Disgust over ‘You lie’ outburst

DEMOCRATS and Republicans alike are denouncing Republican Joe Wilson for shouting “You lie” at President Barack Obama during his speech to Congress, an extraordinary breach of decorum for which the South Carolina Republican swiftly apologised.

“I was embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love,” Vice President Joe Biden said yesterday. “It demeaned the institution.”

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor said: “Obviously, the president of the United States is always welcome on Capitol Hill. He deserves respect and decorum.

“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,” Cantor said.

Wilson’s outburst came after Obama said extending health care to all Americans who seek it would not mean insuring illegal immigrants.

“You lie!” Wilson shouted from his seat on the Republican side of the chamber.

Later, Wilson was contrite. “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.”