President Barack Obama was invited to the Hill to address a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on Wednesday night.  When he started speaking about health care and said, “the reforms I’m proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally”, Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) blurted out, “You Lie!”.

Vice President Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and Obama turned in unison and the crowd collectively gasped.  Another congressman balanced a sign on his lap that read ‘What Bill?”.

Following the speech, Democrats were livid as were many key Republicans, including Senator John McCain (R-Ariz) who told Larry King that the outburst was “totally disrespectful.  No place for it in that setting or any other, and he should apologize for it immediately.”

Representative Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) weighed in as well:  “I’ve never seen anything like that before.  We do not invite the president of the United States into the House of Representatives and hurl insults.”  Senator Jim Clyburn (D-SC) said the remark “went beyond heckling”.

Wilson apologized shortly after the speech: “This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the president’s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the health care bill.  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.”

View  more photos and video below.

Filed under: Across the Nation, Politics