WASHINGTON (May 6) - Hillary Rodham Clinton said on Wednesday she supported the eventual creation of a Palestinian state but the White House, in damage-control mode, was quick to say her comments did not reflect a change in U.S. Policy.

"I think that the territory the Palestinians currently inhabit, and whatever additional territory they will obtain through the peace negotiations, should be considered and evolve into a functioning modern state... ...responsible for the well-being of its people and is seen on the same footing as any other state in terms of dealing responsibly with all of the issues that state governments must deal with."

White House spokesman Mike McCurry reiterated that the United States has never endorsed Palestinian statehood. He also said the first lady was "responding in a human way" and was exercising her right to speak her mind as a free citizen.

For the fashion conscious, Mrs. Clinton wears a size 7 mouth.