Pelosi: Forget censure of Wilson (it would actually permit an airing of grievances and defense)

UPI ^ | 9-10-2009 | no byline

[a fool in paradise]

Democrats must drop efforts to censure a GOP representative who shouted "You lie" during President Obama's speech, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday.

Democratic leaders Thursday were looking into what formal action the House could take against Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., whose outburst during Obama's address on healthcare reform to a joint session of Congress the night before, shocked the chamber, The Hill reported.

"It's time for us to talk about healthcare, not Joe Wilson," said Pelosi, D-Calif.

One option Democrats considered was censure.

Pelosi nixed censure, as well as a call for Wilson to apologize on the floor.

"I'm on to healthcare reform. I'm not going to discuss Joe Wilson," she said. "I think his action spoke for itself. He has apologized. He will figure out what is appropriate for him to do."

After Obama told Congress that his healthcare reform plan would not permit illegal immigrants be eligible for public health insurance, Wilson shouted, "You lie," drawing boos from the floor and criticism from both sides of the aisle. Wilson later apologized.

Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson of Connecticut said Wilson should apologize.

"It's clear that the members of our caucus are quite upset and quite angry," Larson said after a caucus meeting. "We are also in the process of looking at what is appropriate conduct on the floor."

Obama, asked about the incident after meeting with his Cabinet, said Wilson "apologized quickly and with out equivocation, and I'm appreciative of that."

"I do think that, as I said last night, we have to get to the point where we can have a conversation about big, important issues that matter to the American people, without vitriol, without name-calling, without the assumption of the worst in other people's motives," he said

[PhiKapMom]

Felt the apology was necessary and still do not see why people are upset he apologized which was a classy move. Thanks for posting Newt’s comments.

My favorite part was Boehner taking full advantage of this and pointing out how the Dems had defeated the two bills that would have made certain no health insurance for illegals when even CNN replayed his comments.

Gave a chance to go after Specter and tell him to butt out of GOP business.

This also brought to light how Pres Bush was heckled by the Dems that would never have seen the light of day without Wilsons ‘you lie’ comment.

The Dems walked right into the firestorm wanting Wilson censured and Pelosi knew it which kept me chuckling all evening.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Grandma Pam.

[AFPhys]

BRILLIANT POINT!

Wilson SINGLE HANDEDLY made this Obama’s “You Lie” speech.

Everyone listening that had a single brain cell (well, maybe you have to have three) knew he was lying. Wilson labeled the speech forevermore, though.