Rep. Joe "You Lie" Wilson told Fox News Sunday that he will not be issuing any more apologies for saying "you lie" during President Obama's joint session of Congress Wednesday. It turns out that it is against the rules of the House to openly call the President a liar (or a hypocrite, coward, or philanderer for that matter) in the chamber.
Wilson has already apologized to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and the president accepted. Oh to be a fly on the wall for that one. However, he has never apologized to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for disrupting her meeting. Technically speaking, joint sessions of Congress are hosted by the House since they have the room in their chamber and the rules of the House apply.
Wilson says the mea culpas are over. From The Hill:
"I am not going to apologize again," Wilson said in an interview on "Fox News Sunday." "I have apologized to the president. I believe that is sufficient."
Democratic leaders have said they will introduce a "resolution of disapproval" Monday or Tuesday unless Wilson formally apologizes on the House floor. The House returns Monday.
I'm guessing he used his best Eric Cartman voice.
And then there was this gem:
"Democrats are playing politics," Wilson said. "I believe in the truth. That was not the truth."
Point one: Pot, meet kettle.
Point two: The president spoke truth, so Wilson is still lying.
What can the chamber actually do to Wilson? Not much. If anything, the Democrats will likely vote to censure Wilson, the legislative equivalent of officially saying, "you were a naughty little boy." The Republican leadership could also assign him to less prestigious committees -- he serves on Armed Services, Education and Labor, and Foreign Affairs -- but don't hold your breath. Committee assignments are party functions.
The best retribution was citizens raising a whole boatload of money for Rob Miller, who will challenge Wilson for the seat representing SC-02. That means Miller can focus on campaigning rather than raising money. Good job, Reality-based Community.
So, should the Dems really pursue this? I think they should. Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy the free-wheeling, barely contained chaos of European parliaments, but on this side of the Pond, we have decided that the chambers of the legislative branch have decorum and rules of conduct. Rules are rules and it sets bad precedent if the Democrats do not pursue this matter. Still, that does not excuse the fact that no Democrats openly accused President Bush of lying when he presented "questionable" evidence to justify the invasion of Iraq.
Crossposted at Congress Matters and Progressive Electorate.
Programming note: Considered Forthwith will return next week.