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Wilson Apologizes, via Emanuel, for 'You Lie'

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 9, 2009 10:44 PM CDT
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(AP) – South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson, who shouted "You lie" at President Barack Obama during his speech to Congress tonight, called the White House within hours of the outburst, attempting to reach Obama. He ended up speaking instead to White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, and "expressed his apologies," his office said.

By that time, Wilson's House Web site had crashed and he had taken a brutal beating on his Twitter page for breaching protocol and good manners during a presidential speech to a joint session of Congress. "This evening I let my emotions get the best of me," Wilson said in a statement about the incident, which came after Obama said that extending health care to all Americans who seek it would not mean insuring illegal immigrants.. "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."

Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, is seen as President Barack Obama delivered his speech tonight.
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, is seen as President Barack Obama delivered his speech tonight.   (AP Photo)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) shouts You lie as President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress tonight.
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) shouts "You lie" as President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress tonight.   (Getty Images)
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC.
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 63 comments
godawgs
Sep 10, 2009 12:56 PM CDT
@stacy if you would turn off msnbc, cnn, the daily kos, and HuffPo you would see that the right does have ideas on health care. try it out, you might be surprised. You could also look that the GOP leadership site, since they have submitted at least 5 bills regarding health care reform since may 13.
sache
Sep 10, 2009 12:54 PM CDT
Too late. Wilson showed his true self. Wilson may not like Obama's plan but he should show respect for the office. Wilson is an ignorant ass.
bewilderbeast
Sep 10, 2009 11:25 AM CDT
I wish you would ALL leave BOTH parties and vote with your heads, not your "labels". What good is US democracy if you're a Dem-for-Life or a Rep-for-Life? You could recover your right to make your own decisions and keep your pols on their toes. AND you could debate WITH your countrymen instead of only shouting AT them.

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illegal immigrant • White House • Rahm Emanuel • apology • health care reform • speech • President Obama • Congressional Republicans • Joe Wilson • civility • You lie

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