Wilson called the White House to apologize to President Obama in person, but was routed to White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, according to Associated Press. He also issued a statement: “This evening I let my emotions get the best of me,” he 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.”
In an official act consisting of a shocking and embarrassing breach of decorum, a Republican House Member, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., shouted “You lie” at President Obama during his speech to Congress Wednesday. His outburst came just as President Obama addressed concerned about whether illegal immigrants would obtain medical care under the Administration’s proposed heath care reforms.
Wilson’s wasn’t the only interruption during Obama’s speech, but it was the most notable.
“Everybody was stunned,” Rep. Maxine Waters, D-CA, said of Wilson’s eruption. “It was just something that nobody had ever witnessed before. We all felt embarrassed.”
Republicans froze; several glanced in Wilson’s direction.
“There’ll be time enough to consider whether or not we ought to make it clear that that action is unacceptable in the House of Representatives,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said late Wednesday on WTOP radio when asked about possible punishment for Wilson. “I’ve talked to Republican members who share that view.”
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