Candidates Condemn Bhutto Assassination

Almost all of the candidates running for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations released statements today condemning the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

* Sen. Joe Biden said that "Like her father before her, Benazir Bhutto worked her whole life, and gave her life, to help Pakistan become a democratic, secular and modern Muslim country."

* John Edwards described her as a "brave and historic leader for Pakistan."

* Mike Huckabee said that while Bhutto's death was troubling, "we are reminded that while our democracy has flaws, it stands as a shining beacon of hope for nations and people around the world who seek peace and opportunity through self-government."

* Sen. Chris Dodd, who said he had been in touch with Bhutto in the past few weeks, said her death shows the "experienced leadership our country needs at a time when critical regions around the world are in turmoil."

* Mitt Romney said her death shows the "reality of global, violent radical jihadism around the world."

* Sen. Barack Obama described her as "a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people."

* Sen. John McCain said her death "deeply saddened him" and that it "underscores yet again the grave dangers we face in the world today and particularly in countries like Pakistan, where the forces of moderation are arrayed in a fierce battle against those who embrace violent Islamic extremism."

* Sen. Hillary Clinton, who noted that she had known Bhutto for many years, called her death "a tragedy for her country and a terrible reminder of the work that remains to bring peace, stability, and hope to regions of the globe too often paralyzed by fear, hatred, and violence."

* Rudy Giuiani said the assassination was a "tragic event for Pakistan" and that "Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere - whether in New York, London, Tel-Aviv or Rawalpindi - is an enemy of freedom."

* Gov. Bill Richardson called Bhutto "a courageous woman," and is the only candidate so far to call for the removal of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. Until that happens the U.S. "should suspend military aid to the Pakistani government. Free and fair elections must also be held as soon as possible."

* Rep. Dennis Kucinich called it a "dangerous moment for the world" and that "The United States must change its policy direction in the region. It must stop adding fuel to the fire."

* Rep. Ron Paul said in a radio interview that ""We've supported Musharraf and now it's created some civil strife."

Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle also condemned the killing, and said that Pakistani elections must go forward. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said Bhutto's bravery "stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of those who remain committed only to chaos, murder and thwarting democracy in Pakistan. It is our expectation that President Musharraf and the Pakistani people will go forward with free and fair elections."

1:44 PM ET | 12-27-2007 | permalink