ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson's oldest son is defending his father against a claim by former President Carter that the South Carolina congressman's outburst during a speech by President Obama was "based on racism."
Carter yesterday called Wilson's comment "dastardly" and part of an "inherent feeling" held by some in this country who feel that a black man should not be president.
Alan Wilson says there's not a racist bone in his father's body. Joe Wilson has not responded to Carter's comment.
Wilson was formally rebuked yesterday in a House vote divided by party lines. Wilson shouted "You lie!" during Obama's speech to Congress last Wednesday.
But a former leader of the South Carolina Democratic party disagreed with Carter. Dick Harpootlian says Wilson's comment was asinine, but not racist.
