If Helen had said “ the blacks should go back to Africa” would the comment be the same?
I doubt even Beckel could muster up a defense of that (which, since she didn't say it, is just an irrelevant straw-man anyway - we could gin up hypothetical statements all day, but it would never make them germane to the discussion).
But as for me - while I most certainly don't agree with the content of her comments (nor, for the sake of indulgence, would I defend anyone making your hypothetical comments), I would still offer the same defense of her (or anyone's) right to make them in what is purportedly a constitionally-based, free society.
ergo: I may not agree with what someone says, but I will defend their right to "offend" me. I'm not really sure how much clearer I can be.