• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

  • About Us
  • Lexicon
  • Contact Us
  • Our Store
  • ↑
  • ↓
  • ←
  • →

Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Conservatism: there are some people the law protects but does not bind and others who the law binds but does not protect.

But frankly mr. cole, I’ll be happier when you get back to telling us to go fuck ourselves.

Bark louder, little dog.

They traffic in fear. it is their only currency. if we are fearful, they are winning.

Fuck the extremist election deniers. What’s money for if not for keeping them out of office?

People are complicated. Love is not.

If you’re pissed about Biden’s speech, he was talking about you.

It may be funny to you motherfucker, but it’s not funny to me.

You cannot shame the shameless.

“woke” is the new caravan.

A sufficient plurality of insane, greedy people can tank any democratic system ever devised, apparently.

Usually wrong but never in doubt

Imperialist aggressors must be defeated, or the whole world loses.

The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand.

Republicans do not pay their debts.

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

A last alliance of elves and men. also pet photos.

If you tweet it in all caps, that makes it true!

So it was an October Surprise A Day, like an Advent calendar but for crime.

I know this must be bad for Joe Biden, I just don’t know how.

Putting aside our relentless self-interest because the moral imperative is crystal clear.

Within six months Twitter will be fully self-driving.

My years-long effort to drive family and friends away has really paid off this year.

A snarling mass of vitriolic jackals

Mobile Menu

  • Winnable House Races
  • Donate with Venmo, Zelle & PayPal
  • Site Feedback
  • War in Ukraine
  • Submit Photos to On the Road
  • Politics
  • On The Road
  • Open Threads
  • Topics
  • Balloon Juice 2023 Pet Calendar (coming soon)
  • COVID-19 Coronavirus
  • Authors
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Lexicon
  • Our Store
  • Politics
  • Open Threads
  • War in Ukraine
  • Garden Chats
  • On The Road
  • 2021-22 Fundraising!
You are here: Home / Joe Wilson should resign

Joe Wilson should resign

by DougJ|  September 10, 200912:15 pm| 128 Comments

This post is in: Assholes

FacebookTweetEmail

I just wanted to get out in front of this one by being one of the first angry left-wing bloggers to call for the resignation of Republican Congressman Joe Wilson.

I’m not sure if I really think his performance was resignation-worthy, but I’d like to get some credit for getting to this early if others decide that it is later.

FacebookTweetEmail
Previous Post: « Deep thought
Next Post: Class Warfare »

Reader Interactions

128Comments

  1. 1.

    Persia

    September 10, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    Fuck it, if some guy in the Energy Department has to be fired for signing a stupid petition, Wilson should totally go for lying about the President in the middle of the President’s speech.

  2. 2.

    BruceK

    September 10, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    Take away his library card, too.

  3. 3.

    maye

    September 10, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    If we’re going to move to a House of Commons style of decorum, can we also have their healthcare system?

  4. 4.

    cleek

    September 10, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    i think he involuntarily resigned himself. he’s raised over $93K for his opponent, on ActBlue.

  5. 5.

    Regular Reader

    September 10, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    I’m just waiting for the first right-wing call for “Joe Wilson for President!” I haven’t heard one yet, but I’m predicting it will happen…

  6. 6.

    Fern

    September 10, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    I’d settle for him being utterly, humiliatingly defeated at the next available re-election attempt.

  7. 7.

    Tax Analyst

    September 10, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    Yes, imagine, if you will what Congress would be like if some Democrat stood up and shouted every time a Republican told a lie! The poor guy would never be able to finish his speech.

  8. 8.

    Winston Smith

    September 10, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    Hell, keep that guy around. He’s a living counterpoint to the BS claim that the kooks on the right are isolated to “a few nuts on the fringes.”

  9. 9.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    September 10, 2009 at 12:24 pm

    Or we could just call his antics the “economic stimulus plan” for his opponent. Rob Miller’s Act Blue page is at $220,000+ right now.

  10. 10.

    Sirkowski

    September 10, 2009 at 12:25 pm

    Wilson/Palin 2012

  11. 11.

    Muzza

    September 10, 2009 at 12:25 pm

    Publicly calling the president a liar while we are fighting two wars, well I have one for that – TREASON

  12. 12.

    harlana pepper

    September 10, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    As my mama, a sweet Southern belle of SC, would say, that man is just pure trash. As a state, we have already been shamed and humiliated enough by Sanford without this kind of shit. Asshole that he is, he won’t resign but I sure hope he gets his ass beat next election.

  13. 13.

    Persia

    September 10, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    @Sirkowski: As if Palin will ever be second on the ticket again. ;-)

  14. 14.

    Ash Can

    September 10, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    Apart from the fact that, in all seriousness, I don’t think Wilson’s outburst was nearly enough to warrant his resignation, I second Winston Smith on keeping Wilson around. He makes a fine Exhibit A for why the GOP should be kept as far from the levers of power as possible, at least until they pull their heads out of their asses.

  15. 15.

    The Moar You Know

    September 10, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    I like him. He’s insane, likes to start fights he can’t win, and has a big mouth. Just what I love in my opposition.

  16. 16.

    Zifnab

    September 10, 2009 at 12:30 pm

    I just wanted to get out in front of this one by being one of the first angry left-wing bloggers to call for the resignation of Republican Congressman Joe Wilson.

