Former President Jimmy Carter spoke out last night on the controversy surrounding South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson.

At a town hall meeting in Atlanta, Carter said the outburst of "you lie!" by the Republican Wilson last week during President Obama’s speech to Congress was an act "based on racism."

Carter called Wilson's comment "dastardly" and said the president should be treated with respect.

The former President went on to say the incident is part of an “inherent feeling” of some in the country who feel a black man should not be president.

The town hall was held at the Carter Center. Carter made his comments in response to a question.

On Wednesday night, Carter is scheduled to give his annual address to the freshman class at Emory University.

Tags: Republican, president, Jimmy Carter, Congress, South Carolina, Barack Obama, Joe Wilson