He could have clarified that at the time of the question but he didn't so we have to go by his words in the contents of the question.
Just re-read what he said in that light. He didn't come this far with everything he's done to casually admit she wasn't undercover on CNN. It's just his dramatic way of speaking.
Yes, we have to go by his words, not his intent. After all, isn't that what they're doing to Rove?