Griper Blade: The Sideshow Becomes the Center Ring

It's tempting to call it ironic -- and it is. But just a little. During President Obama's address to a joint session of congress, he called out Republicans on their lies. There are no "death panels" in his plan for reform, no funding for abortion. But it was illegal aliens that made a Republican Representative to get his rage on.

"There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants," the president said, shooting down a popular right wing lie. "This, too, is false -- the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally."

It was here that Rep. Joe Wilson felt the need to shout out, "You lie!" Obama was accused of lying about Republican lies. A little ironic, since the accusation in itself was a lie, but mostly it was just good old Republican hypocrisy.

Nancy Pelosi shot up straight in her chair, obviously shocked. Then she looked out into the chamber with the same expression I'd imagine she'd wear if she were saying, "I think I can get a clean shot." Vice President Biden just shook his head. Then everything went on.

Afterward, the White House chief of staff wanted to know who the shouter was.

New York Times:

Following the speech, Rahm Emanuel, the White House chief of staff, approached lawmakers on the floor to ask who had accused Mr. Obama of lying. Mr. Emanuel was told it was Representative Wilson.

"No president ever has been treated like that, ever," Mr. Emanuel told reporters.

Probably not entirely true, but Wilson doesn't have a civil war as an excuse... [CLICK TO READ FULL POST]