Barack Obama actually said...

"The legitimacy of this election and of the leadership of Afghanistan is in the hands of the Afghan people."

"I am very grateful that George has agreed to lead the Office and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the coming months and years."

"Service isn't separate from our national priorities or secondary to our national priorities, it's integral to achieving our national priorities."

"George brings decades of experience and has served with integrity and a deep commitment to his country."