Joe Wilson passes $2 million mark
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/14/art.youlie.gi.jpg caption="South Carolina congressman Joe Wilson has raked in more than $2 million since he shouted at President Obama."]WASHINGTON (CNN) - South Carolina Republican congressman Joe Wilson has now raised over $2 million in campaign contributions since he shouted "You lie!" at the president earlier this month.
A campaign aide confirmed that Wilson surpassed the $2 million mark on Monday.
Wilson and his 2010 opponent, Democrat Rob Miller, each raised more than $1.5 million in the week after Wilson's outburst, which occurred during President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress on September 9.
The House voted to formally reprimand Wilson last week, amidst an aggressive online fundraising effort by the congressman's staff.
Miller is scheduled to visit Washington on Wednesday for a pair of fundraisers on Capitol Hill.
So we are in a donation duel between Conservatives who support anyone who opposes Obama in any way and Democrats who want to express disapproval of Wilson's carefully planned spontaneous outburst.
This is more Conservative street theater. Conservative leaders want to depict politics as a duel between personalities. Their goal is to prove they are better people than their opponents, not to compare policies or proposals. Politics is not about personal honor, who's telling the truth, who slept with whom, or who has courage and who doesn't. It's about the economy, health care, global warming, population growth, the national infrastructure, the national debt, education, affordable college, drug laws, terrorism, etc.
This just shows what type of class these big dollar Republican politicians have. Anything to gain more money, something the average American doesn't have any more. Way to show the world how we treat each other. Stuff like this is ridiculous, I want a job, food, and shelter, but our politicians rather insult the leader of our nation rather than working to lower my medical bills. I had staph infection two months ago and had to be admitted into a hospital. After insurance, it still cost me $2,500. If this is not a problem for the average American then I do not know what is. If politics has come down to this, then we are all doomed on this planet. Stuff like this takes away from important issues like health care, jobs, the environment, climate change, and hunger. If our politicians cannot get around there differences and work things out on this health care problem or any other issues that we have in this country then I see no hope for the future.
Think how much he would have raised if he had run up to the podium, leaped onto the President and punched him in the face.
Anyone who donated to Wilson after this incident is a disgrace.
Wilson is pathetic, has no true courage or respect for the office he holds.
Figures. Just goes to show how bad the issues with racism go in this country. South Carolina is no bastion of equality either. This Joe Wilson is a manipulator and a racist. Why is it that he had a camera on him while he uttered those words that took, say, maybe a second? He did it because he wanted the wacko racist fringe of the GOP to come to his aid and it looks like they have.
The libs are underestimating the anger of the taxpayers of the country very badly. They like our dear leader, the omnipotent one, only listen to the news that they tell the state run media to run and make the fatal mistake of believing it. Arrogance and stupidity are hallmarks of liberalism.
Yawn! Is this really news? The people that are always behind disrepectful and obnoxious people like this are still behind them?? Big whoopin deal.. This is not news CNN! What about the other guy (his opponent)? No news about how much money he's making today?? Did CNN get taken over by FOX News?? Sho looks like it!
Last night I watched Letterman. The entire studio audience was better behaved than Joe "the liar" Wilson, but of course, they are not elected officials that are overpaid and under worked. Only the right wingnuts can justify a congressman acting like a spoiled 4 year old.
This goes to show you what people would back this guy. Disrespecting the President is ok, god what has this country come to, when this type of behavior is condoned and praised..I think this was set up, as not one person around him made a move, no surprise in facial expressions, so that tells me they knew it was coming..So people are donating to a party that set this stunt up, and claim it was just a difference of opinion..
Those contributers to Wilson are just fueling a political fire of hate. Frankly, they should be embarassed and ashamed for supporting this kind of behavior.
This is disgusting that someone is being rewarded for disrespectful behavior. You don't have to agree with the president – but please respect him as our country's leader. Disagree with him a a professional, constructive manner. Set a better example for our children.
I see Fox entertainment has organized another hate support group tea bagger party for the unemployed, gun loving, name calling morons who have never read the constitution, but are experts on it, thanks to the efforts of Beck and Hannity.
But, I think we can all agree on one thing, they are fun to watch.
He Lie! and the ones who gave him $$$ is a lie
Rudeness rewarded! Looks like the economy is not the only serious problem facing this country!
Next we'll have kids trying it in school with their teachers and their parents will call their rudeness "freedom of speech". God help us!
It just proves the way to get ahead as a Republican is to act insane and lie.
All South Carolinians have to be proud of their favorite son of the confederacy. Personally, I would not by a used car from Joe The Liar.
Now you are talking. The first time I heard that he raised only $200,000 I was like, does the life of millions of Americans that die every year because of the atrocities of the insurance companies cost that cheap. His pay masters, the insurance companies, should do better. Remember that when Bush left office it was reported that he has been making $1M per day. Wilson should be able to beat that bench mark. Disappointingly he is not. We expect a million per day congressman!
Wison was right about Obama being a liar but he should not have interrupted the president. Why does Wilson get a reprimand but criminals like Charlie Rangel are left alone.
Is there any talk about Joe Wilson possibly running for governor? Also, can you provide more information about Gresham Barrett? I'm not too familiar with him. thanks, j speer, marieta, sc
I just love the way CNN characterizes a congressman. How is it any more civil to call a congressman, "a heckler", than it was for Wilson to shout out "you lie". At least Wilson was making an honest assessment. Wilson did not follow etiquette, but he said what we are all thinking.
Keep him out there as the poster "boy" for ignorant and arrogant thinking with the mouth and temperment of a school yard punk.
Now when anybody sees any SC republican you see them for who they are, unless of course you are a Fox Beck-ler or a dito-head.
It's great that they are out from under the rocks. Please keep showing his face until these social parasites are no more.
You go, Joe!!
Sad when a person can be so disrespectful, then earn money from it. One of the reasons I can't vote Republican. People like this guy run that party. As long as the wing nuts run the parties I believe we need a third party.
2 million,1.5 Million just for a congressional seat. We need real campaign finance reform.
This is the problem with America over 3.5 million dollars for these to rich white men to smear eachother. Use that money for something useful. What a joke.