WASHINGTON (CNN) - A Republican House member shouted "you lie" during President Barack Obama's health-care speech to Congress on Wednesday, and members of both parties condemned the heckling.
When Obama denied that proposed health-care legislation would provide free health coverage for illegal immigrants, South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson shouted, "You lie!"
Obama paused and looked toward the Republican side of the chamber before
continuing his speech.
After the speech, Republican Sen. John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate defeated by Obama last year, called Wilson's outburst "totally disrespectful" and said he should apologize.
McCain said there was "no place for it in that setting or any other and he should apologize immediately."
Other Republicans also criticized Wilson, along with the expected Democratic condemnation.
"It was crude and disrespectful," said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, a top Senate Democrat. "I think the person who said it will pay a price."
Updated: 10:00 p.m.
From CNN Politics
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President Barack Obama has just expressed in his message, to the Members of Congress,what the conscients of America yearns to say to her political leaders in reference to health care for her citizens.
Once again, this young and brilliant American leader has spoken for his people pleaded with the politicians and the cooperation to be their brothers and sisters' keepers.
I hope and pray that the persons to whom he was speaking and pleading were listening with the ears of God.
UmValli
If Obama wants a Canadian style health care system then opponents should be allowed to grieve opposition out loud during public political discussion just like we do here in Canada.
Shame beyond words!
This is a vile human being. There is no excuse for this behavior. He should represent no one!!!
What an embarrassment to the nation! South Carolina should be ashamed of their representation. I don't care if he apologizes, he has shown his character and been found wanting. If there is justice in this nation, his career will fizzle and he will be unceremoniously tossed out of office next year.
Breaking news,Breaking news. Where was this "news". For Sure it wasn't on Cnn. I never saw Rep. Wilso's face or name,yet all I get ON Cnn is breaking news, breaking news.
I think the republicans lost more than they gained tonight. The total disrepect shown towards the man and the office demonstrates just how disfunctional and low they have become. Makes me sick to think they were actually elected.
This is totally uncalled for. People need to get a grip. Anger stiffles debate.
This is what the great party of Lincoln has stooped to. They are nothing more than playground bullies and foul mouthed dimwits blinded by their overpowering hate.
Wilson can kiss his you know what good bye. Ignorance and arrogance will not support a wanna be who thinks it was cute but quickly find out from his own, not so cute. You are out of here.
I hope he does not get re-elected...our state is FOREVER in the news for some IGNORANCE...but what do you expect when you are in one of the most racist states in the nation.
That was DISRESPECTFUL Im glad the President didnt stoop to his level. even CNN said that the plan will not cover illegal imigrants but they have to be seen in the EMERGENCY ROOM.
Wilson should apologize on his way to the airport to pick up his 1 way ticket to the most distant point planes fly-Iran, N. Korea, might be good choices!! As a S. Carolinian I would gladly contribute to his plane fare. Wilson, you just outdid our "esteemed Gov." in your idiocy.
Wilson is the first punk President Obama should call out. IDIOT!!!
republicans everywhere should be embarrased with their leader's behavior tonight! Grow up!
YES! Is all I can say. Someone has COURAGE to tell the TRUTH!
How can anyone sit there and listen to Obama Lying and not do what this courageous man did. Our Founding Fathers would be so proud!
Look at the face of the little boy on the left. Did these guy's every get out of middle school?
He's right. Obama is a liar.
This response simply shows how little respect some have for our President. How Sad...
Hey Mr. Congressional heckler, you should go work for FOX NEWS. You don't belong here. Here it's only for grown ups. Shame on you Sir!!! Shameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Shame on this guy! Disrespectful to his president, his congress, and his country. This is not democracy. Don't abuse your right.
MH from Canada
Well this is what republicans have come to...we know that they are callous and low class and this jerk proves it...he is seeing his health care and drug money slip away....if someone had done that to bush they would have had the Sgt of Arms pick them up and throw them in jail...
So if he shows no respect...let us show HIM NO RESPECT. Lets flood him with emails, letters and phone calls and write letters to the papers in his state.
this man should apologize on live TV and directly to the president. Regardless of your beliefs, he is the president, and deserves the upmost respect!
As crass, mean and ugly as Rep. Joe Wilson (R of SC) was tonight, he accurately portrayed the soul of the republican party. He is what they are.
Completely uncalled for, ignorant and disrespectful. This was not the place for his ranting. Idiotic move on his part.