Wilson apologizes: 'I let my emotions get the best of me'

[brooklynite]

Source: CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) — GOP Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina issued a statement Wednesday night apologizing for his outburst during President Obama's speech to Congress:

“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. 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.”

Read more: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/09/09/wilson-apologizes-i-let-my-emotions-get-the-best-of-me/

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Your apologies are not wanted. You should be censured.

[SusanaMontana41]

64. I'm with you.

That was despicable.

[Betty Karlson]

81. The one does not exclude the other.

Someone who is sincerely sorry for his unaaceptable behaviour would have no problem in being censured. He would say: I did the wrong thing, I apologise, and I recommend to be censured.

Then, we can censure him and next forgive him so we can move on.

(Incidentally, this would also be the way to handle torturors: let them say "I'm sorry I did as I was told", then punish them, then move on. Mr Obama's administration seems to be doing things in the wrong order: first moving on, then trying to hold people responsible, and maybe some day in the future get some lame kind of apology.)

[MUAD_DIB]

2. He issued a statement? Fuck him. Have the asshole call a press conference

and do it right. Apologize on camera.

[Justice]

3. He lies in his apology - no remark regarding coverage, remark was about the lack of coverage

[Zoeisright]

4. Too little. Too late.

And too insincere.

[flobee1]

5. you cannot un-ring a bell

as much as the repugs might try

[SOS]

103. And that bell was rung with great purpose

They had the speech in advance.
Undocumented workers are the hot button issue for the Republic Party base.
Wilson is in a relatively safe seat.

The GOP leadership orchestrated this to dominate the news cycle.

The "outburst", the "apology" and the 24/7 coverage are political theater and as fake as a $3 bill.
And it worked like a charm.
The media lemmings are all over it and intelligent discussion of reform is non-existant.

[bushisanidiot]

6. Damn! I was hoping it would drag out for weeks.

shit.

[struggle4progress]

31. But from now, you can always reference the incident whenever you talk about Congressman Joe

[ProudDad]

7. So long, Wilson

He's toast...

[The Stranger]

8. He can get on his knees and fucking beg Obama and it wouldn't be enough.

Damn, I'm pissed.

[RKP5637]

9. More apologies like when they get caught in sex scandals!

[dgibby]

10. Translation:

I have seen my E-mail, faxes, face book page, and Twitter. I also saw the look Nancy Pelosi shot me, and heard John McCain call for me to apologize.

I have had a "Come to Jeebus" epiphany and am trying desperately to save my very, very dead ass!:evilgrin:

[ProudDad]

11. Maybe he was a victim of one of these...

Rare tongue-eating parasite found

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x9025098

[tomm2thumbs]

42. wtf

[pnorman]

56. Oral sex, anyone?

I'll pass! It's back to the Missionary Position for me! (At 79.6, who'm I kidding?)


pnorman

[MrMickeysMom]

65. Jesus Christ!

Alien!

[Zynx]

72. I've seen it. I can't unsee it.

[bluestateguy]

12. Not accepted

See if your district gets any federal money if there is a hurricane, fire, tornado or flood.

[bleever]

13. You let your emotions get the best of your career.

Buh-bye.

[Raschel]

14. If he still disagrees with the President's statement, he's still accusing him of lying.

[24601]

53. Yeah, but can't say that. You say, "Mr. President, I regret to say

that your staff has apparently misinformed you."

[lumpy]

63. Addison Graves (Joe) Wilson said he still disagrees with

Obama's statement re. illegal alien health care. Guess he only apologized for his lack of decorum in the House. So he still thinks Obama is lying, right? Suppose he will be invited to go on Faux News and again openly call Obama a liar? He is undoubtedly a racist bastard elitist with old ties to Strom Thurman.

[Rincewind]

71. I think everyone has it wrong.

He says he disagrees with President Obama saying illegals will not be covered, this means, he WANTS American taxpayers to pay for the health coverage of illegals. We should let everyone in his district know this, I'm sure they will be very supportive of this :evilgrin:

[marshall]

100. That's the "Harry Reid" defense

Reid apologized for calling Bush a loser, but stood by his labeling him a liar.

And really, it's been pretty much downhill for Reid since then. These kind of apologizes do not work.

[CrispyQ]

15. He just wants his phone & fax lines back.

;)

Putz.

[Hepburn]

16. That's an apology like...

...the Edsel was a success.

