Obama Calls Sherrod, Expresses "Regret"

The White House just put out the following statement regarding a telephone conversation the President had this afternoon with former Department of Agriculture employee Shirley Sherrod:

“The President reached Ms. Sherrod by telephone at about 12:35. They spoke for seven minutes. The President expressed to Ms. Sherrod his regret about the events of the last several days. He emphasized that Secretary Vilsack was sincere in his apology yesterday, and in his work to rid USDA of discrimination. The President told Ms. Sherrod that this misfortune can present an opportunity for her to continue her hard work on behalf of those in need, and he hopes that she will do so.”