# 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:** 4
**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, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/61 "2009-09-10T03:24:26Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > You did. A new low for South Carolina. Not quite. Firing on Fort Sumter sets the bar for lowness pretty low. But still worthy of dishonorable mention in any list of Stupidities Emanating from the Palmetto State. ---
**Author:** ![Carol\_Stream](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@Carol\_Stream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_Stream)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/62 "2009-09-10T03:25:32Z")
> [@Drain\_Bead](#): > > This is Mr. Wilson’s opponent, just in case anyone thinks he could use a donation. He’s an Iraq War veteran who got 46.5% of the vote in 08 in a heavily Republican district. > > \ I thought we weren’t allowed to shill for political campaigns on this board? And two moderators have posted already. What gives? ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/63 "2009-09-10T03:27:08Z")
> [@Squink](#): > > [Wilson Apologizes for Calling Obama Liar During Speech](http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/09/wilson-apologizes-for-calling-obama-liar-during-speech.php?ref=fpblg)Of course, it’s not just this evening that Mr. Wilson and his fellow Republicans have let their emotions get the best of them, it’s most of the past nine months. > Apology is not enough. Let’s see Wilson and his colleagues _make amends_ for their behavior. Supporting a government run “public option” health plan instead of freaking tort reform bullshit would make a good _start_. [Yeah, but…](http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=8733) ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/64 "2009-09-10T03:30:42Z")
Joe Wilson has a right to be pissed, after his wife was outed. Oh, different Joe Wilson. Never heard of him. ---
**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, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/65 "2009-09-10T03:37:19Z")
The [Joe Wilson website](http://www.joewilson.house.gov/) is down for maintenance. ---
**Author:** ![Maia\_s\_Well](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Maia\_s\_Well](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maia_s_Well)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/66 "2009-09-10T03:49:08Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > Anyone know anything about the paper that some of them were holding up? I believe that was the Republican healthcare reform proposal. You know: Wealthcare Reform _Nine Pages, No Numbers_ > [@joebuck20](#): > > McCain’s reputation for integrity took a hit when he chose Sarah Palin as his running mate, but this proves that he’s a true gentleman. Nah, he’s an asshole. But sometimes he’s a \*righteous \*asshole. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Maia\_s\_Well](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Maia\_s\_Well](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maia_s_Well)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/67 "2009-09-10T03:50:43Z")
> [@Carol\_Stream](#): > > I thought we weren’t allowed to shill for political campaigns on this board? And two moderators have posted already. What gives? I don’t generally find myself in agreement with poster, but I was wondering the same thing. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/68 "2009-09-10T03:55:43Z")
> [@Squink](#): > > [Wilson Apologizes for Calling Obama Liar During Speech](http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/09/wilson-apologizes-for-calling-obama-liar-during-speech.php?ref=fpblg)Of course, it’s not just this evening that Mr. Wilson and his fellow Republicans have let their emotions get the best of them, it’s most of the past nine months. > Apology is not enough. Let’s see Wilson and his colleagues _make amends_ for their behavior. Supporting a government run “public option” health plan instead of freaking tort reform bullshit would make a good _start_. So let me see if I understand this. The only way to act in good faith now is to support a public option plan? I think Wilson’s outburst deserves censure, literal censure. There’s no room for showing that sort of lack of respect to the President of the United States. But I also vehemently reject this suggestion of yours. It’s perfactly possible to oppose a public option plan here without being a liar or worse. ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/69 "2009-09-10T03:57:20Z")
> [@Maia\_s\_Well](#): > > I don’t generally find myself in agreement with poster, but I was wondering the same thing. Shilling for a political campaign? It is three years and two months until the next presidential election. This thread is about the SC fuckwit heckling the President in an address to the joint session of Congress. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/70 "2009-09-10T04:00:30Z")
> [@Lamar\_Mundane](#): > > Shilling for a political campaign? It is three years and two months until the next presidential election. This thread is about the SC fuckwit heckling the President in an address to the joint session of Congress. The “shilling” is for Wilson’s opponent, who faces Wilson in an election a year from now. ---
**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, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/71 "2009-09-10T04:01:54Z")
Well, I found that the estimable Addison “Joe” Wilson is a retired colonel in the South Carikuba National Guard. So I wrote to Major General Stanford Spears, the state’s (elected!) Adjuitant General, requesting that retired Col. Wilon be given an official reprimand for conduct unbecoming an officer and disrespect to the Commander in Chief. I remember posting in 2001 that, whatever your feelings about the 2000 Florida election comedy of errors, respect for the rule of law and the Office of the President demanded that we give Pres. Bush a chance to earn our respect. Apparently Republicans are exempt from behaving like patriotic Americans. Worth remembering, come the next election. ---