    Resign? I hope he becomes the new GOP face man. Make Whitey McAsshole the new Joe the Plumber. By all means, keep that guy in Congress, front and center, right up till November 2010.

  17. 17.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    September 10, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    @cleek: Yeah. You are correct. My number was the total for all Act Blue pages. Man, not bad. Less than 24 hours and 100K. That still some pretty good economic stimulus.

  18. 18.

    Comrade Mary

    September 10, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    He looks and sounds shit-scared. Still spinning, still lying, still digging himself deeper, but shit-scared nonetheless.

  19. 19.

    PTirebiter

    September 10, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    Does anybody know what, if any prerogatives the Speaker has; covered parking, key to the executive restroom and such?

  20. 20.

    jibeaux

    September 10, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    @The Grand Panjandrum:

    I realize this is pretty geeky, but at that rate by the time his re-election rolls around a year from now, Rob Miller would have about $131 million.

  21. 21.

    freelancer

    September 10, 2009 at 12:37 pm

    @DougJ

    I’m not sure if I really think his performance was resignation-worthy, but I’d like to get some credit for getting to this early if others decide that it is later.

    You. Cynical. Bitch.

  22. 22.

    LorenzoStDuBois

    September 10, 2009 at 12:38 pm

    He’s an idiot, but I think the left is coming perilously close to fauxtrage on this one.

    Sure the right would go nuts, but let’s point out that hypocrisy and move along, showing that we’re better. The Prez is just our number one public servant, not our god-head, and this Wilson guy can show he has no class without needing us to lose our shit about it.

  23. 23.

    harlana pepper

    September 10, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    @Comrade Mary: crappage, can’t get video to download off TPM. anyone else having this problem?

  24. 24.

    Keith

    September 10, 2009 at 12:40 pm

    Wow, given that Drudge has already been on the “DEMS DID IT!” kick, and Rush is certain to say “Palin-Wilson ’12!” at some point today (coupled with the GOP’s tendency to refuse apologies or blame it on misunderstanding), I am pretty shocked he apologized so fast.

  25. 25.

    TR

    September 10, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    Miller’s raised over $200K in the last 24 hours, which might well move him from a 4-1 underdog to a slight favorite in fundraising for the year. Keep it coming, folks.

  26. 26.

    xaaronx

    September 10, 2009 at 12:41 pm

    Wow. He really does sound like he’s about to have urine running down his leg in that video.

  27. 27.

    donovong

    September 10, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    @Comrade Mary: Sorry, but I did not detect a single genuine note of contrition in what he said. In fact, he continues to be argumentative and pig-headed. Since he is not my congress critter (although I am still “represented” by other SC Wingnuts), I can’t vote against him, but I will sure as hell do waht I can to make sure he loses next year. What a douchebag.

  28. 28.

    freelancer

    September 10, 2009 at 12:46 pm

    @LorenzoStDuBois:

    He’s an idiot, but I think the left is coming perilously close to fauxtrage on this one.
    Sure the right would go nuts, but let’s point out that hypocrisy and move along, showing that we’re better. The Prez is just our number one public servant, not our god-head, and this Wilson guy can show he has no class without needing us to lose our shit about it.

    This.

    Like we woke up yesterday and suddenly expected Congressional Representatives who have been sponsoring Birther, Deather, and Tenther legislation to not be assholes?! I’m with Barney Frank on this one.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/ns/msnbc_tv-rachel_maddow_show#32769342

  29. 29.

    OC

    September 10, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    He’s an idiot, but I think the left is coming perilously close to fauxtrage on this one.

    Sure the right would go nuts, but let’s point out that hypocrisy and move along, showing that we’re better. The Prez is just our number one public servant, not our god-head, and this Wilson guy can show he has no class without needing us to lose our shit about it.

    Agreed. It’s better to let Dems look like the adults and let this Wilson dipshit hang himself.

  30. 30.

    Hawes

    September 10, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    I agree that Wilson just made himself frontrunner for something. Can’t decide if he’ll take down Huckleberry Graham, become Governor/Lovernor or head the Presidential ticket for the GOP in 2012.

    But this guy is the Real Goofy when it comes to GOP Amurican, Heartland gut-thinking.

  31. 31.

    PTirebiter

    September 10, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    Comrade Mary-
    Wow, was he coming out of Boehner’s office? It sounds like some Republicans understand the implications. They’re on the verge of cult status.

  32. 32.

    Shawn in ShowMe

    September 10, 2009 at 12:53 pm

    It’s all set — Joe The Plumber vs. Joe Wilson for the Real American Television Title at Summer Slam. Because you demanded it.

  33. 33.

    Mike E

    September 10, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    His wife, the spy, is TEH hot though

  34. 34.

    Mike G

    September 10, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    If he gets voted out, he’ll have his own show on Fox so fast it’ll make your head spin.

  35. 35.

    Trinity

    September 10, 2009 at 12:56 pm

    @freelancer: I liked what Barney had to say last night on Maddow but I do not think there is anything wrong with throwing a few $$ to his opponent to express my feelings about his outburst.

    Is it still “fauxrage” when you put your money where your mouth is? And I really don’t mean that as a smart-ass question.

  36. 36.

    Leelee for Obama

    September 10, 2009 at 12:56 pm

    Governor/Lovernor

    For the f’in win!!!!

