Joe Wilson and his online team turned what could have been a PR disaster, in to an online success story.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - When Rep. Joe Wilson yelled "You lie!" at President Obama, the South Carolina Republican's political team quickly launched an online strategy to capitalize on the incident.

Wilson's heated outburst came on the House floor as Obama addressed a joint session of Congress about health care.

Within 12 hours, Wilson media consultant Brian Donahue had sketched out a plan that included buying ads on Google, cutting videos on YouTube and using Twitter and Facebook to raise money and counter the congressman's critics.

"We knew that influencers and news outlets would want to find out more information about what happened and what Joe Wilson's response was, and they would be looking for this information online," Donahue told CNN. "The events were happening by the minute and by the hour. Online was where we needed to be to respond and provide new information from Congressman Wilson. Traditional print media couldn't keep up with the pace of this issue."

soundoff(37 Responses)

Doctors and hospitals are bound by the Hippocratic Oath to ethically practice medicine.

That means they treat the patient – regardless of immigration status.

That's all part of being a civilized society.

If you don't like it, MOVE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY!

September 22, 2009 12:51 pm at 12:51 pm |

B

More Polarization for the country, just what we need - right?

September 22, 2009 12:52 pm at 12:52 pm |

SBAMA

This was planned and everybody fell for it.

September 22, 2009 12:52 pm at 12:52 pm |

ThinkAgain

Cops are not "forbidden" from enforcing immigration laws.

Where do you yahoos get your information?

September 22, 2009 12:53 pm at 12:53 pm |

Ken from missouri

This guy is such a joke he comes from the most racist state I 've ever
been in he didn't like our president from the start so raise money based on hate it will not do a thing for him.

September 22, 2009 12:53 pm at 12:53 pm |

B in Pittsburgh

This man is a disgrace. I think it is disgusting that people are actually paying money to this guy and that he is profitting off of his unacceptable behavior. Is this the type of example we want to set for our children? That such behavior is acceptable?

Seriously, no matter what party affiliation you belong to, we have a serious problem in this country-we are REWARDING bad behavior and that is wrong on many, many levels.

September 22, 2009 12:53 pm at 12:53 pm |

JGB

Still trying to figure out how "YOU LIE" is a racist comment?? Are those making that claim saying only BLACK people lie?

Wilson was only stating a FACT, that's why they had to go back and change the wording. Watch out, Obama will be granting amnesty so we can provide free coverage for all the new citizens. Yup, we the tax payers can shoulder even more expense.

September 22, 2009 12:54 pm at 12:54 pm |

single mom

Strictly speaking, Congressman Wilson was lying.
President Obama has strongly indicated that he wants to grant amnesty or some sort of legal standing to those illegals already here.
As the Health Care/Insurance Reform, if passed, is planned to start in 2012, that gives Obama and the Dems a couple years to get it through.
Imagine if they get it through before the 2010 census and redrawing of Congressional districts?
Talk about power-shift and gerrymandering!

September 22, 2009 12:54 pm at 12:54 pm |

Rob

Wilson spoke the truth regarding the bills that had been presented. Of course with the Dems and their shifty little ways, they'll include illegals, but they'll do it under some loophole so it will all look legit.

And all you koolaid drinkers will be soiling yourselves shouting "Yes we can"

NO YOU CAN'T

September 22, 2009 12:55 pm at 12:55 pm |

Mark My Words

He was correct, Obama did lie. You who think Wilson is a racist, you must be the racist too? Funny how you are quick to throw that word around.

September 22, 2009 12:55 pm at 12:55 pm |

Melissa

Why are people being so stupid as to give to this idiot? No wonder the country is going down the tubes.

September 22, 2009 12:55 pm at 12:55 pm |

Lowcountry Liberal

I can't wait to attend a Wilson event and periodically shout, "You lie!"