Fuck off, Joe...:puke:

[Lisa0825]

17. Wilson's Democratic opponent......

https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/19079

[Kali]

89. oooh I love your sig picture!

got a higher res version I can steal?

[Lisa0825]

91. I actually borrowed it from another DUer who said it was OK...

I think I still have the high-res version on my laptop. I wioll check tonight when I get home! :-)

[Kali]

95. thanks and pass on the compliments if you recall who it was!

I love it!

[Lisa0825]

96. Here ya go.....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=6387242

[Kali]

98. ...

thanks!

[Lisa0825]

99. My pleasure!

:pals:

[UpInArms]

18. "We did not come here to to fear the future, we came here to shape it." Barack Obama ~ 09/09/09

Joe Wilson ~ epic fail

[Miss Authoritiva]

19. Oh my...

Over at Free Republic, they were still in the process of elevating Wilson to sainthood for SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER!!!! when CNN broke the news about his apology. Now the Freepers are cursing him and calling him SPINELESS!!!! and declaring that he's been PUSSYWHIPPED!!!! by Nancy Pelosi.

Good gawd.

[intheflow]

24. I wish I could rec this post!

Making me giggle like a schoolgirl to picture their brains sloshing in their craniums from the whiplash!

[Igel]

86. Sounds familiar.

At least to these ears. Mutatis mutandis, of course.

[OhioChick]

20. A quickie apology is not good enough. n/t

[brewens]

21. We will let you know when you will be sorry Jerkhole! n/t

[msanthrope]

22. Oh--the freepi won't like him apologizing....n/t

[quiet.american]

23. Nothing less than a real apology from the floor will do.

He "disagrees"?!

Bullshit! Wilson himself is a liar.

[closeupready]

25. What are you, an 8 year old school boy?!

Too bad. You did it, you own it.

[imdjh]

26. Who gives a shit about some Congressional jackass? We're not getting health care.

The cap and trade bill is a piece of shit. The health care bill looks like it's going to be a piece of shit. And we keep getting fed bullshit from the White House Office For Party Loyal Cheerleading.

Time to start a campaign of calling our people and screaming obscenities into the phone, all day every day until they get the message.

[Marthe48]

29. I wish you were wrong

but I'm afraid you are correct.

[sellitman]

27. This mother fucking lying son of a bitch bastard

should apologize to his own party not Obama.

This turd eater made his party look just like the loosers they are.

Out for all to see.

Bravo shit head!

[Marthe48]

28. my email to Wilson

Too bad you won't have the decency to be ashamed of yourself. That's ok--there's millions of us out here who are ashamed for you. Don't bother replying--you are beyond the pale, persona non grata, beneath my notice -- beyond this censure of your unacceptable behavior. I would cross the street if I saw you.

[raccoon]

102. How'd you email him? Site is still unavailable. If you know his email, post it or PM me. nt

[get the red out]

30. That wouldn't have flown with my Mother

When we were kids, if we did something embarrassing in public, sorry was not going to cut it. This man is an adult, a member of Congress and he "let his emotions get the best of him"????? This guy has some kind of mental problem if that is the case, I can't believe a Congressman actually believes what he hears on Fox and doesn't simply see it as a means to getting his way. If he is this deranged he needs to get mental health care fast and leave congress.

[JNelson6563]

32. Not fit for office

If you can't control your emotions during a speech by the President to Congress, you have self-control issues and don't belong in Congress.

Julie

[RKP5637]

45. EXCELLENT POINT!!!

[Brother Buzz]

33. Did he utter these words or did a congressional flack release the statement

I believe he needs to make this statement on the congressional floor to be entered into the record.

[wisteria]

34. His apologize is fine with me. It is unusual for Repubs to say they are sorry about anything.

And, actually, what we think doesn't matter-President Obama's does.

[Pilotguy]

35. Wilson Apologizes

Source: Politico

Joe Wilson (R-SC) has issued an apology for heckling President Obama, about an hour after the speech -- a clear sign the GOP realizes just how damaging his performance was.

His statement:

“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. 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.”

Read more: http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0909/Wilson_apologizes__ASAP.html

[tsuki]

36. I thought fish were cold blooded. nt

[Mojorabbit]

37. That seems to be a non apology

because he did not admit that the Prez was not lying.

