The Hill article's tile is misleading. Axelrod did not condemn John Lewis' comment

[ProSense]

The Hill headline: Axelrod condemns Rep. Lewis’s comments

This it the only reference in the article

Obama’s top strategist David Axelrod said on Fox News Sunday that the campaign does not agree with those comments. However, sparring with McCain campaign manager Rick Davis on the show, Axelrod said the McCain campaign is responsible for the degree of vitriol in the race.

Condemns?

AXELROD: But look, we -- we made -- we issued a statement right away and said there’s no comparison between George Wallace and John McCain . But what I haven’t heard Rick say...

DAVIS: Who’s -- who’s we?

AXELROD: ... is -- what I haven’t...

DAVIS: Was it Barack Obama who issued that statement?

AXELROD: What I haven’t heard -- what I haven’t heard Rick say is that there’s anything wrong with the kind of statements that are coming out in these rallies. And that’s the issue.

Are you going to speak out against that kind of...

DAVIS: Oh, absolutely. Look, I’ll say right away...

AXELROD: ... kill him...

DAVIS: ... for the record, there’s absolutely nothing appropriate about those statements. But I would also say...

AXELROD: And you don’t think that...

DAVIS: ... for the record... AXELROD: And you don’t think that...

DAVIS: ... that there’s absolutely nothing being done on the stage by our candidates, John McCain or Governor Palin, that would incite that kind of thing. You know, people are angry right now.

AXELROD: Well, I disagree with that.

DAVIS: And one of the things they’re angry about...

AXELROD: I disagree with that, Rick.

link

Obama Camp Statement on Rep. Lewis Remarks

“Senator Obama does not believe that John McCain or his policy criticism is in any way comparable to George Wallace or his segregationist policies. But John Lewis was right to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric that John McCain himself personally rebuked just last night, as well as the baseless and profoundly irresponsible charges from his own running mate that the Democratic nominee for President of the United States ‘pals around with terrorists.’ As Barack Obama has said himself, the last thing we need from either party is the kind of angry, divisive rhetoric that tears us apart at a time of crisis when we desperately need to come together. That is the kind of campaign Senator Obama will continue to run in the weeks ahead,” said Obama-Biden spokesman Bill Burton.

Clarifying his remarks later Saturday, Lewis said his statement "was a reminder to all Americans that toxic language can lead to destructive behavior." Watch more on the rising rage at McCain-Palin rallies »

"I am glad that Sen. McCain has taken some steps to correct divisive speech at his rallies. I believe we need to return to civil discourse in this election about the pressing economic issues that are affecting our nation."

Obama's campaign said Obama "does not believe that John McCain or any policy criticism is any way comparable to George Wallace or his segregationist policies" but said Lewis was "right to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric."

Lewis' comments followed several days of headline-grabbing anger aimed at Obama from some attendees at campaign rallies for McCain and Palin.

In the past few days, angry supporters have called on McCain toughen up on Obama.

link

Summary: Lewis and the Obama campaign condemn McCain's hateful rhetoric. Period.

[ProSense]

1. Seems a lot of people are buying into the BS spin

"Hasn't John Lewis earned the right to say whatever he wants about George Wallace-tactics?"

[still_one]

2. Thanks, I am glad this has its own thread /nt