  37. 37.

    David

    September 10, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    Some Freepers seem to have turned on Mr. Wilson for apologizing immediately. Turns out he’s just a RINO too. So sad.

  38. 38.

    Zeke

    September 10, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    Each and every Republican office-holder and candidate needs to be asked, on a daily basis, to denounce and condemn Wilson.

  39. 39.

    asiangrrlMN

    September 10, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    @LorenzoStDuBois: Yup. I gotta go with this, too. There’s no need to call for his resignation–make him the face of the opposition. Don’t make a big deal and let him just twist in the wind with his balls hanging low enough to whack ’em. They are batshitcrazy and should be seen as such.

    @DougJ, I like your style, man. Plus, you made me laugh. That’s always appreciated.

  40. 40.

    mclaren

    September 10, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    This is why you have to admire the Republicans, in a perverse sort of way. They’re just willing to pull out all the stops. They don’t care about decorum, they have no concern about being polite, they’ll just pull down their pants and take a dump on your dinner plate while you’re eating.

    And you know what?

    That gets attention. You can condemn the Repubs, you can rail at them, you can despise them…but you can’t ignore ’em. They get in your face and keep doing and saying outrageous things that guarantee they’ll be a problem you have to deal with.

    Democrats, they just don’t want to cause problems. Demos wimp out. The Democrats are scared to death of seeming impolite, the Democrats can’t stand the thought of upsetting anyone.

    Well, you know…politics isn’t a dainty tea party. Politics is brute force, crushing the opposite, grinding ’em into hamburger with propaganda and mobilized angry voters and a sea of chanting enthusiasts. The Republicans may be evil and stupid and grotesquely ignorant…but the Republicans get it. The Republicans understand what it takes to grind the opposition’s face with a broken bottle until they give in.

    I keep asking myself…

    …What if every Democrat in congress had shouted “You LIE!” at the top of their lungs during the drunk-driving C student’s state of the Union addresses in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007? What if every Democrat had brought an air horn into congress and blasted them to drown out the President’s words while shouting “Come clean! Stop the lies! Each time he lies, a soldier in Iraq dies!”

    The Republicans would’ve gone berserk, they’d have foamed at the mouth and had paroxysms, but one thing the Repubs could _not_ have done was to ignore the Democrats. Sure, they would’ve set the country on fire. So what? It’s already on fire. Sure, the Democrats would’ve brought out armies of crazy right wingers…guess what? The armies of crazy right-wingers are already out in force.

    The Democrats should’ve listened to Malone’s speech from “The Untouchables” in 1987: “He brings out a knife, you bring out a gun. He puts one of your boys in the hospital, you put one of his in the morgue. That’s how we do it, that’s the Chicago way.”

    The Democrats had better get with the program and start kicking some ass, otherwise (as usual) the press will deplore the outrageous behavior of the Republicans…but the Repubs will crush liberals yet again, they’ll just grind ’em into hamburger and run roughshod over ’em even as a vanishingly small minority party with no credibility and no platform and no rational agenda.

    Hate these guys all you want — they’ve got the infighting skills of the Sopranos. The Democrats could really learn a lot from ’em.

  41. 41.

    Comrade Mary

    September 10, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    @donovong: I agree that he wasn’t contrite, and I noted the continuing pattern of lies and spin.

    But what was caught on video there was a man dog-paddling for his life in a lake of sewage. And I can see his former friends revving up the cigarette boats that are going to zip around him until the waves slap over his head …

  42. 42.

    Leelee for Obama

    September 10, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    @Trinity: I think that’s just plain rage. Or at least anger. Makes me wish I had few ducats to toss to Miller.

    I think letting Wilson hang out there looking like a dipshit is better than bitchin about what he did. He was told to apologize, again. ( see Thurmond stuff up thread) His 15 may be up soon.

    Me, I love watching PM question time. Full-9 innings, and almost all of them articulate. Obama could hold his own there.

  43. 43.

    eemom

    September 10, 2009 at 1:02 pm

    I resent all the attention that worthless little shitheel diverted from what I thought was a really great speech.

    Fuck him. End of story.

  44. 44.

    The Grand Panjandrum

    September 10, 2009 at 1:03 pm

    Whoa. Just saw the Wilson video at TPM. Can you say “deer in the headlights”?

    “Better dead than red” is taking on a whole new meaning.

  45. 45.

    GregB

    September 10, 2009 at 1:04 pm

    Christ, Wilson looks like he had a gun pointed at his head off camera.

    The GOPer leadership must have scared him shitless.

    He’s finished because the base will want to lionize while he attempts to step away from the controversy.

    Doomed he is.

    -G

  46. 46.

    eemom

    September 10, 2009 at 1:04 pm

    @Comrade Mary:

    I do love that image though.

  47. 47.

    GregB

    September 10, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    Wilson learned the lesson that life outside of the GOP media spin bubble is a whole different place.

    -G

  48. 48.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    September 10, 2009 at 1:07 pm

    @maye: If we’re going to move to a House of Commons style of decorum, can we also have their healthcare system?

    Win.

    Actually I’d say go for what France has instead of England, but then the heckling would be in a ferrin language. Might be more intelligent though. In fact I’m sure it would be.

  49. 49.

