President Obama today accepted the apology of Rep. Joe Wilson who interrupted the president's speech to accuse him of lying about whether illegal immigrants would be covered under proposed changes in healthcare policies.

Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina, jumped into the limelight by shouting "You lie!" at Obama during the president's appearance before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night. He immediately called the White House to apologize for the breakdown in decorum that angered leaders of his own party and made Obama supporters furious.

In televised comments this morning, Obama said after a Cabinet meeting that he accepted the apology.

"I'm a big believer that we all make mistakes," Obama said. Wilson "apologized quickly and without equivocation. I am appreciative of that.

"I do think that, as I said last night, we have to get to the point where we can have a conversation about big, important issues that matter to the American people without vitriol, without name-calling, without the assumption of the worst of other people's motives," Obama said.

Wilson on Wednesday night called the White House and said he was sorry in a conversation with Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. This morning, Wilson again apologized to Obama and tried to explain why he broke so sharply with protocol that calls for being polite to the president despite political differences.

Republican leaders "wanted me to contact the White House and state that my statements were inappropriate," Wilson told reporters this morning. "I did.

"I'm very grateful that the White House . . . indicated they appreciated the call and we needed to have a civil discussion about the healthcare issues. I certainly agree with that, so I'm happy to discuss the healthcare issues," he said a televised appearance with reporters.