The Senator denies inserting race into the campaign with his “dollar bill” comments.

Tells the St. Petersburg Times he simply meant “I don’t look like I came out of central casting when it comes to presidential candidates.”

Adds: “What this has become I think is a typical pattern from the McCain campaign, whether it’s Paris Hilton or Britney or this phony allegation that I wouldn’t visit troops. They seem to be focused on a negative campaign….”