Barack Obama actually said...

"I think the overarching message from the election was extraordinarily positive when you look at the difficulties of the last several weeks."

"We want to make clear to the Afghan people that we have an enduring commitment to them."

"I thought it was important for me to make sure that I check in directly with folks face to face before those decisions were finally made."

"It’s been two years since he’s been able to get to Afghanistan, and he felt that it was very important for him to express directly to the troops his gratitude."