The shot heard ’round the world last night: “You lie!”
But then South Carolina Republican Congressman Joe Wilson did something that you wouldn’t expect somebody in politics to do: He apologized.
“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 said in a statement after calling the White House to personally offer his apology.
Wilson’s outburst came as President Obama addressed Congress and the nation Wednesday night with his plan for health-care reform. Wilson shouted “You lie!” when Obama denied that his reform would not provide free coverage for illegal immigrants.
The best thing about Wilson’s apology: It wasn’t one of those “I’m sorry if anybody was offended …” non-apology apologies. “(M)y comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility.”
Memo to Del. Steve Landes: Give Joe Wilson a call and ask him how he did it.
– Column by Chris Graham
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