FW: Pool Report #5

POTUS took the stage at 3:27, to what felt and sounded a lot like a campaign rally, including one audience member who was holding up a sign with a picture of POTUS. He was joined by CIA Director Panetta and Dep. Director Steve Kappas.

About the ovation, Panetta joked: "This is a very loud welcome from a group that's supposed to be silent warriors."

More Panetta: "CIA is on the frontlines of the defense of this nation."

Pointing to the Wall of Honor, Panetta noted that "the officers of the CIA do it because they love this country."

"We believe we can fully protect this nation and our values at the same time, and we are doing exactly that."

Repeated POTUS's stated line on memos that now is "a time for reflection, not retribution."

POTUS's remarks were carried live and transcript should be coming.

Some greatest hits: POTUS mentioned that the crowd looks "very young," something he later attributed to the scores who signed up after Sept. 11, 2001.

Joked that because of the relative youth of the crowd, it's "critical" to have a "graybeard, literally and figuratively" like Kappas.

Sec. Def. Gates, who was not in attendance, received a polite round of applause after POTUS mentioned his service both as a CIA officer and director.

POTUS called the agency "an indispensable tool; the tip of the sword."

"It's because of you that I can make good decisions."

Pivoted to the release of the interrogation memos: "You need to know that you have my full support."

He said the agency cannot take credit for its successess but does take blame for failures ("I got an A-men for that.")

"In that context, I know the last few days have been difficult." Said part of his decision to release was that "the covert nature of the information had been compromised."

Promised to protect officers' identification.

"I will be as vigorous in protecting you as you are in protecting the American people."

POTUS said some officers in the smaller meetings has "expressed understandable anxiety and concern," and noted that because he watches "the cable shows once in a while," he was aware that many of his critics think the decision to release was naive.

POTUS said the U.S. will win the war with values upheld because "wer're on the better side of history."

Told the employees and officers "don't be discouraged" by the talk of enhanced interrogation.

POTUS said he believes "For all that you've achieved, the CIA's best days are yet to come."

"I'm going to need you more than ever."

Worked the ropeline briefly as pool moved to the vans. Depart Langley at 3:50, arrived WH 4:08.

One more piece of color from the gift shop: Your pooler was amused by the separate ticket booth that advertised "Get Your Disney Tickets Here," among other things. From one Magic Kingdom to another...



Sam Youngman
White House correspondent
The Hill
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Washington, D.C. 20006