Statement: White House Responds to Robert Gates’s Memoir --- Following the publication of excerpts from the forthcoming memoir by former Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates (read an exclusive WSJ excerpt here, and a rundown of top revelations here), the White House released a statement attributed to National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden: -- The President deeply appreciates Bob Gates’ service as Secretary of Defense, and his lifetime of service to our country. Deliberations over our policy on Afghanistan have been widely reported on over the years, and it is well known that the President has been committed to achieving the mission of disrupting, dismantling and defeating al Qaeda, while also ensuring that we have a clear plan for winding down the war, which will end this year. As has always been the case, the President welcomes differences of view among his national security team, which broaden his options and enhance our policies. The President wishes Secretary Gates well as he recovers from his recent injury, and discusses his book.” -- “The President disagrees with Secretary Gates’ assessment – from his leadership on the Balkans in the Senate, to his efforts to end the war in Iraq, Joe Biden has been one of the leading statesmen of his time, and has helped advance America’s leadership in the world. President Obama relies on his good counsel every day.” - Wall Street Journal, at: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2014/01/07/statement-white-house-responds-to-robert-gatess-memoir/