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ATLANTA -- Former President Jimmy Carter says Congressman Joe Wilson's outburst to President Barack Obama last week was an act "based on racism."

Carter says Wilson's comment was part of an "inherent feeling" of some in this country who feel that a black man should not be president.  Carter called Wilson's comment "dastardly" and said the president should be treated with respect.

The South Carolina Republican lawmaker was formally rebuked Tuesday in a House vote divided by party lines.  Wilson shouted "You lie!" during Obama's speech to Congress last Wednesday.

Carter was responding to a question submitted Tuesday night at a town hall held at his presidential center in Atlanta.

On Tuesday, the House voted to admonish Rep. Wilson over his "You lie" outburst to President Barack Obama during the president's health care speech to Congress last Wednesday.

The 240-179 vote on the resolution of disapproval reflected the sharp partisan divide over the issue.  Democrats insisted that the South Carolina Republican take responsibility for what they said was a serious breach of decorum.  Republicans characterized the vote as a political stunt.

 Wilson himself would not back down on his position that he owed the House no apology.  Surrounded by Republican supporters, Wilson said Obama had "graciously accepted my apology and the issue is over."

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)