2008 Candidates on the Bhutto Assassination
posted by on December 27 at 8:50 AM
I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people. We join with them in mourning her loss and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world.
I am profoundly saddened and outraged by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, a leader of tremendous political and personal courage. I came to know Mrs. Bhutto over many years, during her tenures as Prime Minister and during her years in exile. Mrs. Bhutto’s concern for her country, and her family, propelled her to risk her life on behalf of the Pakistani people. She returned to Pakistan to fight for democracy despite threats and previous attempts on her life and now she has made the ultimate sacrifice. Her death is 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.Let us pray that her legacy will be a brighter, more hopeful future for the people she loved and the country she served. My family and I extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to the victims and their families and to the people of Pakistan.
The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a tragic event for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan. Her murderers must be brought to justice and Pakistan must continue the path back to democracy and the rule of law. Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere — whether in New York, London, Tel-Aviv or Rawalpindi — is an enemy of freedom. We must redouble our efforts to win the Terrorists’ War on Us.
More candidate reactions here and here.
But what about Gore, Eli?! HMMMM?!?!
Is Rudy craven or crafty for managing to slip in his "War on Us" campaign meme into a supposedly heartfelt message of condolence?
Or is he genetically unable to open his mouth without some kind of 9/11 by-product dropping out?
Discuss.
It sounds like Senator Clinton is really playing the "experience" card here as well - notice how she not-so-subtly slips in how long she's known former PM Bhutto... and how she mentions how much work must be done to continue Bhutto's legacy.
@2 - I can't remember who said this originally: every sentence that comes out of Giuliani's mouth has three parts: noun, verb, and 9/11.
I did notice that and should have mentioned it in my original post. For whatever reason, her machination did not strike me as negatively as did Rudy's...
BUT...it's positioning by Clinton nonetheless, in the midst of a condolence and, thus, somewhat tawdry.
I shouldn't be surprised by this stuff -- it makes me look unlike the jaded misanthrope I believe myself to be :-)
@4: HAHAHA -- you should call Joe Biden and tell him that one. Maybe he can use it in a debate.
Considering the first attempt back in October was most likely sponsored by folks rather high up in the current government talking about *terrorist* attacks against the *rule of law* is a bit puerile. I suspect that the US is probably the only place in the world where that sort of rhetoric about this would be recieved with anything but contempt.
Why can't the terrahists ever assassinate someone who deserves it?
I hadn't heard about "The Terrorists' War on Us" before - genius!
What does Cris Crocker think about Benazir Bhutto, Eli?!?!
Clinton's response is merely tacky.
Guiliani's (not very) subtly reveals his martial law tendencies.
Obama's reaction shows clearly how much he has to learn. It just rings with buzzwords and platitudes.
Despite the experience card folks seem to want to throw back at Clinton, notice she does not use the word terrorist once. She knows the problems over there are much deeper than our silly terrorist label can describe, and then describes what they are really up against.
She really knows what she is doing folks, face it.
@3: Why shouldn't she reference how long she has known the victim personally? They spent time together during the Clinton administration (there is a picture of Hillary and Chelsea with Bhutto and her children on Huffingtonpost.com today). Isn't that common when making a statement about the loss of someone? It is a personal loss by someone who is running for President of the fucking United States! At least she didn't use the opportunity to hawk 9-11... I don't think she's perfect but I am so tired of listening to everyone nit-pick every little thing she says.
This is totally tragic. I thought she would make it over there. I'm pretty naive I guess. She was tough though.
I knew it was getting hot over there, but not that there aim to get her would succeed.
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