Obama voices regret to ousted Ag Dept. official

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama conveyed his regrets today to Shirley Sherrod over her ouster in the midst of a racially tinged firestorm that ensnared the White House, Agriculture Department, NAACP and an Internet blogger.

"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," the White House said in a statement about a phone call that Obama had with her at midday. "He hopes that she will do so."

Sherrod was forced to resign earlier this week after a conservative blogger posted an edited video of her recalling her reluctance 24 years ago to help a poor white farmer seeking government assistance. She said the posting took out of context a talk she gave urging racial reconciliation.

Press secretary Robert Gibbs' office released a statement describing Obama's call at midday after her appearance on a host of nationally broadcast interviews. From network to network, she said she wanted to talk to Obama about her wretched week.