Barack is no Martin Luther King Junior, Sir!
In the wake of a rude outburst by a Congressman during Barack Obama's much-anticipated speech to the Nation last night on the Healthcare issue - today, in the cold light of day - Republicans and Democrats alike are denouncing the impromptu rebellion as an "extraordinary breach of decorum".
In the midst of asserting to critics that under his intended plan, insurance would not be available to illegal immigrants, the President was cut-short by Representative Joe Wilson who taunted from the bleachers below:
"You lie!"
For Obama-haters, it was a precious moment.
Caught off-guard - and in the obvious throes of mixed emotions - the President had no other recourse but to react with a hilarious "classic" double-take.
Nope, it wasn't a "say what?" moment, at all.
Imagine that, Barack Obama - "old diarrhea mouth" - at a loss for words!
Not a problem for Joe Biden, though, who issued a statement on the heels of the controversy.
"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."
Meanwhile, House Minority Whip (Eric Cantor R-Va) was quick to stress that the rude interruption was inappropriate and did not reflect the sentiments of the party.
"Obviously, the President of the United States is always welcome on Capitol Hill. He deserves respect and decorum."
Rep. Joe Wilson contacted the White House in a bold-faced effort to apologize to the President personally.
When Obama failed to take the call (for reasons undetermined at press time) Wilson managed to get a word or two in edgewise with the White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanue.
According to sources, he apologized.
When asked about the mea culpa, Biden said Thursday, that he hadn't spoken with Obama
"Knowing the president, I'm sure he accepted the apology."
The Republican rebel released the following terse statement to the media.
"This evening I let my emotions get the best of me."
"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."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, appeared to be the only sensible politician with her wits about her in the aftermath
"It's time for us to talk about health care, not Mr. Wilson," she quipped to anyone within earshot.
On a nightly news show, an English pundit from across the pond - not only laughed about the incident - but shook her head over the way politicians, the media, and Joe Public alike reacted to the alleged controversy.
"They're always heckling the Prime Minister in England," she giggled.
Hear! Hear!
Well, at least Wilson didn't toss a shoe!
The ultimate insult, eh?
