No, I don't think it was sincere.

But only in the sense that he's a politician who will say whatever he needs to keep his career afloat--same thing applies to Repubs and Dems.

Is he sorry he shouted out like that in Congress?
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Hell no. This guy is known for outbursts and public grabs for attention. It's his bread and butter. It's probably what got him elected. That's just how this guy rolls.

Is he sorry that he got singled out and ostracized?
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Yes. He's sorry that there was much more backlash than he probably anticipated. The reaction to his comment likely isn't what he hoped for. He probably thought he was acting as the people's hero.

Is he sorry that he caused this much grief for the Republican Party?
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Yes. Probably. I worry that he's somewhere in a back room rolling a thick cigar between his fingers and cackling about how bad press is good press. But realistically, I think he regrets causing harm to the party, which is already struggling, and regrets putting his career in jeopardy.

Listen, I don't think this is an evil guy who is lying straight to our faces. I really think he pulled the type of stunt that normally gets him cheers, and it backfired. I think he knew an apology was in order, and it was right for him to do it.

I also think it was a pretty lousy apology, qualifying it as he did by reiterating how wrong he thinks Obama is and insinuating that this wrongness drove him to his actions. Miss Manners would not approve.

At the end of the day, stunts like this need to stop. On BOTH SIDES. I'm so sick of it, and I bet most of you all are too. This country needs big help, and I don't care which party hands it to us, but maliciously false and scary rumors, publicity stunts, misguided accusations, and derogatory insults....it all has to end.

Can't we just throw them all out and start over?

I'm thinking maybe Jon Stewart, Conan O'Brien, Bill Maher, Al Franken, and the crazy guy who sells beach towels down by the expressway (just to be different). They can't do much worse job, can they?

Well given that it came after many people speaking out on it, im sure he was forced into it by his handlers.

The apology is very backhanded.
Apologizing but yet continuing to go against the president.

his apology
“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.”

Him saying... "While I disagree with the President’s statement," makes it backhanded.

If he was sincere it would have been straight and too the point.

House Democratic Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) called Wilson's outburst "embarrassing," while McCain said it was "totally disrespectful" and that there was "no place for it in that setting or any other."

This is a guy who cares more about what other people think than what he's told to think (and then yells it during a joint session of Congress).

Honestly people like that are the ones who are spreading the rumors to begin with.

Visit http://www.actblue.com/page/kossacks4miller to support against Rep Joe Wilson.

I think his apology was sincere, but you need to be clear what he was apologizing for. If you read his statement, you have to believe he's apologizing for the manner of his outburst and not the content of it.

In that forum, a certain level of respect is owed to the President (whether you agree with him or not) - he is, in fact, the President. There is a time and a place for disagreement and discussion - the middle of the speech was not it. I think Wilson realized this (a bit late) and that was what he was sorry for.

Unfortunately, it seems like both sides of this debate don't seem to think that a well-reasoned, logical discourse on the subject can occur. Instead, everyone seems to be resorting to scare tactics, straw men arguments and extremist sound bites.

I think that the apology was rendered because it was asked for. How many times have we seen where bad behavior was followed up by a public apology in order to "save face"? I truly believe that the outburst was a true reflection of the Congressman's feelings about a highly emotional and controversial subject. The apology was so that he could bow out of the media attention before it devoured him.

While I have no reason to believe his apology was not sincere, especially since it came so soon after the speech, I also agree with most of what is being said about his behavior by other politicians, and I believe that whatever negative consequences he gets, up to losing his seat, he brought on himself and he deserves it.

Yes I think it was sincere. He didn't retract what he said, but did acknowledge that it was not the approprate way to express his differing opinion.

No, not even a little bit. He's a professional politician, he undoubtedly knew what the reaction would be and that he'd have to apologize before he began his grandstanding.

The saddest thing is that the incident may well gain him votes in right-wing South Carolina.

Sort of sincere. Judging by Speaker Pelosi's reaction during the speech, I expect she called Mr. Wilson afterward and explained there would be consequences if there was no apology. John McCain calling for an apology on Larry King after the speech also indicates Mr. Wilson might face some consequence for his behavior within his own party.

His disrespect to the President was evident, so I doubt that he was sincere about his behavior, but was probably very sorry that his action could result in a smaller office or loss of a committee seat of some sort. I suppose that counts as some sort of sincerity.

Thank God we still have at least ONE Congressman who stands up for all of us. Joe did not "heckle" Obama. He called his hand when he lied!!! Here in South Carolina, anyone called a liar is also asked outside. Joe, you have my support! Tell it like it is.

OP