It was a response reaction, but it wasn't what he should have done.
I would have admitted that things weren't as good as they have been in the past, but that (I) he couldn't say a whole lot because there are behind the scenes negotiations going on that prevent me (him) from talking much about it.
An admission that other troubled times had come and gone would also deflect a little.
He didn't need to walk out.
I saw a replay today and now I think he should have walked out before he did, he had plenty of reason.