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Joe Wilson: I've Received Encouragement From My Colleagues
Eric Kleefeld | September 10, 2009, 5:48PM
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Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) just appeared with local talk-radio host Keven Cohen on WVOC radio in Columbia, South Carolina, where he explained how it was that he came to yell "You lie!" during President Obama's speech to Congress -- and he also said that he's received support from his colleagues in Congress, and even from Democrats.
"I was of course so energized with the town hall meetings that we had throughout the district," said Wilson. "I was really looking forward to betting back and hopefully hearing a speech where there would be a real effort to bring Republicans and Democrats together for health insurance reform. But as the speech kept on going, it really got to the point where statements were made concerning illegal aliens that I knew were not true."
Cohen asked Wilson if he'd snapped. "I didn't snap, either," Wilson replied, "because if I'd snapped I would have kept on objecting. It was this specific fact that I knew about, that I had done research on, that I had worked with my colleagues on."
Wilson said that overall, he's gotten a positive reception. "It's been truly incredible, the phones have run off the hook at home in all offices, and the e-mails, the vast majority have been very favorable."
And this goes for his colleagues in Congress, too: "I began the day, appropriately enough, at a prayer breakfast, and person after person gave me encouragement -- and even Democrats. And so I'm very, very appreciative of the outpouring of support."
Wilson admitted that what he did was not the best way to handle the situation. "I wouldn't have planned it or done it again," he said, adding that the right way to respond to a speech like this is to hold a press conference, to speak to reporters, and other sorts of activities after the speech itself is over.
Wilson also said that he did appreciate the whole speech itself -- though his compliment did have a back-handed quality to it. "Well, actually, I was paying attention, and so I was listening. I did wonder if it was gonna ever end," said Wilson. "But no, I was paying attention, respectfully. The conclusion of the speech was actually inspiring. It wasn't a sort of, a critique of the bill, it was a general statement. So actually as the speech went on, it got better."
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Indie Pro
September 10, 2009 5:57 PM
democrats are giving him a pass. Why should he feel contrite?
Why should anyone be reluctant to do it again?
The Dems raise money off of it.
According to this whackadoodle he is too.
He might as well make a victory lap on state TV. Let the base know he'll call the President a liar to his face on national television in front of a joint session. Just apologize in the morning.
I find it all sad and ugly.
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Indie Pro
September 10, 2009 5:58 PM in reply to Indie Pro
and of course, he continues his lies without anyone calling him on it.
blech.
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TheraP
September 10, 2009 5:57 PM
So he didn't snap! It must have been a deliberative act then. Even worse!
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ttarleton
September 10, 2009 6:00 PM
Fuck this unrepentant bastard! And he still insists he was right on the facts!
Go ahead, you stoopid Repooplicans, keep up the blustering inanity. By 2010 you will have completely marginalized your bad selves.
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ttarleton
September 10, 2009 6:06 PM in reply to ttarleton
Then you and the hardcore right-wing 20% of the population can all get in your bus caravan and trundle off to the Free Republic of South Wingnuttia, that paradise where there are no black or brown people, no taxes, no govt. services, no health insurance, and lots and lots of guns and ammo.
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erichayes
September 10, 2009 7:48 PM in reply to ttarleton
You forgot No Schools.
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cmpnwtr
September 10, 2009 6:06 PM
You lie, Wilson! Your apology is a lie.
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TaraV
September 10, 2009 6:10 PM in reply to cmpnwtr
Indeed. So he's saying is, "I'm sorry I called you a liar...even though you're a liar."
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TaraV
September 10, 2009 6:08 PM
I guess it never occurred to the reporter to say, "So what are these facts that you refer to?"
In looking at the facts today on this issue, what I have realized is that illegals would be free to purchase insurance....just as they are now. Is that what these folks are arguing (to the degree they have any logic at all)? Because the rest of us are talking about gov't subsidies to pay for insurance.
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arugulachomper
September 10, 2009 6:10 PM
And I would like to know: who gives a rat's ass what this douchebag says or thinks at this point? Does it really matter if he's sorry or not sorry? He's still a douchebag.
I guess I just hope that everyone who spent time today thinking about this guy ALSO took the time to contact their Senators and Representative and told them to support the President's plan, public option intact. Otherwise Wilson's little outburst and the ensuing kerfuffle hurts the cause, rather than helps it. The worst thing he can do to us now is continue to waste our time.
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TaraV
September 10, 2009 6:17 PM in reply to arugulachomper
I've thought about that. I was contemplating if this is similar to the whole race relations shiny object distraction from the press conference. I'm not sure. At least this one is still about the topic at hand and helps frame the debate and its participants.
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arugulachomper
September 10, 2009 6:22 PM in reply to TaraV
I'm not saying I'm not grateful to Joe Wilson for making the entire GOP look childish and asshatty. I guess I just realized that there's been VERY LITTLE content on the other 534 members of Congress today all over the news (here and elsewhere) in comparison to the "Breaking News! Joe Wilson Sneezed! Does it Mean He's Sorry?" type coverage that seems to be everywhere. If I were, say, Ben Nelson or Max Baucus, or really ANY of the Blue Dogs, I'd be sending Wilson flowers.
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hawaiian
September 10, 2009 6:18 PM
Just because my statements are not based on fact does not give the right for anyone to say that what I said was a Lie. Remember I won the election, so everthing I say has come out of my mouth and so it is from me, the guy that won the election, Me, I won the election, and that is the truth !
