Who is Joe Wilson, man who told Obama, ‘You lie’
Joe Wilson, the South Carolina congressman, has been forced to apologise for shouting ‘You lie’ at Obama during his speech on health care
Who is Joe Wilson, the man who brought a taste of town hall debate to Capitol Hill yesterday, daring to heckle the President in a case of lese-majeste rarely seen in American politics?
He's a 62-year-old Republican congressman from South Carolina with a record for speaking out on defence issues - but not for yelling at the President when he deigns to visit Congress.
Wilson was incensed by Obama's promise that illegal immigrants would not be covered by the controversial health care bill for which he is fighting. Wilson, like some other Republicans, simply doesn't believe him, and shouted "You lie!".
Condemnation was quick in coming. Speaking on Larry King Live, John McCain said of Wilson's interruption: "Totally disrespectful. No place for it in that setting or any other and he should apologise immediately."
And, in fairness to him, Wilson did quickly say sorry. After trying to get through to the President, he spoke to Obama's chief of staff Rahm Emmanuel, and released this 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."
Wilson has four sons currently serving in the military, and the only previous time he has gained widespread attention was when he called into question John Kerry's 1971 criticism of the Vietnam War during the run-up to the 2004 election. He once also described a Democratic opponent as "viscerally anti-American" during a debate on the Iraq war.
Yesterday's outburst has quickly galvanised Wilson's opponents. His Democratic rival in South Carolina is Rob Miller, a Marine Corps veteran who came close to unseating Wilson in 2008. In the short
time since Wilson's outburst, Miller's campaign for Congress has already raised more than $75,000. 
About the author
is a features writer, originally from Guildford, who spent a decade working in the tobacco industry.
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Comments
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Joe Wilson - the face of modern-day fascist thuggery. He'd have gone far in the Wehrmacht.
Posted by Neil McGowan at 6:24pm on September 10, 2009
Sometimes it is just better to be true to yourself and be emotionally honest. The truth is always politically incorrect. You don't need to be a gentleman and a scholar to engage in effective soundbite debate. We should recognise Mr Wilson's integrity.
Posted by michael jose at 10:39am on September 11, 2009
If you, the press and international media, would ignore these ignoramuses, they would have no platform. But, Nooo, now that you have given credence to this ill informed idiot, he has a world wide stage to posture upon. Tee shirts are being sold on-line and that good ole drug addicted ditto head, who shall remain nameless, has taken up the call. Yes, Wilson is very sorry for his actions, NOT!
Posted by Midyola at 2:22pm on September 11, 2009
Joe Wilson was absolutely right .Obama was actually lying through his teeth.The House bill of course does not specifically provide insurance for illegals.It hoever does not formulate a procedure to verify if a person is legal.It thus offers insurance to illegals through the back door.And Obama was fully aware of this legislative chicanery.
Posted by mukeshnana at 8:22pm on September 12, 2009
The First Post is too politically correct and does not like to publish truthful comments. Just typical of third world Britain today, it won't be long before you are completely overrun by foreigners as you are all too dumb to realise what is happening. You are just a bunch of boring Pinkos. Unsubsribe me!
Posted by Nicholas Folkes at 9:53am on September 16, 2009
So very right, Neil. I remarked recently that the town hall 'meetings' were very reminiscent of those going on in Germany during the 30's before the Nazis took power. Perhaps more European history should be taught in schools here, it might give awareness as to how thin a line divides a civilised properous nation from one where demagoguery is the accepted norm, and how quickly this can happen, too.
Posted by Yolande Agble at 5:49pm on September 18, 2009
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