"I just want to emphasize that this is my former pastor," the Senator says in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Rev. Wright's statements "don't represent my view, and they don't represent what this campaign is about.”
Repeats that he was offended by some of Wright's remarks, but adds, "he's obviously free to speak his mind."
On MSNBC's "Hardball," top strategist Axelrod says it's "unfortunate" the media is spending "hours and hours on the fulmination of one guy." Says he trusts Americans to separate the views of the two men.
Earlier: McCain insists he believes Obama doesn't share Wright's views in three separate instances Monday. "I am leaving that issue to a dialogue between Sen. Obama and the American people.”
For more on Wright's Monday appearance at the National Press Club, click here.