[paulsby]

75. no, it's an apology

there is nothing wrong with thinking the president is lying (god knows i thought it often when bush was president), the thing he did wrong was to yell it out during a fucking presidential address!

that is a Hyoooooooge assmunch maneuver.

but he did not have to admit that the pres was not lying, to make an apology.

fwiw, my understanding as to why many people THINK the prez is lying is because he simultaneously references the 46 million uninsured and says illegals won't be covered.

46 million is the estimate of total uninsured TO INCLUDE illegals, whereas 37 million is the estimate for citizens.

so, it's an assumption based on the # given to justify ("we have 46 million uninsured") how bad the situation is.

iow, i can understand it. i just think it's stupid

[bigjohn16]

38. So basically the President is still a liar but my bad for saying it out loud.

What a back handed apology.

[sharesunited]

39. At least this is closer than I Apologize If I Offended Anyone.

[elocs]

40. Wow! Are you the first to post this Latest Breaking News? n/t

[onehandle]

41. Is he still in Congress?

Really?

[tabasco]

43. Fuck you, you goddamn klansman.

You're just pandering to your sheet-wearing constituency, you rat-fucking nazi fuckhead.

[Berry Cool]

44. At the end of her show, Rachel said Keith will do a Special Comment tomorrow night

on this apology.

Go for it, Keith! :yourock:

[Wizard777]

46. Wilson is the GOP's health care poster boy. That is the GOP's whole problem with health care.

They are throwing all logic out the window to let their emotions get the best of them.

[Martunez]

47. "This Site Down for Maintenance"

That's what it says on his website. What a punk. I wanted to email him and ask him--given his apology--which man is lying, then...

[DemFromMem]

51. Back door to Wilson's web page

http://www.house.gov/formwilson/IMA/issue.htm

You can send him an email telling him what you think.

[MrScorpio]

48. "I'm sorry that the president is a liar?!?!?!" Sorry Joe, you're hosed!

Bend over and take your punishment

[George II]

49. Had that been a Democratic outburst during one of baby bush's speeches...

....he would already be on a plane to Guantanamo.

These people are despicable and totally un-American hiding behind their faux "patriotism" and American (or perhaps, Confederate) flags!!

[brooklynite]

50. My LTTE to "The State"

nb - The State is the newspaper for Columbia, SC, which is the heart of Joe Smith's district

In the heat of political debate, boisterous applause and equally boisterous catcalls are not unknown. But, to have an elected Member of Congress clearly and emphatically call the President of the United States a Liar in his presence and on the floor of the House of Representatives sets a new low for the political discourse that has occurred this past summer. Representative Joe Wilson should think long and hard about his behavior -- and the voters of his district should think long and hard about whether he deserves to represent them.

[connecticut yankee]

57. Does it matter?

He's probably going to get a hero's welcome when he goes back to South Carolina.

They're all right-wing nuts down there.

[brooklynite]

60. Actually, last time around he only won with 54% of the vote.

[Versailles]

69. Not all of us....

We're sadly outnumbered and I'm pretty sure that part of the reason my contract was not renewed was because of my political views, but not everyone in SC is a wingnut. There are a few of us "normal" folk down here...

[24601]

52. I'll bet he had to apologize. My recollection is that it may be

against rules of the House to call another member or the President a Liar, or even to refer to the President in derogatory terms.

[AsahinaKimi]

54. I was going to bet that

Fox News would make him into a hero .. certainly the right wing talking heads would have, but now that he has sort of apologized, well, perhaps he will be scorned by both sides.

[lumpy]

55. Addison Graves (Joe) Wilson. This Republican member of

the US House of Reps. must be a So. Carolina aristocrat. He was an aide to Strom Thurman at one time. Guess birds of a feather.....

[CBHagman]

58. I'm actually astonished he's apologized.

The drill is so often for the GOP to say something inexcusable -- think of Dick Cheney's lack of repentance at flinging the F-bomb at the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee -- and smugly refuse to apologize (or, in Cheney's case, even say they felt better for having said it!) -- but for the GOP to take to the airwaves to hammer Democrats over every little syllable.

I actually would accept the apology, but am unfortunately mindful that there's more rudeness out there -- and much, much worse.

[Dappleganger]

59. As I tell my own four children

"Sometimes sorry is just not enough."

That man revealed what was in his heart towards people and it is UGLY and DISGUSTING.

