Obama Accepts Wilson's Apology; Calls, Emails Flood Wilson's Offices

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says he accepts Republican Rep. Joe Wilson's apology for shouting "You lie!" at the President during his speech to Congress Wednesday night.
Obama says Wilson apologized "quickly and without equivocation."
Obama also says he's a big believer that "we all make mistakes."
Wilson, a South Carolina Republican, shouted at Obama during the speech in the House chamber. Wilson's outburst was an extraordinary breach of decorum for which he swiftly apologized. Obama addressed the incident with reporters after meeting with his Cabinet on Thursday.

**Thursday Update**
The nastiness of August reached from the nation's town halls into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as President Barack Obama tried to move his health care plan forward.

South Carolina Republican Rep. Joe Wilson shouted "You lie!" after Obama had talked about illegal immigrants. It wasn't the only interruption during Obama's speech to a joint
session of Congress in the House of Representatives. Earlier, Republicans laughed when Obama acknowledged that there are still significant details to be worked out before a health overhaul can be passed.

Wilson's outburst caused Obama to pause briefly before he went on with his speech. Overhead in the visitor's gallery, first Lady Michelle Obama shook her head from side to side.
Later Wednesday evening, Wilson sent out a statement, apologizing for his outburst. “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.” Lawmakers are calling on Wilson to apologize on the House floor Thursday. Wilson called the White House late Wednesday evening to personally apologized to President Obama. He spoke with Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Back home in South Carolina, it didn't take long for Democrats to lash out. State Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler said, ""Once again a South Carolina Republican has embarrassed our state. Never has any member of Congress shown such disrespect for the president during a speech. One would think that as a member of the military, Joe Wilson would have more respect and patriotism than he displayed tonight. When Congressman Wilson insulted President Obama, he also insulted the American public. Joe Wilson is a poor example of a statesman and an American. He owes an apology to the president and the American people."

Listen to Wilson's outburst by clicking the video link.

Wilson released the following statement later Wednesday night:

“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.”

Senator Lindsey Graham released this statement concerning Congressman Wilson's outburst:

“The president’s combative tone did not justify a Member of Congress shouting out ’you lie.’ Our nation’s president deserves to be treated with respect It was inappropriate remark and I am glad an apology has been made.”