I’m getting lots and lots of e-mail objecting to my disapproval of Wilson. The usual “Squish!” “He spoke the truth!” and “We in the heartland don’t care!” stuff. Sorry, but I’m unpersuaded. I’m not being dismissive; I understand where folks are coming from and I share much of the frustration. Moreover, I already think the story has been wildly overplayed, particularly from folks who 20 seconds ago were saying that years of offensive statements and actions by Van Jones were meaningless, but two syllables from Wilson are some massive indictment of the GOP.

But look, as a strictly political matter, Wilson’s outburst wasn’t helpful. It doesn’t help persuade people who aren’t already sympatico with Wilson’s point of view. Winning over moderates, independents, conservative Democrats et al is an important priority for Obama’s opponents. Moreover, as a simple matter of right and wrong, or civility, it was uncalled for. Decorum at such events is simply a matter of good manners. Wrong on the merits plus wrong on the politics equals a bad idea by my math. Whether he was accurate when he shouted “You lie!” or not isn’t the issue. There are times to say the president isn’t telling the truth — and he wasn’t quite often last night — but that wasn’t one of them.