On the House floor yesterday, Americans could witness how the "nation's rapidly deteriorating discourse hit yet another low," writes Dana Milbank, of the Washington Post. The most egregious case took place when Obama was emphasizing that illegal immigrants wouldn't get benefits under his health care proposals. Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina shouted out: "You lie!"
Soon, the chamber turned into a version of High School Musical as several people could be heard murmuring "ooh," though, sadly, no one said "snap!" Wilson, who later apologized, may have stolen the show, but he was hardly the only Republican who felt the need to respond in real time with something other than clapping. House Republicans booed, hissed, and grumbled. While some Democrats may have acted a bit inappropriatedly, "the insolence by House Republicans" certainly took the cake. And it wasn't just because of their taunts, but also for their incredible callousness when Obama gave a tribute to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, arguably the most emotional part of the evening, and they decided to take out their smartphones.
Some individual members were animated throughout. When Obama said that slowing the growth of health care costs by one-tenth of 1 percent would reduce the deficit by $4 trillion, deficit hawk Paul Ryan rolled his eyes and grimaced, as if doing the calculation in his head. Republicans were also quick to laugh—a little too hard, perhaps—when Obama understated that "there remain some significant details to be ironed out."
But the guy who stole the show, of course, was Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina. When Obama said that health care reform will not cover illegal immigrants, Wilson shouted, "You lie!" Heads snapped, and the member next to him gestured for him to quiet down. Obama paused slightly and pointed, but seemed unfazed. (When the speech was over, Wilson vanished.)
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