WHITE HOUSE SAYS INTEL REPORT DOESN’T TELL THE WHOLE STORY

ABC’s Jessica Yellin reports: An Administration official takes issue with the way the NIE story is being reported and cautions us to be wary of reporting that the NIE bluntly says we are less safe because of Iraq. Official says we don’t know what else it says about our efforts, successes, or other reasons the jihidists may have increased their ranks.

And on the Democrats’ quick reaction to the NIE leaks: official says it’s interesting that dem’s siezed on this report today, but didn’t raise any concerns when it was given to the intelligence committees before it appeared in the New York Times.

Administration official adds, vis a vis election and timing of NIE release — a discussion of the war, Iraq included, "is stronger ground for us. However disenchanted the public may be about Iraq, they don’t think the Dems have the answer."