What Happened After An American Lawmaker Called Obama A Liar At Joint Session

The reaction to Wilson’s outburst, nevertheless, was punishing — even without the specter of official House action.

His Web site crashed, he took a beating on Twitter as Republicans and Democrats alike condemned his behavior.

Wilson
bolted the chamber as soon as Obama was finished speaking. Shortly
thereafter, he issued an apology and called the White House to deliver
one to the president personally. But he ended up on the line with Rahm
Emanuel, Obama’s fiery chief of staff, instead.

“This
evening I let my emotions get the best of me,” he said in a statement.
“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.”

“I was
embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love,” Vice President Joe
Biden said Thursday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “It demeaned the
institution.”

“I know that Congressman Wilson has issued an
apology and made his thoughts known to the White House, which was the
appropriate thing to do,” said House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va.
said.

Invoked the House’s guest
chaplain as the floor session opened Thursday: “Gracious God, we meet in
a challenging moment of your history. We cannot control all that may
endanger us, but we can choose our behavior and the example we set as
leaders,” said The Very Rev. George L.W. Werner, dean emeritus of
Trinity Cathedral in Pittsburgh.