Obama Campaign (Mostly) Rebukes Lewis

The campaign says in a statement that Obama doesn't believe McCain or his policy criticism is in any way comparable to George Wallace or his segregationist policies.

Also says: "But John Lewis was right to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric that John McCain himself personally rebuked just last night...." Full statement here.

Comes after the civil rights icon and Georgia Rep. accuses the GOP ticket of promoting hate, likening the atmosphere at their events to those of former presidential candidate George Wallace, the segregationist.

Says in statement: "What I am seeing reminds me too much of another destructive period in American history."

"Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse."

McCain responds, calling the remarks "shocking and beyond the pale." Full statement here.