Just my opinion, but isn't 'I am mortified....' similar to 'I withdraw the question...' in a court room procedings ? Just a slippery side step to stay on the good side himself. The words out, so now blame someone who is no longer in the picture, or on sloppy data security, and get on with politics. Professional courtesy among thieves.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic