Well that was unnecessary
Posted by Amy on 10 Sep 2009 at 10:27 am | Tagged as: Beltway Banter
Maybe he’s just hypersensitive because of his state’s history with lying politicians, but South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson’s outburst was completely tasteless, not to mention untrue. Regardless, members of Congress are supposed to be leaders and treat others with respect, regardless of their political views. Did he forget that he was speaking to the President who deserves respect? Or that he was representing his state on the Senate floor, not jeering the opposing team at a baseball game? Either way, without an hour, he stuck his tail between his legs and apologized:
“This evening I let my emotions get the best of me,” he said in a statement. “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.”
After issuing the statement, Wilson tried to phone Obama to apologize, but he spoke with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel instead. I’m sure Rahm was very cordial.
Who knows, maybe Wilson’s comment and other Republican embarrassments during President Obama’s speech will shed light on the issues instead of using deceptive scare tactics to block health care reform. Further, in the eight hours since Wilson’s outburst, his Democratic opponent, Rob Miller, has received nearly 3,000 individual grassroots contributions raising approximately $100,000, according to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Clearly, people are disgusted with this type of behavior.
Wilson’s dignity was certainly lost last night, and given the reaction from his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, the media, and public, his chances at re-election aren’t looking so hot right now.
