At his first news conference since winning a second term last week, President Obama addressed the scandal that led to the resignation of David Petraeus.

SOUNDBITE: U.S. President Barack Obama saying:

"By his own assessment, he did not meet the standards that he felt were necessary as the director of CIA with respect to this personal matter."

The president acknowledged that there is an ongoing FBI investigation but says he is not aware of any evidence indicating a breach of security.

He went on to say this about his former CIA director.

SOUNDBITE: U.S. President Barack Obama saying:

"My main hope right now is - is that he and his family are able to move on and that this ends up being a single side note on what has otherwise been an extraordinary career."

Security issues dominated the event and the focus eventually turned to Benghazi.

Specifically, Republican attacks on U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice's initial response to the seige that killed four Americans dead.

SOUNDBITE: U.S. President Barack Obama saying:

"For them to go after the UN ambassador, who had nothing to do with Benghazi (EDIT) and to besmirch her reputation is outrageous."

Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham say they will block any efforts to promote Rice, who is a contender to replace Hillary Clinton as the U.S. Secretary of State.