This issue comes up every so often. But since we’re always getting new readers, we need to address it afresh now and again. Lots of readers have written in with tones ranging from bemusement to outrage because ads are currently running on TPM trying to raise money for Rep. Joe Wilson, despite the fact that, obviously, we’ve taken a rather negative view of his antics on the site. (Actually, at this moment there are ads running both for and against him.)
The simple version is that we believe preserving our editorial independence and integrity requires a firm division between the editorial and business sides of our operation. For the more detailed version and an explanation of the reasoning, see our ad policy (which has been in place since 2003.)
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D) and Rep. Joe Wilson (R) come from adjoining districts in South Carolina. And Clyburn has been the driving force pushing for a formal admonishment of Wilson. We look into the history between the two.
Note Drudge’s blaring headline: “White Student Beaten on School Bus; Crowd Cheers.”
Turning a corner? In today’s TPM Slideshow: Obama’s September So Far
Sen. Max Baucus says there’s a “very good chance” a significant number of Republicans will support the compromise health care reform legislation. Mitch McConnell sets him straight.
Not even a stress fracture in his foot can keep Tom Delay from Dancing With the Stars.
Another armed protester at an Obama rally. This time it was at the President’s health care event in Minneapolis on Saturday, though it didn’t get reported until today apparently. But rest assured. This guy just got out of jail a month ago on assault charges.
Limbaugh blames Obama for black high schoolers beating up white classmate.
House comes down on Rep. Joe Wilson for the “You lie!” outburst with a resolution of disapproval — the parental equivalent of “Don’t you EVER do that again!” — that passed along mostly party lines: 240 yes, 179 no, 5 present.
The breakdown: 12 Democrats voted no; 7 Republicans voted yes; and 5 Democracts voted present.
Here’s the text of the resolution of ‘disapproval’ of Rep. Wilson (R-SC) the House just passed.