Joe Wilson

In the midst of a health care debate with plenty of juicy, substantial issues that Americans really care about, the leading news coming out of President Obama's speech was Representative Joe Wilson's (R-SC) raucous outburst from the floor.

For those who haven't heard-- all two of you-- Rep. Wilson yelled "You lie!" after President Obama stated that his plan would not extend health benefits to illegal aliens. Since then, Rep. Wilson has apologized but maintained that the bill would give illegal immigrants coverage.

Until this incident, I hadn't realized that the cheers, boos, and whatever else you hear when the President addresses Congress actually came from the Members themselves. I always figured they made their staffers sit in the eaves to do any undignified shouting for them.

My quick calls on the fallout of the incident for parties involved:

GOP:  ↓  The lack of decorum makes a disordered party look even less disciplined.

Health Care Reform:  ↓  This won’t make real concerns go away, and it’s a distraction from the President’s message.

South Carolina:  ↓↓  Are all their politicians nuts?

Rob Miller: ↑ Wilson’s 2010 opponent has reportedly raised $350,000 since the incident.

Rep. Wilson:  ↔ He’s galvanized support for his challenger, but got himself some publicity, and could become a favorite of the conservative base.  Palin/Wilson 2012???