Graham defends Wilson, blaming Obama for 'combative' tone

While Rep. Joe Wilson's (R-S.C.) outburst at last night's joint session of Congress, President Obama's speech set the wrong tone for the evening, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Thursday.

Graham blasted Obama's speech as "combative," and vowed to support Wilson during his reelection campaign in 2010.

"The president in the United States, in my opinion, set the wrong tone in that session," Graham said during an interview on Fox News. "It doesn't justify what Congressman Wilson said -- I'm glad he apologized -- but I quite frankly was offended by the whole tone. "

"I thought it was a partisan pep rally instead of a chance to bring the country together," Graham added. "And when it comes to Congressman Wilson's future, I will do everything I can to help him get reelected."

Wilson has quickly been targeted by Democrats for his outburst during last night's speech, with his opponent, Rob Miller, having raised over $400,000 in less than 24 hours.

Graham said Wilson was a good man, and would survive the kerfluffle.

The South Carolina senator blasted the president, though, for the speech yesterday.

"I thought the president last night was unfair to critics," he said. "He accused every critic of him of basically being a demagogue, and he's going to call all of us out. Well, quite frankly that works both ways."

"I think the speech was a disaster," Graham added. "I thought the speech was combative. Bickering is not what's going on here."