    Comrade Darkness

    September 10, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    @Keith: For all the crap both sides pull in congress they are careful and sensitive to pageantry and tradition. He’s in deep shit just on that point. Their power hinges at least partly on social contract and by behaving badly, Wilson puts that at risk, and the leadership knows that.

    But also there is a right wing, older constituency who will go real outrage on people who aren’t polite, whether they agree with them or not. It’s a collapse of civilization thing with them. When I was doing the beat for a challenger to a republican a few years ago, that republican had recently stepped over some decorum line and in just one afternoon I happened upon three older citizens who had tossed their support for him, just on that one thing. After 18 years of service. I thought nothing of what the guy had done even though I couldn’t stand him, so the vehemence was illuminating.

  50. 50.

    asiangrrlMN

    September 10, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    @eemom: This, too. Fuck ‘im. Fuck ’em all.

    I like Barney Frank reminding people that the Republicans want to go back and redo the election. He kept pounding home the point that Democrats WON! Time to fucking act like it. Ok, he didn’t say that, but he implied it. Really.

    Ooooh, Barney Frank actually said what everyone knows: I think the president underestimated how rightwing the Republicans have been. “Post-partisan depression”. Love it. Love him.

  51. 51.

    Leelee for Obama

    September 10, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    Interesting, Andrea Mitchell has Chuckie and Stretch on, and both of them sound suspiciously like reporters!

    Can’t embed-don’t know how, but it’s worth finding!!

  52. 52.

    PTirebiter

    September 10, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    “He’s an idiot, but I think the left is coming perilously close to fauxtrage on this one.”

    Coming as it did on the backs of town halls and back-to-school madness, I don’t think so. But there is a danger of overplaying our hand. We can’t get sucked into thinking we need to defend the outrage, we win. I’m still amazed that the GOP was able to turn the morality of torture into a question.

  53. 53.

    donovong

    September 10, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    @Comrade Mary: “But what was caught on video there was a man dog-paddling for his life in a lake of sewage. And I can see his former friends revving up the cigarette boats that are going to zip around him until the waves slap over his head …”

    For the Win!!

    I yield to the Zen Master here.

  54. 54.

    Leelee for Obama

    September 10, 2009 at 1:16 pm

    “Post-partisan depression”

    This is a pre-existing condition, treatment is to “Suck it up and Move-on”

    I caught myself channeling CJ Craig as Obama entered the House last night. “Bring, it Boss!” indeed.

  55. 55.

    freelancer

    September 10, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    @Trinity:

    I liked what Barney had to say last night on Maddow but I do not think there is anything wrong with throwing a few $$ to his opponent to express my feelings about his outburst.
    Is it still “fauxrage” when you put your money where your mouth is? And I really don’t mean that as a smart-ass question.

    I don’t think Frank had anything against padding Miller’s warchest, in fact he was very clear that ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. The fauxtrage, I suspect, is if the Dems clutch their pearls on their fainting couches weeping about civility and act like this was the worst partisan thing ever done in history.

  56. 56.

    gnomedad

    September 10, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    Resign? Nah. Obama’s mantra must be “don’t interrupt your opponents while they’re making asses of themselves.”

  57. 57.

    Shawn in ShowMe

    September 10, 2009 at 1:27 pm

    The fauxtrage, I suspect, is if the Dems clutch their pearls on their fainting couches weeping about civility and act like this was the worst partisan thing ever done in history.

    In the context of a presidential speech to a joint session of Congress, this is the worst partisan thing ever done in history.

  58. 58.

    Trinity

    September 10, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    @freelancer:

    The fauxtrage, I suspect, is if the Dems clutch their pearls on their fainting couches weeping about civility and act like this was the worst partisan thing ever done in history.

    Okay, I get your explanation. And I agree, ‘fainting couch’ behavior would be a bit much…however, it is hard not to view this particular outburst in the context of all that we’ve seen from the Republicans since the day Obama took office. These same people called us traitor for evening questioning GWB but they are allowed to call Obama a nazi without any serious pushback.

    I definitely feel some rage about that.

  59. 59.

    Comrade Mary

    September 10, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    @donovong: Not mine, really. It’s the punchline to an ancient joke about hell and demons and stuff. But still one of my faves.

  60. 60.

    TR

    September 10, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    I’m not prone on the fainting couch. I’m making a donation on ActBlue.

    Wilson’s free to make an ass out of himself, and I’m free to do everything in my power to make him a private citizen.

  61. 61.

    asiangrrlMN

    September 10, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    God, maybe I just have hit critical mass myself, but when I saw the incident, I just started laughing to myself over how crazy it was. I mean, if you’re going to heckle, at least get your heckling point right! To me, it beautifully crystallized just what the fuck is wrong with the GOP right now. It was almost poetic.

    @Leelee for Obama:

    This is a pre-existing condition, treatment is to “Suck it up and Move-on”

    .

    Snort. You haz teh funny.

  62. 62.

    asiangrrlMN

    September 10, 2009 at 1:34 pm

    @TR: Yup. I agree with both. I will be giving money to Joe Wilson’s opponent as well. I just have hit outrage fatigue myself because it’s all too fucking stupid. I feel as if I’m in Bizarro world.

  63. 63.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    September 10, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    So this guy started as a page to Strom Thurmond?

    Ah.

