Could not. Columbia could not reach the ISS. Columbia needed major mods to be able to do that.
BINGO! Just like the astronauts cannot do a space walk to see under the shuttle -- no hand holds, etc. and could do more damage. They are unable to fix tiles while in space because of the limited space walk capability not to mention how are they going to glue the tiles on if they could -- the tiles are custom made to fit the shuttle and individually glued on. Guess they figure they could use come crazy glue?
The reporters and some of their stupid questions without researching is beyond my belief! Also people want instaneous answers -- not going to happen. That is what Accident Investigation Boards are for -- they happen to know a lot more than members of the press!
I am absolutely shocked at some of the things I have seen written about what they could have done. The shuttle is a glider not an Air Force jet and doesn't maneuver wherever it wants to go. This isn't a Star Wars movie!