In my opinion, he was carefully avoiding any unintentional traps that could come back to hurt him later.
At least, that is how I read it.
Alito? Yeah - I just imagine there are generic answers that illustrate a certain degree of knowledge and competence with the principles involved. I don't think there is any harm in reinforcing that this war is unlike past wars, and that "we" have a need for some new detail applications of Constitutional principles as a result.
I don't think Alito hurt his confirmation, I just picture better answers, even if generic answers, to a darn hot and timely topic.