Rep. Lewis Has Harsh Words For McCain

Laura Meckler reports from Washington on the presidential race. Rep. John Lewis , an icon of the Civil Rights Movement, compared Republican presidential nominee John McCain to former Alabama Gov. George Wallace , a legendary segregationist. Lewis (D, Ga.) said that McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin , are “sowing the seeds of hatred and division.” McCain, who has spoken admiringly of Lewis, responded that his comments were outrageous and divisive, and he called on Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama to “immediately and personally repudiate” them. Obama did not respond personally but a spokesman distanced the campaign from some, but not all, of Lewis’ words. It was a whirlwind of statements today spurred by Lewis’ comments, posted on the Web site for his reelection campaign . The Georgia congressman wrote that he is “deeply disturbed by the negative tone” of the McCain campaign. He did not offer any examples, but recent press reports have detailed angry and ... (link)