    I would gently suggest that in the minds of certain people, a black man speaking sternly to a group of white men is an affront to which “heckling” rudely would not only be acceptable but among the lesser responses you might have.

  64. 64.

    freelancer

    September 10, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    @Trinity:

    So do I. But judging from the look on Boehner’s face last night, they are really disliking their Shit Taco.

    http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-april-7-2009/baracknophobia—obey

    I was amazed to learn that Miller has raised $100K overnight.

  65. 65.

    JGabriel

    September 10, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    Erick Erickson:

    Conservative Activists Are Proving to be a Pathetic Bunch

    … because they’re not giving enough money to Joe Wilson!

    Sigh.

    Did anyone see that episode of Leverage a week or two ago where they noted that any “Erick” who spells his name with a “k” is evil? I like to think the writers had Mr. Erickson in mind when they wrote that.

    .

  66. 66.

    Trinity

    September 10, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    @freelancer: That Daily Show link didn’t work.

    And Miller is almost up to 300k now. :) http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079

  67. 67.

    CT

    September 10, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    @Shawn in ShowMe: Really? Folks have booed, done the disbelieving murmur, walked out. And that’s just in the last 20 years (cleek had a link to a Media Matters story in the last thread that mentioned all these). This guy just got caught all by himself out there with his stupid comment. Impolite? Sure. But talk of censure or resignation is just silly hyperventilation. The office of the presidency will survive this one, I think.

  68. 68.

    Trinity

    September 10, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    @JGabriel: Ha! I love Leverage.

  69. 69.

    jwb

    September 10, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    @Comrade Darkness: “But also there is a right wing, older constituency who will go real outrage on people who aren’t polite, whether they agree with them or not.”

    Presumably, this differs from the right wing, older constituency that rioted at the town hall meetings this summer. So hard to keep the right wing factions straight these days.

  70. 70.

    freelancer

    September 10, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    @JGabriel:

    I saw that, and Mr. EriK “RedState, run your car in park in your driveway on Earthday” Erickson was the first place my mind went.

    update: 300K for Miller.

  71. 71.

    Shawn in ShowMe

    September 10, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    @freelancer

    And another 100K this morning. Props to the impromptu organizing efforts spearheaded by DKos. It’s what separates them from the do-nothing hecklers at places like OpenLeft.

  72. 72.

    freelancer

    September 10, 2009 at 1:51 pm

    @Trinity:

    Google the phrase “It’s supposed to taste like a shit taco”

  73. 73.

    gopher2b

    September 10, 2009 at 1:52 pm

    @Comrade Mary:

    That was painful to watch. But good pain.

  74. 74.

    cmorenc

    September 10, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    The problem is that Wilson’s outburst probably was popular with a majority of the electorate in his district for its sentiments, even while they may disapprove of his lack of decorum and discretion in choosing settings in which expressing it is considered appropriate. Wilson will only get into trouble with his constituents if he shows a continued propensity for his mouth to yap in awkward, inappropriate contexts.

  75. 75.

    gwangung

    September 10, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    Ha! I love Leverage.

    Now! With more Jeri Ryan!

  76. 76.

    Shawn in ShowMe

    September 10, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    Really? Folks have booed, done the disbelieving murmur, walked out

    Calling the President a liar to his face is kinda taking it to next level.

  77. 77.

    dmsilev

    September 10, 2009 at 2:02 pm

    @GregB:

    He’s finished because the base will want to lionize while he attempts to step away from the controversy.

    As proof of this, I just got a blast e-mail from Erick E. Erickson, pride of Redstate, urging me to open my wallet and give to poor Rep. Wilson, saying

    It does no good to pat Joe on the back or give him an “atta boy.” Joe Wilson needs us to open our wallets and checkbooks. Joe Wilson is now a serious threat to Barack Obama because he dared point out that the Emperor has no clothes. The left will target him. The left will target his family. The left will try to destroy Joe Wilson.

    Upon reading those last three sentences, irony scribbled a brief note and blew its brains out.

    -dms

  78. 78.

    Michael Gass

    September 10, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    Miller is now over $300k!!!

  79. 79.

    Ed Drone

    September 10, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    I would gently suggest that in the minds of certain people, a black man speaking sternly to a group of white men is an affront to which “heckling” rudely would not only be acceptable but among the lesser responses you might have.

    Hence Lidsey Graham’s pearl-clutching vapors about Obama’s calling out the liars and obstructionists in his speech:

    “At times I found his tone to be overly combative and believe he behaved in a manner beneath the dignity of the office. I fear his speech tonight has made it more difficult – not less – to find common ground.”

    Note the ‘reason’ we won’t see any Republican agreement on this subject: “more difficult … to find common ground” my ass. They were never going to find common ground. Common ground? How about battle ground? Burial ground is more like it. But the President’s speech is the reason for it all. Like when Pelosi called those WATBs for what they are, and the whole GOP went all “Harumph! Well, I never! What an insult” back when the Democrats first took the Congress.

    I call B.S. on all of it. B.S. is their only stock in trade. And if all they give us is B.S., then by definition, they are Assholes. Van Jones has it right!

    Ed

  80. 80.

    JenJen

    September 10, 2009 at 2:14 pm

    Dear Doug, Tim and John,

    Would you guys consider setting up a Balloon-Juice Act Blue page for Rob Miller? I’m not a Kossack, but I wanna kick in some money, and I’d rather do it under someone else’s flag. I know you did it for Obama and you might have for other Congress Critters… any chance you’d give it another whirl?

