I think most of you remember the now famous spontaneous interview Helen gave to a Rabbi in June of last year, but just to refresh your memory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQcQdWBqt14

Helen days later, lost her job and her front row seat in the WH Press room. Now writing for a small Falls Church newspaper got the chance last night to walk it all back her comments on CNN. Unbelievably, she did not. But did proclaim that she was not anti-Semitic. Hey, who am I to say what’s in her heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84BgdXBUeW4

Hey, she’s an old lady. On the other hand what if she were a conservative?  Just asking.

UPDATE: I forgot to add, Helen has reapplied for a WH Press Pass. Does she get one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQcQdWBqt14

Now the apology. Nicely worded, by a publicist?

In a written statement issued Friday, Thomas apologized, saying, “I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians.”

She said the comments “do not reflect” her “heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance.”

So … satisfied? I am always happy when folks recognize silly stupid statements, and as a member of the WH Press Corps, she should apology. This is not a free speech issue, not for Helen. But I also am not satisfied. Read the apology again, and then watch the video. Ms Thomas claims that what she said is not her heart felt belief, but when you listen to video you can tell it is. Thus in my mind the apology is more a PR redo rather than a heartfelt apology.

If Helen Thomas believes that Israelis are occupiers, so be it. This is America, and those are her views. But as a journalist, she should keep it to herself, and spare us the carefully crafted apology. That’s my view, I hope over time she proves me wrong.