**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, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/72 "2009-09-10T04:06:49Z")
> [@Carol\_Stream](#): > > I thought we weren’t allowed to shill for political campaigns on this board? And two moderators have posted already. What gives? On the one hand, Junior Modding is frowned upon; the correct course of action is to use the [Report Post](http://boardstest.straightdope.com/sdmb/report.php?p=11537569)button. On the other hand, who are we kidding? I’m not calling you out for Jr. Modding (Junior-Junior Modding? Meta-Junior Modding?), because Jr. Modding has nothing to do with it–you were just trolling. ---
**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, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/73 "2009-09-10T04:07:38Z")
> [@](#): > > …What gives?.. Campain’s over. Good guys won. Try and keep up. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/74 "2009-09-10T04:09:34Z")
> [@](#): > > I remember posting in 2001 that, whatever your feelings about the 2000 Florida election comedy of errors, respect for the rule of law and the Office of the President demanded that we give Pres. Bush a chance to earn our respect. Apparently Republicans are exempt from behaving like patriotic Americans. Worth remembering, come the next election. Look, the guy did a bad thing. He’s immediately apologized and I agree that his act deserves censure. But “Republicans?” Not even “some Republicans?” When McCain immediately called the guy out for his behavior? And if that’s really the standard, then do you really contend that I’m wrong to say “Democrats” failed to heed your call in 2001? > [@Polycarp](#): > > Well, I found that the estimable Addison “Joe” Wilson is a retired colonel in the South Carikuba National Guard. So I wrote to Major General Stanford Spears, the state’s (elected!) Adjuitant General, requesting that retired Col. Wilon be given an official reprimand for conduct unbecoming an officer and disrespect to the Commander in Chief. The Speech or Debate Clause, Art 1 Sec 6, would most likely preclude such an action. ---
**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, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/75 "2009-09-10T04:23:19Z")
FROGMARCH!!! 😛 I don’t know why but I’m picturing the above being shouted by Blutarsky. ---
**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, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/76 "2009-09-10T04:30:23Z")
And there is a long-standing tradition of a brisk caning on the Senate floor,so its not unheard of. And, by coincidence, it nvolves South Carolina! > **[Preston Brooks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preston_Brooks)** > > Preston Smith Brooks (August 5, 1819 – January 27, 1857) was an American politician and member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina, serving from 1853 until his resignation in July 1856 and again from August 1856 until his death. > A member of the Democratic Party, Brooks was a strong advocate of slavery and states' rights to enforce slavery nationally. He is most remembered for his May 22, 1856, attack upon abolitionist and Republican Senator Charles Sumner, whom he beat nea... ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/77 "2009-09-10T04:37:04Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > Politico is reporting that it is Joe Wilson (R-SC). It would have been great if he yelled “I’ve got a solution- you’re a dick! South Carolina, what’s up?!” At which point Obama could have maintained order with the assault rifle that is kept in the podium. ---
**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, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/78 "2009-09-10T04:37:30Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Look, the guy did a bad thing. He’s immediately apologized and I agree that his act deserves censure. > > But “Republicans?” Not even “some Republicans?” When McCain immediately called the guy out for his behavior? > > And if that’s really the standard, then do you really contend that I’m wrong to say “Democrats” failed to heed your call in 2001? You act like this is an isolated incident. Quite a few Republicans - from the grass roots to the top of the food chain, have been, quite frankly, nuts lately. On some level I think you recognize this. I’ve never in my life seen such over the top hatred directed at a political figure - and at one who deserves so little of it. Come on - I know the partisan mentality demands that you defend your side no matter what, but let’s be honest - the republicans are nuts right now, way over the top in every regard. You should be quite frankly ashamed to be associated with what’s going on right now in your party and denouncing it, rather than defending it. As someone who has voted Republican before and tended to identify more with Republican ideas (before they went completely nuts), I can admit the current behavior is indefensible and shameful. ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/79 "2009-09-10T04:40:42Z")
I would have preferred “You suck!,” but “You lie!” isn’t bad. He spoke “truth to power” and what’s wrong with that? ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2009, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496/80 "2009-09-10T04:47:18Z")
I doubt very much that making a big deal out of this is a good idea. Better to let the criticism come mainly from his colleagues in the GOP (such as McCain). I don’t see that there’s anything to gain from ragging on Wilson endlessly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-heckled-obama-during-his-address-to-congress/509496.md?page=5)