[truthisfreedom]

61. He's lying. "when listening to the President’s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants"

The President did not make a remark regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants.

The President assured us that they will not be covered.

You used your statement to lie again. You not only should be censured, you should be marginalized, removed from any and all committees, and be forced to remain silent for the rest of your days in the chamber.

[lumpy]

66. We can only wish can't we... all those things you suggest.

Racists like Wilson are one of the foremost reasons why our country will not progress as one of
leadership in human rights and decency.

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

62. too late Joe

[pitchforksandtorches]

67. YOU LIE YOU MOTHERFUCKER

[workinclasszero]

68. CENSURE THE TRAITOR JOE WILSON!

Where where you when Bush lied us into Iraq?? Where were the screams of LIE! then Joe????

[dehaiti]

70. Joe Wilson is SC's Representative

SC comes in last in almost every quality of life measure there is, whether education, wages or employment SC ranks near the last in the nation. Joe Wilson represents SC and as a native of SC I am sure that Joe Wilson's constituents are proud of the way he represented them tonight though I'm sure they wish he'd have been a little more low key. Secretly though he's being applauded, you can bet on it !

[Third Doctor]

73. The reason

that this guy lacked civility was because the color of the President's skin. Even if he did not agree with what was being said (which was true) he still would have respected a white man's office. Wilson see's Obama in the highest office in the land and can't cope. The repug should be censured or worse.

[TerribleLarryDingle]

74. I would like to thank him

for showing the true ugliness of the entire GOP in an unprecedented display of assholism.

[LatteLibertine]

76. Van Jones was right

nt

[DRoseDARs]

77. Crow: It's What's for Dinner n/t

Image source: Blue Gal's blog

[Critters2]

78. Adults don't "let their emotions get the better of them" in a setting like a Joint Session

of Congress. He should be censured.

[Endangered Specie]

79. I think he needs to take a vacation with Gov Sanford...

on the good ol' Appalachain Trail

[Daphne08]

80. He needs to be censured. Period. n/t

[Canuckistanian]

82. Well then, stand up and take your punishment like a man

It's the only way to recover your honor.

[santamargarita]

83. Take your apology and stick in up your rotten right-wing ass

I hate these fucking assholes!!!

[City Lights]

84. Go fuck yourself, joe.

You suck. Your party sucks. No class. No dignity. You're all nothing but rich thugs.

[Blandocyte]

85. Did he model on the brainless jackasses without impulse control

who are the heroes of their type at the town hall "meetings?" Did he think he'd get away with it? Does it remind anyone else of the kid in school who tried to imitate the cool "bad boys'" behavior but got in trouble and was even laughed at by the kids because he's just not a "bad boy?"

I expect civility from adults who are lucky enough to not have disabilities impacting impulse control and other determinants of quality of their social interaction. I certainly expect it from our "leaders." But what do we see? Cheney's "Fuck off." And this.

But the brainless jackasses eat it up in their self-named "culture war" against "political correctness." Gah!

[fascisthunter]

87. apology, not accepted... censured

[mvd]

88. Agree

If MoveOn was censured, Wilson certainly should be. MoveOn wasn't even talking about the President.

[AngryOldDem]

90. Shove it, Joe.

No matter how you may feel about Obama as president or as a person, you AT THE VERY LEAST should show respect for the office. If your emotions get away from you that easily, then perhaps you should seek some kind of therapy.

In the meantime, apology NOT accepted. A censure is in order, and I hope it comes.

[kestrel91316]

92. He lies right in his statement. Coverage of Illegal immigrants does not exist in Obama's plan.

[harry_pothead]

93. Wilson apologizes: 'I let my racism get the best of me'

Fixed.

[ThePatriotHour]

94. posting..

Hey! just a few more and I'll be able to sit at the grown-up table and post all by myself!

[daleo]

97. He is just pretending to apologize now

His real point was to deligitimze Obama, and show how he isn't actually worthy of respect in the minds of hard line Republicans and bigots in general.

How long until they get violent?

[rocktivity]

101. You've apologized for being rude, but not for being wrong.

Whether the health care reform bill covers illegal immigrants is not a matter of opinion--either it does or it doesn't, and it doesn't. Therefore, when you contended that Obama lied when he said it doesn't cover illegal immigrants, you either made a mistake or lied yourself. You need to apologize for that as well.


rocktivity