    Set up a page, and I’m in. Anyone with me?

  81. 81.

    Barry

    September 10, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    Comrade Mary

    “He looks and sounds shit-scared. Still spinning, still lying, still digging himself deeper, but shit-scared nonetheless.”

    I agree; he looks *very* rattled. Sweeet.

  82. 82.

    JenJen

    September 10, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    Oh, and also too, the wonderful Anne!

    So, Dear Doug, John, Tim and Anne:

    JenJen wants an ActBlue Balloon-Juice page. That is all.

  83. 83.

    lamh31

    September 10, 2009 at 2:20 pm

    Who was it that said the dems are overdoing the outrage?>

    h/t Sully, Well the GOP are selling T-shirts:
    The GOP’s New Slogan: I’m with Joe Wilson

    but’s it’s the dems who are gonna take it too far…right?

  84. 84.

    Michael Gass

    September 10, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    JenJen,

    http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079

    From what I see, there are quite a few already and you don’t have to be a Kossack.

    Oh… and Miller is now over $325k

  85. 85.

    ricky

    September 10, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    South Carolinians do funny things in politics. This one is a long way from firing on Ft. Sumter.

  86. 86.

    Johnny Pez

    September 10, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    @JenJen:

    JenJen Johnson is right!

  87. 87.

    olo

    September 10, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    How about an article of Impeachment for the SC scumbag.

    Not Sanford, let him rot till the next election, but for Joe Wilson.

  88. 88.

    General Winfield Stuck

    September 10, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    @dmsilev:

    Joe Wilson is now a serious threat to Barack Obama because he dared point out that the Emperor has no clothes.

    Dispatch from the dog closet in the basement of the Wingnut Alamo/

  89. 89.

    kay

    September 10, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    You have to actually appear when you apologize. Who raises these people? They issue apology statements?

    I don’t care if he keep his seat or not, but he’s an absolute coward.

  90. 90.

    Wadovchew

    September 10, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    Palin Wilson 2012 !

    snark

  91. 91.

    kay

    September 10, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    @General Winfield Stuck:

    Then he ran away. “Visibly shaken”. And had staff issue a statement. Oh, and he made a phone call.

    That was brave series of apology events. Where’s he hiding today?

  92. 92.

    Comrade Darkness

    September 10, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    @jwb: It would be the opposite ones, in fact. The ones who utilize the phrase: “That’s just not done.” and really mean it. They will give you a righteous earful one on one. All clean language too. I don’t think I could do that.

  93. 93.

    Comrade Darkness

    September 10, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    @kay: He’s a bully. The most pathetic form of coward when called out.

  94. 94.

    Bruce (formerly Steve S.)

    September 10, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    Palin/Wilson in ’12.

    I just wanted to get out in front of that one.

  95. 95.

    General Winfield Stuck

    September 10, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    @kay:

    . Where’s he hiding today?

    Apparently becoming a reluctant folk hero. At least that’s what John Podhoretz is telling us.

    Joe Wilson, the Republican congressman who interrupted Barack Obama’s speech by yelling out “You lie,” deserves censure. There is no excuse for such conduct. That said, he is about to become a folk hero.

    Right up there with Paul Revere, I suppose. “The soshulists are lying, the soshulists are lying”

    Or something like that.

  96. 96.

    Martin

    September 10, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    I think resigning is harsh.

    Instead he should have the option of teabagging Obama in the well of the House with C-SPAN running. If he’s unwilling to do that, then he should be forced to resign.

    Seems fair.

  97. 97.

    Comrade Darkness

    September 10, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    @Martin: Don’t you mean “getting teabagged by?”

  98. 98.

    JenJen

    September 10, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    @Michael Gass: $325!! When I check this morning, it was $90. Gawd this is fun!

    I’m going to kick in regardless, but can wait a bit longer to see if maybe, possibly, a Juicer Page happens. But yeah, Rob Miller has my support, and my bucks.

  99. 99.

    nogo postal

    September 10, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    I try to check the “local” flavor whenever stuff like this happens. So I went to The State (The folks that broke the Gov story) I spent a little time wading through the comments. It appears what he did was too crazy even for folks from SC
    http://www.thestate.com/local/story/935924.html

  100. 100.

    Michael Gass

    September 10, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    JenJen,

    Miller just went over $360k.

  101. 101.

    Trinity

    September 10, 2009 at 3:04 pm

    @Michael Gass: That is awesome! I feel kind of giddy.

  102. 102.

    Michael Gass

    September 10, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    Trinity,

    I live in South Carolina. Wilson will have millions backing him, so, any help we can give Miller is most appreciated.

  103. 103.

    Mike G

    September 10, 2009 at 3:12 pm

    I think resigning is harsh.

    (Using Repig 2001-1009 ‘logic’)
    B-b-b-but…we’re AT WAR! With TERRISTS!! Don’t you dare question the preznit at time of war! Traitor! Saddam-loving fifth-columnist evildoer!

