Civil rights icon and Obama supporter indirectly says at a Washington, D.C. forum that flap with Obama's former pastor reignited conversation about race that could be beneficial for the country.
"Just maybe, just maybe, what is happening now will bring something out, so we all can be educated and sensitized."
After some hesitation about getting dragged into talk about the race, also predicts Americans are open to electing a black president, saying "I'm convinced he will be elected. I believe the American people are ready."
Lewis originally backed Clinton, flipped to Obama in late February.
