>> i have a very high estimation of the men and women at the department of justice. they are the most exceptional, hard working people that i have ever -- >> you disagree with the president's characterization because they don't deserve it, mr. whitaker, and you are -- you supervised, you managed them, you don't -- then you don't agree with the president's characterization of them, is that correct? >> listen, before, congresswoman, in all due respect, i feel very strongly that as the acting attorney general of the united states that i have to set the tone for the entire department of justice and what is so important -- >> if i worked for you, mr. whitaker and you thought i was highly principled and very talented and that was your answer when i was asked or you're asked about how do you view the people who work for you that's your answer, that's pretty pitiful. let me ask you this, you've only mentioned drugs coming through the southern border.