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!"
What’s on Tap – Thursday September 10th, 2009
Here are the big stories on the agenda today:
- President Obama selling his health care plan, in a make or break speech to congress, and more importantly to the American people. The president kept the public option on the table and called on lawmakers to work together. But one yelled out that he was a liar in the middle of his speech. Today, whether he could be censured for the outburst. And whether you went to bed last night with a better understanding of what this is all about? The entire AM team is breaking everything down for you this morning. We have reaction from both sides, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
- It's Bernie Madoff in his own words, telling colleagues how to dance around questions from the SEC. In a just-released audio recording from 2005, the convicted swindler is heard coaching a potential witness about fooling regulators, saying "you don't have to be too brilliant" to get away with it. And wait ‘till you hear the rest.
- Tennis phenom Melanie Oudin's sensational U.S open run is over. Number 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark defeated the 17-year-old American, 6-2, 6-2. The teen tennis star apparently never expected to get as far as she did. Her hotel reservation ran out mid week and she had to pack up and move to the hotel next door. Oudin will be with us live to talk about her amazing ride.
Obama presents health plan, rips 'scare tactics'
WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Obama told Congress on Wednesday that while he is not the first president to take up the cause of health care reform, "I am determined to be the last."
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/09/09/obama.speech/art.obama.speech.03.pool.jpg caption= "President Obama told a joint session of Congress that the 'time for bickering' over health care is over."]
In an address to a joint session of Congres Obama presented the most detailed description of his idea of health reform, and at the same time posted an outline of his plan on the White House Web site.
Obama has been criticized as the health care debate has devolved into rancorous town hall meetings and a partisan split over reform plans. Obama has also faced a split in his own party over how to best go about reforming the nation's health care system.
"Well the time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action," Obama said. "Now is when we must bring the best ideas of both parties together, and show the American people that we can still do what we were sent here to do. Now is the time to deliver on health care." Read the full story »
- Transcript of the speech
- Video of the full speech
- Read Obama's health care plan (PDF)
- GOP: Obama plan too costly
What is your reaction to the speech? What do you think of the president's plan? Add a comment below.
Video: Check out American Morning's new TV promo
Check out the new American Morning TV promo now running on CNN. It gives you a great behind-the-scenes look at how our talented team puts together three hours of news each and every weekday.
Spies Among Us: What China knows
The FBI ranks China as one of the biggest espionage threats to the United States over the next decade.
From top secret research to items up for sale on eBay – some of our most intimate national security details could be at risk. Homeland Security Correspondent Jeanne Meserve has the first part of our special series 'Spies Among Us.'
About this Show
Welcome to the American Morning blog where you can get daily news updates from American Morning's reporters and producers. Join us for "the most news in the morning," weekdays from 6-9 a.m. ET, only on CNN.
On Twitter
