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Obama says he’s seen ‘no evidence’ national security threatened by Petraeus scandal

There’s “no evidence” that the CIA sex scandal, which brought down director Gen. David Petraeus, put any state secrets in peril, President Obama said today.

In his first White House press briefing since winning a convincing re-election last week, Obama said it’s unlikely any classified information was leaked in pillow talk that’s ruined one the nation’s most respected military heroes.

“I have no evidence at this point from what I’ve seen that classified information was disclosed that in any way would have had a negative impact on our national security,” Obama said at a White House briefing.

Petraeus has admitted to an extramarital affair with his biographer, Paula Broadwell, in an elicit relationship that’s raised red flags about top US military leadership.

An FBI probe uncovered the Petraeus-Broadwell hook-up after the biographer allegedly sent threatening e-mails to Tampa socialite Jill Kelley, a close friend of the general’s family.

Kelley’s whistleblowing inadvertently exposed her sexy e-mails with Gen. John Allen, commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan — Petraeus’ former position before taking the CIA gig.

Obama only learned of the FBI probe after the election, fueling questions about the investigation’s timing.

“I am withholding judgment with respect to how the entire process surrounding Gen. Petraeus came up. We don’t have all the information yet,” Obama said.

“But I want to say, I have a lot of confidence generally in the FBI, and they’ve got a difficult job.”

He added: “It is also possible that had we been told, then you’d be sitting here asking, ‘Why were you interfering in a criminal investigation?”

Petraeus’ stunning downfall also came on the heels of his scheduled testimony before Congress on the deadly Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

After the spymaster’s sudden resignation on Friday, it was believed he might try to dodge lawmakers’ questions.

US Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., confirmed today that Petraeus has agreed to testify — though no date has been set.

“He is very willing and interested in talking to the committee,” she said.

Lawmakers, particularly Republicans, want to know more about any security failures that allowed terrorists to kill US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.

White House critics have also been blasting UN ambassador Susan Rice, who initially said the Benghazi attacks were tied to regional protests over a ridiculous, anti-Islamic film.

Obama gave his most spirited defense yet of Rice, calling her detractors, such as Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham “outrageous.”

Rice’s name has been floated for Secretary of State in light of Hillary Clinton’s desire to leave that post during Obama’s second term.

“Let me say specifically about Susan Rice: She has done exemplary work. She has represented the US and our interests in the UN with skill and professionalism and toughness and grace,” Obama said.

“If Sen. McCain and Sen. Graham and others want to go after somebody, they should go after me. And I’m happy to have that discussion with them. But for them to go after the UN ambassador? Who had nothing to do with Benghazi? And was simply making a presentation based on intelligence that she had received? To besmirch her reputation is outrageous.”

Earlier today, McCain said Rice has to be held accountable for spinning a story that turned out to be false.

“We’re all responsible for what we say and what we do. I’m responsible to my voters. She is responsible to the Senate of the United States,” McCain told “CBS This Morning.”

“If you’re going to tell the American people something you better make damn sure it’s true.”