# Who heckled Obama during his address to Congress? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 10, 2009, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496 "2009-09-10T00:52:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/261 "2009-09-10T18:56:35Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > Several of them, but by no means all. Reps. Limbaugh, Hannity, and Palin (R-Unbilled) were conspicuously absent. > > As to the “high road,” I truly believe that’s Obama’s first inclination—perhaps to a fault—but ignoring the liars hasn’t proven too effective thusfar. He exercised considerably more restraint than I would’ve, given the world’s greatest bully pulpit and staring directly into the glirine eyes of those who’d mounted a campaign of unrelenting horseshit against me and my efforts. One day I am going to write down a list of instructions for myself when posting. On the list I will write: "Don’t use “all” unless referring to a brand of laundry detergent because someone will have to point out how it wasn’t really “all”. > [@Normal\_Phase](#): > > Oh, come on! The rightwing has been calling Obama much worse than just a liar for over a year. You honestly think they needed “permission” to keep doing it? No, I don’t think they need permission but in their tiny, little reptilian brains - sorry, that’s insulting to reptiles - in their tiny, little, petty, Republican masses of quivering jelly that passes for their brains they are thinking “Hey, he called me a liar first! He started it! Now he’s asking for it! I know you are but what am I?! Nyaahh, nyahh, nyahh!”. Is that better? Okay, that said, I don’t think all this partisan bullshit is going to stop until someone takes the higher road. Yes, Obama showed a lot of restraint, maybe a lot more than the naysayers deserved, but the only way to make them look worse is to keep nicely pointing out how wrong they are without using actual personal insults. Attack the message, not the messengers. Call what they say a lie but don’t call them weaselly, mealy-mouthed liars, liars, pants on fires, even if it is true. Let us do that. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/262 "2009-09-10T19:31:57Z")
Huffington Post is reporting, "Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) held signs that read "What Bill? ‘and "What Plan?’ " ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/263 "2009-09-10T19:37:07Z")
How nice of him to offer flash cards for the president to play to, but I’m pretty sure Obama already had his shit together going into it last night. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/264 "2009-09-10T19:37:08Z")
> [@Wile\_E](#): > > Okay, that said, I don’t think all this partisan bullshit is going to stop until someone takes the higher road. Yes, Obama showed a lot of restraint, maybe a lot more than the naysayers deserved, but the only way to make them look worse is to keep nicely pointing out how wrong they are without using actual personal insults. Attack the message, not the messengers. Call what they say a lie but don’t call them weaselly, mealy-mouthed liars, liars, pants on fires, even if it is true. Let us do that. 😉 Where is Rahm Emanuel? Weren’t the liberals wanking off to the idea that a Democrat somewhere would finally start putting the smackdown on people? ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/265 "2009-09-10T19:43:14Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Where is Rahm Emanuel? … I don’t know, was it my turn to watch him? ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/266 "2009-09-10T19:49:14Z")
I want Barney Frank on this one. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/267 "2009-09-10T20:01:05Z")
> [@Squink](#): > > Well sure, but a come to Jesus moment on government run health care would be a far _better_ indication he actually _feels_ contrition. Being an optimist I like to see people do their _best_ to show sincerity. No. Your requirements are ridiculous. ‘This guy fucked up, therefore now he has to support things that are the opposite of what he believes in to show he’s sorry that he fucked up’ is not a logical stance to take on the issue. I’m with you in that he hasn’t gone far enough. I’m with **Bricker** in that the most appropriate thing he can do at this point is say he’s sorry not only because he was rude, but also that he’s incorrect. That what Obama was saying was not a lie. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/268 "2009-09-10T20:25:10Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > No. Your requirements are ridiculous. ‘This guy fucked up, therefore now he has to support things that are the opposite of what he believes in to show he’s sorry that he fucked up’ is not a logical stance to take on the issue. I didn’t say he _has to_, just that it would be a nice way for him to actually show some contrition. As things stand, I don’t believe a word of his forced apology, and no one else should either. That being the case, he needs to be _punished_ for breaking the rules. ---
**Author:** ![Camus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ba8739/32.png) [@Camus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Camus)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/269 "2009-09-10T20:33:45Z")
> [@furt](#): > > It is quite reasonable, though, to expect that the goals will include an amnesty and a relatively easy route to citizenship for those currently here illegally (as in, easier than the years-long waiting lists and numerous procedural hurdles faced by current legal immigrants) (and FWIW, taken by itself, I’m not completely opposed to such an amnesty). Why is it reasonable to expect that Obama’s immigration reform is going to be or include an amnesty? The last amnesty was under Reagan and if it was politically unpalatable and impossible under George W. Bush, it stands to reason it would be equally if not more so impossible now. