenile and totally unbecoming conduct. Did he forget that he was addressing the President of the United States of America and not some unsavoury used car salesman? My teenage children exercise more appropriate decorum than this poor excuse for a public servant. For shame, Mr. Wilson!
Joe Wilson is a typical 'react before you think politician'. He probably even believes his on press releases. How cute.
IF the speech had not been made public prior to being delivered by the President of the USA, I could merely accept his excuse. The fact that the Republicans were making catcalls, holding up signs and then this Kat calls the President of the United States of America a LIAR unacceptable. It was such an August Town Hall atmosphere. Worst of all, I never realized how 'White' the Republic Party was until looking at that chamber.
I disagree with Ms. McCaskill, he needs censured. They need to put an end to the behavior of the Republicans to our first African-American President.
I live in Pennsylvania, and I donated to his opponent Rob Miller last night!
Republican Party = Male, Pale and Stale.
The fact that Carole, in her interview with Sen. McGaskill (D-MO), stressed whether or not LEGAL immigrants should be covered under the President's health care plan is offensive. I am a green-card holder (legal immigrant), have been in the US since 1976 and have paid taxes (payroll, real estate, etc.) like most Americans. I play "by the rules" and for that I am now to be excluded from any national health care reform.
I often wonder what made people sit down and type commentaries to any morning news shows......now I know!
Truly, I am appauld by Carole's comment – it is so unlike CNN!
The President quoted the entire statement regarding illegal immigrants and the fact that they will not be included in the health care bill, no more than they are covered now. They go to the emergency room just like we do. They are the first to arrive and the last the leave. We are not barbarians, even Jesus Christ said to take care of the needy and those less fortunate. Of course our Republican breatherns, who usually fall back on the bible for everything, are disregarding that charge to all mankind. I'd like someone to quote the entire statment that includes illegals in the present plan. When you can tell me where to find it, I'll stop calling for Joe Wilson's sanction.
Of course no Congress person should call a President a liar during a speech to the chamber. Joe Wilson was absolutely wrong to do it in that forum. But the President was also wrong to use the words in the same chamber that "we're going to call you out on it." We all know that when someone "calls someone out" they are calling them liars as well.
I just love the usual double standard. Nancy Pelosi has called the collective institution called the CIA a bunch of liars, and the press could care less about holding her feet to it.
Let's keep up the hypocracy. That's helping to unite us real well.
I think the American People has been brain wash to think that it is ok to pay what anybody asks for. We have been abuse in every way, we can't see when someone (President) is trying to get us on the right path.
Our politicians are OVERPAID SLOBS! They say it costs a billion dollars to run for President! Who pays that? The speacial interest corporate cronies! We have ZERO representation!
PIGS!!!!
What happened to Southern manners? I'll bet his mother is mortified! Funny that his official website is "down for maintenance" this morning.
It is laudable that he has apologized to the President, but he needs to apologize to the American people. We don't allow our children to behave like that in public – then they see and hear a national leader exhibit a lack of self-control that is nationally embarrassing! He needs to address his behavior publicly – not just in a back room call to the White House.
Shame on Rep. Joe Wilson. He is a disgrace to America and the district he represents.
Thrilled to hear explanation of full program-"liar" comment typical of the extremist BS we've heard from the Right all through this process.
He still has not answered the real question about health care. He skirts the truth and demands we like his plan. He is a great speaker but he still lies. It care is our health care not his.
Rep. Joe Wilson should be tarred and feathered on the steps of the South Carolina state capital building for being a lobbyist for Fox News !
What is it about most of the Republican members of congress, do they get up in the morning and take stupid pills Rep. Wilson is an example of a real idiot, if you check the work stupid in the dictionary,his picture will be there. It just amazes me that we elect people like him, but then look at some of the others we have elected.
i agree with Jow Wilson. President Obama lied then and continues to lie!
u cant unring a bell
I think Joe's comments are reflective of how most people feel. In this case the facts simply do not favor the President. Illegal immigrants are covered in the current proposals. It is unfortuante that this President finds it so difficult to tell the truth. Go figure, the facts get in the way of making his point.GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLACE IN PROVIDING HEALTHCARE.