Harkin: Firing at USDA doesn't sound like Vilsack

Sen. Tom Harkin doesn't have all the details on the firing of a black USDA official based on reports she discriminated against a white farmer, but said July 22 it doesn't sound like something former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack would do.

“Well, look, I don't know all the ins and outs of this,” Harkin said when asked about USDA Secretary Vilsack's firing of Shirley Sherrod. “I don't know who called who, who said what. I don't know.”

What he knows, Harkin said during his weekly conference call with Iowa reporters, is that “it does not seem to me to be the Tom Vilsack that I know and have known for 20 years.”

Harkin, the former chairman of the Senate Ag Committee said he doesn't know if the Senate will look into the firing that was followed by an apology from the Obama administration and Vilsack as well as an offer for another job at the USDA.

The incident is part of the “personality-driven … People magazine society.” “In a few weeks,” he said, “people will say, ‘Who's Shirley Sherrod?'”

Vilsack role in USDA firing seen as uncharacteristic of 'thoughtful' decision-maker:

Vilsack role in USDA firing seen as uncharacteristic of 'thoughtful' decision-maker: http://tinyurl.com/242lcho

The Iowa Democrat was responding to questions about the furor sparked by a videotape on the Internet of Sherrod's remarks, recalling her reluctance 24 years ago to help a white farmer seeking government assistance.

At a news conference Wednesday, Vilsack has insisted he made the decision without knowing all the facts and regretted it.

“I am accepting the responsibility with deep regret,” he said.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs also insisted the decision was one made at the Agriculture Department and he denied White House pressure for Sherrod's immediate resignation. He apologized to Sherrod “for the entire administration.”

Harkin doubted Vilsack “would have said just based on what was on a blog someplace that he was going to fire someone.”

On the other hand, “We all make mistakes,” Harkin said, adding, “Maybe he just made a big mistake.”

Harkin, who said he hasn't talked to Vilsack about the incident, wouldn't say whether he thought the decision to fire Sherrod had been made above Vilsack's level.

“I don't know,” he repeated. “It just does not sound like the Tom Vilsack I know.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.