Bookmark this post for future reference. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs was unequivocal today when asked by press corps veteran Helen Thomas whether pulling all U.S. troops out of Afghanistan is among the options being considered by President Barack Obama as he reviews U.S. policy toward that country and discusses what should be done with top commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal and others.

Absolutely not, Gibbs said.

"That's not something that's ever been entertained," he said.

"I don't think we have the option to leave, that's quite clear," Gibbs added.

Update at 2:30 p.m. ET. Here's the audio. The briefing room microphone didn't pick up the start of Thomas' question, but you'll get the context as Gibbs responds:

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