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/270 "2009-09-10T20:40:30Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > Oh no, you’re free to address it. I am just here to point out that all the crap about how you really want everyone to respect the Presidency and the office and all that is a pile of hypocritical horseshit. You don’t really care about any of that, and, when you say you do, you are lying. Well, for myself i tend to agree with you about the Presidency itself. Personally, i tend to think that the office itself deserves no more, and no less, respect than the person occupying it merits. If the person in the office is a dunce, it reflects on the office itself; if the person is a liar, that also reflects on the office; same if the person is brilliant and wise. I said some pretty disrespectful things about Bush when he was President, and it was because i felt that his very presence made the office a joke and an embarrassment. I’m sure there are people who feel the same way about Obama. This particular case, for me, is more about what **Dio** said: > [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > It’s not really about “respect for the office of President” so much as respect for the decorum of the Chamber and for one’s _own_ office. If this had been some schmuck at a regular Presidential speech, i’d have no problem with it. But the President was addressing both Houses of Congress, in their own Chamber. That requires a level of decorum appropriate to the occasion. The members don’t have to blow smoke up the President’s ass by giving him a standing ovation every three minutes. In fact, i was critical of members for doing just that during some of Bush’s State of the Union Addresses. But they should shut the fuck up and let him speak without catcalling like 15-year-olds. And that goes for both Dems and Pubs. ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/271 "2009-09-10T21:25:32Z")
> [@Mr.Moto](#): > > I plead innocent. I don’t think what Joe Wilson did was right at all, and I’m not afraid to say so. The other cited examples come into play when considering whether censure is appropriate - and I disagree with my friend **Bricker** here since applying this penalty seems wildly out of proportion to the offense. > > Hell, Joe McCarthy was censured. Do you see an equivalence here? Thank you. I think reasonable men can disagree reasonably on whether censure is appropriate – though I find it wryly amusing, as I hope you will agree, that you just went on record as agreeing with Nancy Pelosi over ]b]Bricker\*\* on a political issue. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/272 "2009-09-10T21:29:01Z")
Friend **Bricker** has made remarkable progress as he stumbles away from the path of political error. Largely my own influence, though no doubt the rest of you had some minor effect… ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/273 "2009-09-10T21:34:56Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Friend **Bricker** has made remarkable progress as he stumbles away from the path of political error. Largely my own influence, though no doubt the rest of you had some minor effect… Big Whoop. **Bricker** has more than a few brain cells to rub together. Now you turn around **Starving Artist** , and you’ll have my undying admiration… ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/274 "2009-09-10T21:44:22Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > I understand your desire to keep your asshole clean for Obama’s dick, but you will have to rely on the Usual Suspects tonguing it out after I finish reaming it out for you. You call that a reaming? I would have sworn a mosquito dipped his stinger in my bung. You must be really popular with the ladies, needledick. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/275 "2009-09-10T21:53:23Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > This particular case, for me, is more about what **Dio** said: > > > [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > > > It’s not really about “respect for the office of President” so much as respect for the decorum of the Chamber and for one’s own office. > > If this had been some schmuck at a regular Presidential speech, i’d have no problem with it. How do you people post this kind of thing with a straight face? The notion that **Diogenes** is going to react to anything political on a more sophisticated basis than “Dem - good! Repub - bad!” is ludicrous. I know it is all well and good to call people names who decline the Flavor-Aid, but come on - I am not so gullible that I am going to swallow this kind of thing. I know you folks are good at kidding yourselves, but you really aren’t so good at convincing anyone who hasn’t already fallen for it. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/276 "2009-09-10T22:02:35Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > I know it is all well and good to call people names who decline the Flavor-Aid, but come on - I am not so gullible that I am going to swallow this kind of thing. > > I know you folks are good at kidding yourselves, but you really aren’t so good at convincing anyone who hasn’t already fallen for it. “Come on! You guys like eating dogshit too, right? Yeah, I bet you do, when nobody’s looking! No way I’m the _only_ one… aw, you’re all just trying to make me feel bad!” ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/277 "2009-09-10T22:14:41Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Cash for clunkers? Some rebates may go to illegal immigrants. Nah, we’re just going to give all the clunkers themselves to illegal aliens. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/278 "2009-09-10T22:22:39Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > How do you people post this kind of thing with a straight face? > > The notion that **Diogenes** is going to react to anything political on a more sophisticated basis than “Dem - good! Repub - bad!” is ludicrous. > > I know it is all well and good to call people names who decline the Flavor-Aid, but come on - I am not so gullible that I am going to swallow this kind of thing. > > I know you folks are good at kidding yourselves, but you really aren’t so good at convincing anyone who hasn’t already fallen for it. > > Regards, > Shodan Comedy gold! ---
**Author:** ![legalsnugs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/45deac/32.png) [@legalsnugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/legalsnugs)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/279 "2009-09-10T22:34:07Z")
The clear winner of the speech is Rob Miller, who’s coffers now have over half a million dollars for his campaign! I’m sure, since he’s a well-brought-up Southern boy, that he will be sending Joe Wilson a nice thank you note. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/280 "2009-09-10T22:34:36Z")
Which is why, of course, we never win any elections… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496.md?page=15)