  104. 104.

    matoko_chan

    September 10, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    DougJ…..this is all politics.
    The reason O is doing healthcare reform first is to get it done well out from 2012…..because he knew the repubs could demagogue HC reform as socialism.
    The reason Wilson broke out in calumny last nite is that he knows he won’t be able to do it later.
    Healthcare reform will happen this year.
    Next is immigration reform.
    Imagine a similiar republican outburst during a typical humanitarian O speech on immigration reform.
    ssssssssss ……the sound of all the air escaping from the repub trial balloon of courting hispanic voters.
    They are furious…..they aren’t so stupid that they don’t see the demographic timer running down on the party of old white guys.
    But there is nothin’ they can do.
    Their base is going to rage-log on them if they try to do ANYTHING for hispanics.
    The only thing they can do is convolve immigration with health care by lying.
    Chillax…..our guy is way is uber-l33t.
    Simply full of win.

  105. 105.

    matoko_chan

    September 10, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    Oh, what did i say now?
    moderation hates l33tspk.

  106. 106.

    licensed to kill time

    September 10, 2009 at 3:20 pm

    I don’t think he should resign, but he should be made to wear a big scarlet L around his neck for a while so everyone can point and mock.

  107. 107.

    Bender

    September 10, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    Let me get this straight — it’s cool for the President to call Palin a liar behind her back, but reprehensible for a Republican to call Obama a liar to his face?

    Of course, by Juicer “logic,” Obama must hate women. And white people.

    So Glen Beck was right? President RAAAAAAAAAACIST!

  108. 108.

    JM

    September 10, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    Let me get this straight—

    Keep trying, dumbass.

  109. 109.

    Michael Gass

    September 10, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    Bender,

    Your logic might work if the truth didn’t matter. The fact is, Palin and others have lied, repeatedly, about what the health care allows, doesn’t allow, etc. So, calling them liars is merely the truth.

  110. 110.

    licensed to kill time

    September 10, 2009 at 3:25 pm

    Uh-oh, Bender Blight.

  111. 111.

    gwangung

    September 10, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    @JM: But it’s a better effort as of late.

    Encouragement, there.

  112. 112.

    JM

    September 10, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Joe Wilson is now a serious threat to Barack Obama because he dared point out that the Emperor has no clothes.

    Er, rather Wilson proved he can’t read plain English … in a bill … that’s in his own little piece of Congress.

    Wilson is what happens when siblings marry. The next stage is the proliferation of fundamentalist churches.

  113. 113.

    Comrade Mary

    September 10, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Bender, sweetie, I think you should sit down and have a cookie and a glass of milk.

    One of the things you need to know about the world is this: some people lie. We know this because of pesky little things called “facts”. And when people lie about the facts, it is perfectly honourable to say, “Hey, lying liar! You are lying about the facts! Cut that out, OK?”

    Calling someone a liar when they aren’t lying? Bad.

    Calling someone a liar when they are lying? Good.

    Now finish your milk, wipe your face and scoot off outside. There’s only a few nice days of summer left.

  114. 114.

    JM

    September 10, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    Palin lied about Death Panels. Obama told the truth about HR 3200.

    These two events are not equivalent.

  115. 115.

    licensed to kill time

    September 10, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    Uh-oh, Bender Blight.

    “Blight refers to a specific symptom affecting plantsBender in response to infection by a pathogenic organismGlenn Beck”

  116. 116.

    Davebo

    September 10, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    Well that was certainly fast!

    jowwilsonisyourpreexistingcondition.com

  117. 117.

    licensed to kill time

    September 10, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    ok, just imagine where the strike-throughs go…

  118. 118.

    nepat

    September 10, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    How soon before the Repubs start burning the flag?

  119. 119.

    tim

    September 10, 2009 at 4:12 pm

    You don’t get it, DougJ: It DOES NOT MATTER if the offense was resignation-worthy in the real world. To play hardball with the psycho republicans, who do not operate in the real world, you take no prisoners and you scream bloody murder and demand a bloody scalp at each and every slightest opportunity.

    You claw for advantage at every opportunity, as do they.

    What is with your continued wishy washiness?

    Let me get this straight: you were agreeing that Van Jones needed to go, but you’re iffy on a hateful, psycho Republican winger who screamed out at Obama during a speech in the well of the House? WTF?

    This post is more evidence for why I say despite your mostly fine writing, when push comes to shove and the subject is ACTION, you are spineless, much as is Digby when the rubber hits the road. She is forever inserting qualifiers, letting the opposition off the hook.

    NEVER let the opposition off the hook! If you REALLY want to win and are not a concern blogger, that is.

  120. 120.

    JK

    September 10, 2009 at 4:19 pm

    I’ll settle for Joe Wilson being forced to deliver an apology on the floor of the House chamber. His written apology is bullshit. He needs to publicly apologize in front of all his collegues in the House.

  121. 121.

    Makewi

    September 10, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    TED KOPPEL (ABC host): When the president talked about the bankruptcy of Social Security, there were clearly some Democrats on the floor who thought that that was taking it too far. And they did something that, apparently, no one at this table has ever heard before. They booed.

    and

    JOHN ROBERTS (CBS White House correspondent): At a couple points in this address, it looked more like the British Parliament than the United States Congress. I’ve never heard the minority party shout at the president during the State of the Union address.

    If it was rude then, which it was, then it was rude last night. He has apologized, but I hope in the future we stop seeing this sort of thing. Everyone just needs to understand that the correct place to call Obama a liar is on the internet.

