Amy Chozick reports on the presidential race from New Orleans, La.
 
Hillary Clinton apologized today for the racially charged comments her husband made in South Carolina that some political pundits have said played a part in her campaign's recent downward spiral.
"If anyone was offended by anything that was said, whether it was meant or not, or misinterpreted or not, then obviously, I regret that," Clinton said in a question and answer session at the annual "State of the Black Union" symposium held in New Orleans.
"My husband apologized for slavery. My husband mended, so as to avoid ending, affirmative action. My husband had in his White house, his cabinet, [and] his administration, many of you who I see here, in either full-time or advisory positions," Clinton told the nearly 5,000 attendees gathered at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Host Tavis Smiley said he had invited all of the presidential nominees to speak at the gathering but that only Clinton had accepted his invitation.
After a brief speech, Smiley asked Clinton questions about her current outlook on the campaign and how she would explain the comments President Clinton had made comparing Sen. Barack Obama to Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Clinton answered the question about her prospects positively, saying she felt good about her chances in Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania. But she was careful not to paint too optimistic a picture and repeatedly called for "unity" with whoever the Democratic candidate turns out to be.
"I believe strongly that there is a shared and common purpose that we all hold very dear regardless of who you are supporting at this time for the Democratic nominee," she said. "It goes way beyond Barack and me. It goes way beyond politics. I don't think there is any doubt that me and Bill have been part of that struggle our entire adult lives."
The conference came just hours after Clinton attacked Obama for controversial mailings that the campaign had sent out critiquing Clinton on health care and the Nafta trade agreement.
Clinton is on a whirlwind schedule today to squeeze in as much campaigning as possible before Texas and Ohio go to the polls on March 4.
She held two rallies in Ohio today, then flew to New Orleans for the "State of the Black Union." She will to travel to Houston for a rally this evening before finally heading back to Washington, D.C.