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Posted: December 27, 2007 6:59 PM
'08 U.S. Candidates React to Bhutto Assassination
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The death of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto stirred a string of reactions from U.S. presidential candidates Thursday. Democrats and Republicans alike changed focus to address the attack and its implications. The NewsHour recapped candidate reactions on its Thursday broadcast.

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., reacted to Bhutto’s death at a campaign event in Iowa. “We have to make clear, that we as Americans, that we stand for democracy and that we will be steadfast in our desire to end the kind of terrorist acts that have blighted not just Pakistan, but other parts of the world,” he said.

Fellow front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., issued this statement: “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.”

Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., said, “I know that Benazir’s followers will be tempted to lash out in anger and violence. I urge them to remain calm — and not play into the hands of the forces of destruction.”

And former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., said, “It’s very important under these circumstances — these kinds of times — for America to show both strength and principle … to be a calming influence, to be a reassuring influence … and to continue to promote democratization in Pakistan.”

Among the Republican candidates, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said, “on this sad day, 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.”

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said, “We can’t let this be a step back, we have to let it be a step forward for stability, democracy and the rule of law.”

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said, “Given Pakistan’s strategic location, the international terrorist groups that operate from its soil, and its nuclear arsenal, the future of that country has deep implications for the security of the United States and its allies.”

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney spoke from New Hampshire, saying, “The world is very much at risk by virtue of these radical, violent extremists, and we must come together in an effort, in great haste and with great earnestness to help overcome the threat of the spread of radical, violent jihad.”