What Bhutto’s Death Means for the U.S. Campaign

WSJ ^ | Dec. 27, 2007 | Susan Davis

[COUNTrecount]

The death of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto comes two days after she publicly criticized President Pervez Musharraf for failing to effectively combat Islamic extremists and pledged to crack down on their activity if she won the Jan. 8 parliamentary elections. Now, her death is likely to force Pakistan and Islamic terrorism back into the forefront in Washington and on the campaign trail with the Iowa Caucuses now only a week away.

Before news of Bhutto’s death was reported, Rudy Giuliani’s campaign unveiled a new ad this morning, entitled “Freedom,” to begin airing nationally tomorrow. “As voters refocus their attention on the race, this was the right time to remind people what this election is really all about. We need a tested leader who is ready right now to tackle the most serious challenge facing our country,” spokeswoman Maria Comella said of the ad in an email.

In the one-minute ad Giuliani discusses the strength of America and references Sept. 11, 2001, in the ad — which the former New York City mayor rarely uses in campaign spots. “The Islamic terrorists would make a terrible mistake if they confuse our democracy for weakness,” Giuliani says, “But when you come and try to take away from us our freedom, when you try to come here and kill our people, we’re one and we’re going to stand up to you and we’re going to prevail.”

Giuliani was also the first candidate to release a statement on the death of Bhutto. “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,

[gridlock]

Suddenly electing another smooth talking Arkansas con-man on the basis of his winning smile and an charming demeanor doesn’t sound like such a great idea.

[SpinnerWebb]

“But when you come and try to take away from us our freedom, when you try to come here and kill our people, we’re one and we’re going to stand up to you and we’re going to prevail.”

My wish for the New Year is that someone could make me believe this. I'm not sure I do any longer. I feel like the Socialist Democrats would gladly take 100% of my income as tax, and hand my head to the nearest Islamic chopping block.

[gridlock]

New Tag Line.

[umgud]

How will Hillary play this, being a woman and all?

[psjones]

Hillary will remind us once again of her “35 years of experience” and of her foreign affairs experience while she was First Lady. Yep, clinton did such a bang up job of going after terrorists, she should play that one for all its worth (s).

[Dreagon]

I imagine Guiliani ran to his press people to release his statement as soon as he heard about this. It ain’t going to help him since the people who would never vote for him weren’t basing their decision on foriegn policy in the first place.

[DemEater]

One word....NADA

[newheart]

How will Hillary play this...?

By playing the victim card of course.

From the WSJ article linked above:

"The Clinton campaign said it expects rival Barack Obama will relent from his planned criticism of Clinton and rival John Edwards because of the event."

[Dreagon]

How will Hillary play this, being a woman and all?

---

She’ll equate any criticism of her with a car bombing.

[Lexington Green]

What Bhutto’s Death Means for the U.S. Campaign?? Photo Op

[jaz.357]

Rudy Giuliani on Fox now.

[preacher]

The MSM will be looking for some way to blame this on George Bush or Global Warming.

[Chi-townChief]

At least Obama has refrained from making one of his “quips” so far.

[Ann Archy]

OMG...the Clintons are SHAMELESS.

[ex-snook]

Let them kill each other over there.

[yazd]

How will Hillary play this, being a woman and all?

Hillary has lost one of her key role models ...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2228796.stm

... [Bhutto] was twice prime minister of Pakistan, from 1988 to 1990, and from 1993 to 1996.

On both occasions she was dismissed from office by the president for alleged corruption.

The dismissals typified her volatile political career, which was characterised by numerous peaks and troughs. At the height of her popularity - shortly after her first election - she was one of the most high-profile women leaders in the world.

Young and glamorous, she successfully portrayed herself as a refreshing contrast to the overwhelmingly male-dominated political establishment.

But after her second fall from power, her name came to be seen by some as synonymous with corruption and bad governance. ...

During both her stints in power, the role of Ms Bhutto's husband, Asif Zardari, proved highly controversial.

He played a prominent role in both her administrations, and has been accused by various Pakistani governments of stealing millions of dollars from state coffers - charges he denies, as did Ms Bhutto herself.

Many commentators argued that the downfall of Ms Bhutto's government was accelerated by the alleged greed of her husband. ...

[Wil H]

How will Hillary play this, being a woman and all?

she doesn't -she has no experience in dealing with terrorists other than kissing their wives..

she had no security clearance during her husband's administration.

her husband did nothing about terrorism anyway, except for one brief period during which the two of them weren't talking to each other.

So her track record on terrorism is worse than useless.

[Red Badger]

National Automobile Dealers Association?..........What’s she worth, Mac?.................

[Night Hides Not]

She’ll equate any criticism of her with a car bombing.

Hillary's minions will coin a new term, along the lines of "virtual car bombing", or "a disturbing escalation of the politics of personal destruction."

I need to tap the brakes today...my cynicism is at levels I haven't encountered in months.