He certainly didn't do so gladly, but I think he had to admit these things because there is always the risk of perjury if he doesn't at least give truthful one-word answers (most of his responses were "no") and more comes out about this. Like some of the generals, he doesn't want to take the fall for Barry.
If they had questioned Hillary more thoroughly, they would probably have gotten more out of her, too. But her raised middle finger defense for some reason threw them for a loop and they backed off. She doesn't want to take the fall for Obama, either, but now she's back in his good graces because of her obnoxious, contemptuous performance, so all is well in her world and she's feeling pretty safe.
That's why Paneta merited the micro hat-tip. Then again, I don't think he could have pulled off Hilary's stunt.