Carter: Wilson's Heckling of Obama 'Based on Racism'

Boorish foes steal show during president's speech

(NEWSER) - Rep. Joe Wilson was far from the only rude Republican at last night's joint session of Congress, Dana Milbank writes in the Washington Post. Shouts of "Shame!" and "Not true!" could be heard at various points, along with plenty of boos, hisses, and grumbles. Other GOP lawmakers waved handwritten posters during the addresses, or could be seen fiddling with their Blackberries as Obama spoke. More»

They reject his 'legitimacy as president'

(NEWSER) - Jimmy Carter was right when he said racism fuels some of President Obama's critics, Eugene Robinson writes for the Washington Post. Carter may have overstated it—plenty of naysayers have legit policy concerns over issues such as health reform—but "the most vitriolic attacks" reject Obama's "legitimacy as president," Robinson writes. "I can't find any explanation for it other than race." More»

(NEWSER) - Sorry, Jimmy Carter: The White House doesn't think hostility toward President Obama is motivated by race, the Washington Post reports. “The president does not believe that the criticism comes based on the color of his skin,” said Robert Gibbs. Carter started a firestorm by asserting just that—the fervent anti-Obama animosity, he said, "is based on the fact that he is a black man." Administration officials say that while race might be a factor for some, people are mostly upset at his sweeping reform proposals. More»

Slams former prez's claim 'you lie!' was 'based on racism'

(NEWSER) - Rep. Joe Wilson’s “you lie!” shout wasn’t “based on racism,” whatever Jimmy Carter might say, argues Wilson’s son. “There is not a racist bone in my dad's body,” says Alan Wilson, himself a candidate for attorney general in South Carolina, reports the Daily News. “He doesn't even laugh at distasteful jokes.” People "can disagree—and appropriately disagree—on issues of substance, but when they make the jump to race it's absolutely ludicrous.” More»

Most Dems, some fellow Republicans expected to vote yes on 'You lie' yeller

(NEWSER) - The House of Representatives will vote tomorrow on a “resolution of disapproval” against Joe Wilson, the South Carolina Republican who shouted “You lie!” at President Obama during his speech last week on health reform. House Majority Whip James Clyburn, also a South Carolinian, will introduce the measure, Politico reports, noting that most Democrats and some Republicans are expected to vote in favor. More»