  122. 122.

    JK

    September 10, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    Joe Wilson Talks To Reporters About Outburst
    h/t http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/10/joe-wilson-talks-to-repor_n_282212.html

  123. 123.

    Darkrose

    September 10, 2009 at 7:15 pm

    @Trinity:

    OT: Did you catch Nate’s comment to the judge in last night’s episode? Awesome. If I wasn’t already married, I’d totally want to marry John Rogers.

  124. 124.

    Bender

    September 10, 2009 at 7:33 pm

    The fact is, Palin and others have lied, repeatedly, about what the health care allows, doesn’t allow, etc. So, calling them liars is merely the truth.

    And Obama hasn’t lied repeatedly? The Kool-Aid is strong here. Taxpayers earning under $250K a year could argue that Obama’s biggest promises are almost always filled with lies.

    If Obama would like to show us his imaginary proposal that will exclude illegals from coverage and includes an enforcement provision, please let him show it. Let the Democrats explain why they have voted down amendments to HR3200 with enforcement provisions for illegal aliens. Without enforcement, we have seen what happens — under current law, illegals are not supposed to get medicaid benefits, vote, or get welfare, but without any enforcement, they get all of these things and more.

    Also — the dead giveaway — Obama should stop referring to providing health care for “47 million without insurance,” a number which INCLUDES illegals.

    Right blogs and radio shows have been calling the White House all day trying to find this Phantom Proposal, and the White House has finally… ummmmm, left the phone off the hook where it goes straight to voice mail. Courage!

  125. 125.

    Wile E. Quixote

    September 11, 2009 at 12:22 am

    @Bender

    If Obama would like to show us his imaginary proposal that will exclude illegals from coverage and includes an enforcement provision, please let him show it. Let the Democrats explain why they have voted down amendments to HR3200 with enforcement provisions for illegal aliens. Without enforcement, we have seen what happens—under current law, illegals are not supposed to get medicaid benefits, vote, or get welfare, but without any enforcement, they get all of these things and more.

    Got any proof for that Bender? And by “proof” I don’t mean some e-mail that you were forwarded by one of your jerk-off Republican friends who in turn received it from another jerk-off Republican. While you’re providing proof of that could you also provide proof that you weren’t one of Glenn Beck’s accomplices when he raped and murdered a young girl in 1990?

  126. 126.

    DougW

    September 11, 2009 at 12:36 am

    @Ash Can

    They are unable to pull their heads out of their asses.

    Reagan super-glued the whole party’s heads. Once inserted, nothing will get them out.

    So they keep on the same tired mantra… Taxes… Liberals… Communists… Taxes… Super Glue! Lower Taxes… There they go again… Liberals oh noes! Must hide head in ass… They’ve been there ever since…

  127. 127.

    bob smith

    September 12, 2009 at 11:58 am

    Joe Wilson needs to resign asap. I don’t care if he agrees or disagree with the president; his outburst was unprofessional and disrespectful and for these reasons he need to resign. For all I am concern, he is a disgrace to the American people.

  128. 128.

    louise claussen

    September 15, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    How can South Carolina stand itself. What a despicable state. We should let them succeed and be assholes by their lonesome. He can take South Carolina and his teenage republicans and shove it all. What a new low for this country. Resign and be a man. Stay and be a low suckass douche bag.

Comments are closed.

Primary Sidebar

Fundraising 2023-24

Wis*Dems Supreme Court + SD-8

Recent Comments

  • Glidwrith on Men are afraid women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them. (Mar 23, 2023 @ 1:26am)
  • Citizen Alan on Open Thread: Inherit the Wind (Mar 23, 2023 @ 1:20am)
  • Odie Hugh Manatee on Open Thread: Inherit the Wind (Mar 23, 2023 @ 1:19am)
  • Ken_L on Open Thread: Inherit the Wind (Mar 23, 2023 @ 1:19am)
  • JCJ on Open Thread: Inherit the Wind (Mar 23, 2023 @ 1:18am)

🎈Keep Balloon Juice Ad Free

Become a Balloon Juice Patreon
Donate with Venmo, Zelle or PayPal

Balloon Juice Posts

View by Topic
View by Author
View by Month & Year
View by Past Author

Featuring

Medium Cool
Artists in Our Midst
Authors in Our Midst
We All Need A Little Kindness
Classified Documents: A Primer
State & Local Elections Discussion

Calling All Jackals

Site Feedback
Nominate a Rotating Tag
Submit Photos to On the Road
Balloon Juice Mailing List Signup
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Links)
Balloon Juice Anniversary (All Posts)

Twitter / Spoutible

Balloon Juice (Spoutible)
WaterGirl (Spoutible)
TaMara (Spoutible)
John Cole
DougJ (aka NYT Pitchbot)
Betty Cracker
Tom Levenson
TaMara
David Anderson
Major Major Major Major
ActualCitizensUnited

Join the Fight!

Join the Fight Signup Form
All Join the Fight Posts

Balloon Juice Events

5/14  The Apocalypse
5/20  Home Away from Home
5/29  We’re Back, Baby
7/21  Merging!

Balloon Juice for Ukraine

Donate

Site Footer

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Comment Policy
  • Our Authors
  • Blogroll
  • Our Artists
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 Dev Balloon Juice · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!