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arugulachomper
September 10, 2009 6:24 PM in reply to hawaiian
Uh yeah, you know, trolling works better when your comments actually make some kind of sense. Better luck next time.
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ttarleton
September 10, 2009 6:26 PM in reply to hawaiian
Go away - they say South Wingnuttia is nice this time of year - see my comment above.
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k1maynes
September 10, 2009 7:49 PM in reply to hawaiian
You need us to feel sorry for you. I understand that, and I do feel very sorry for your denial and your pain. Please seek help.
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Kevin Cassidy
September 10, 2009 8:12 PM in reply to hawaiian
Hawaiian = SPAM with a slice of pineapple.
Is there any point in telling you that the statement that caused Mr.Wilson to soil himself was factual. Mr. Wilson is either uninformed, stupid, delusional, a redneck tea-bagger or a Republican.
You observe and reiterate at some length that Barack Obama won the election. That would be the free and legal election as the President of the United States, making him the leader of your country.
"You know what I am? I am you worst nightmare man. I'm a Kenyan Muslim with a badge" Eddie Murphy in "48 Hours" (almost)
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kaylaspop
September 10, 2009 6:27 PM
The ONLY person who lied was Rep. Wilson, it's been proven. And yes, Mr. Obama did win the Presidency, with much bigger margins than Bush ever did.
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shooter242
September 10, 2009 6:57 PM
Actually, if there is no way to determine who is illegal and who isn't, illegals will be covered.
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Ann Arbor
September 10, 2009 7:06 PM in reply to shooter242
And by "covered" you mean what exactly? They can buy insurance? That would be a good thing, no? For them to pay premiums and have regular medical care, rather than getting ER charity care?
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ttarleton
September 10, 2009 7:13 PM in reply to shooter242
And if there's no way to determine who is of legal age and who is not (because of fake IDs), then high-schoolers may buy liquor - but that doesn't mean the statute allows it, you dumb dog!
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lousgirl84
September 10, 2009 7:30 PM
So what are these two amendments he claimed were in the bill and required coverage of illegal immigrants Does anyone know WTF he is talking about?
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lousgirl84
September 10, 2009 7:31 PM
Hey, anybody seen bluebell lately????
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Kevin Cassidy
September 10, 2009 8:10 PM
Hawaiian = SPAM with a slice of pineapple.
Is there any point in telling you that the statement that caused Mr.Wilson to soil himself was factual. Mr. Wilson is either uninformed, stupid, delusional, a redneck tea-bagger or a Republican.
You observe and reiterate at some length that Barack Obama won the election. That would be the free and legal election as the President of the United States, making him the leader of your country.
"You know what I am? I am you worst nightmare man. I'm a Kenyan Muslim with a badge" Eddie Murphy in "48 Hours" (almost)
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jward
September 10, 2009 9:46 PM
Even if the Democrats in Congress think it's best strategically to get past this for now, individuals can still register their disgust with Wilson by contributing to his opponent Rob Miller. Just checked, and at ActBlue alone Miller has now received over $611,000 from 16,843 people.
Also--I am struck by the lack of surprise by the Republicans around Wilson when he yelled out. No one turns to him in surprise, although yelling out like this has NEVER happened before. So--a planned attack? Did they know/want this to happen?
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Strykur
September 10, 2009 10:25 PM
The Media and the Democrats need to hit this lie back HARD!
HR 3200 has a section which explicitly says that subsidized public option health care will not go to illegal aliens.
The amendments offered by Republican legislators on this bill are just catfish amendments, intended to kill the whole bill or just slow it down with unnecessary length.
The federal criminal statutes on fraud provide a vigorous enforcement option, against illegal aliens committing fraud. As does the Federal False Claims Act.
CALL THEM OUT! That is our job. Let the President take the high road. We must stand athwart the road and call them out!
They are Racists and Liars!
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Bindemup
September 11, 2009 5:28 PM in reply to Strykur
The American people should be applauding Congressman Joe Wilson. I believe he meant it when he spoke it, or rather his instincts new much better what was really behind the words. I bet there were a few in there listening to that speech and the rhetoric who know it to. You see he has changed nothing, but his attitude. Have you ever asked yourself this? If that Gov’t run health care is so good then why does the Pres, nor his wife, nor the senators, or congressional representatives have to have it and will not have it. Come out of the Spell people.
Sec. 152 Pg 50-52 HC will be provided to ALL NON-US citizens.
Sec. 163 Pg. 58-59 Beginning at line 5 Government will have real-time access to individual’s finances and a National ID health care card will be issued.
Sec. 163 Pg. 59 Lines 21-24 Government will have direct access to your bank accounts for electronic funds transfer.
Have you seen any of this bill. I suggest you start doing some investigative work. They all need to be called on the carpet and tell the truth.
It is a shame that he Congressman Joe Wilson had to apologize, but the opportunity will arise again. Congressman Joe Wilson prays to the right God
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afisher
September 11, 2009 9:27 AM
I was struck by his comment that he had done "research" on... that research must have EXCLUDED the actual reading of HR3200.
This is like playing "whack a mole" and even the backbench GOP legislator's get to play. Each GOP member gets the opportunity to pop up, say something really stupid and then go back into hiding, hoping that their constituents back home are going to forget their idiocy come re-election time.
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