Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) is not crazy. That's the sad thing.

[LuckyTheDog]

This guy learned what Sarah Palin knows: That there is money and notoriety to be had in courting the fringe. Wilson was attacked and even proven wrong (language in the bill really does exclude illegal aliens). But, already, he is a star among the folks who read World Net Daily and listen to Sean Hannity.

Remember Palin's "death panel" charge? The mainstream media's reaction was that she "stepped in it" and would be forced to backtrack in an embarrassing way. What happened was very different. Palin stuck to her guns. That seemed crazy, but wasn't. The people who know that the "death panel plan" was a canard were never going to support Palin. Those already inclined to like Palin chose either to believe literally what she said, or to finesse the meaning with a slightly more nuanced interpretation. She also got sympathy from those who thought the media picked on her. Score one for Palin.

Likewise, Wilson will get a lot of mileage out of his "don't let them silence me" routine. Just watch.

:banghead:

[tularetom]

1. He'll get a lot of mileage among the booger eaters

But over the long run I don't really think he wants to become what Palin is among the majority of Americans, a joke.

[MilesColtrane]

2. Agreed.

He knew exactly what he was doing.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a 2012 Presidential gambit out of him.