WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama today conveyed his regrets to former federal official 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 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 today following 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.

"I don't think the president is behind me," she said in one interview, describing Obama as "not someone who has experienced some of the things I've experienced in life."

Sherrod said she still wasn't certain whether she would accept Vilsack's invitation to come back to his department, saying she wanted to think it over.