December 27, 2007
Posted: 11:26 AM ET

Watch McCain's reaction to Bhutto's assassination.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Republican John McCain said Thursday the assassination of Bhutto "underscores yet again the grave dangers we face in the world today:"

“I was deeply saddened today to learn about the death of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. My deepest condolences go out to the family and supporters of this remarkable woman, an individual who paid the ultimate price for her embrace of moderation and rejection of extremism.

“The death of Benazir Bhutto 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.

“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. America must stand on the right side of this ongoing struggle.

“In my numerous visits to Pakistan - to Islamabad, to Peshawar, even to the tribal areas of Waziristan - I have seen first hand the many challenges that face the political leadership there, challenges so graphically portrayed by today's tragedy. There are, in Pakistan, brave individuals who seek to lead their country away from extremism and instability and into the light of a better day. America, I believe, must do all we can to support them.”

Read a full compilation of the presidential candidates' reactions here

Filed under: John McCain


Nate   December 29th, 2007 2:37 am ET

Thanks all of you for showing your ignorance on these boards. Half of you can't even spell words right and yet you get to vote. Fantastic that people like you will be helping choose our leaders.

a. muhammad Atlanta,Ga   December 27th, 2007 11:48 pm ET

As a soldier. You fight against those who you are told to fight against. This is what John McCain did. He doesn't know what is to live in a country like Pakistan. Or in the Middle East, and having to fight against oppression. Your life can be literally snuffed out in a New York second. He don't know that! You can't compare his struggle to Ms. Bhutto. Ms. Bhutto knew her enemies close up! She wasn't told to fight them, she knew why she had to fight the much deeper than John McCain. He don't know that! He got experience in what? He was a prisoner of a war that we LOST! Because we were wrong then too! Although I commend him for his sacrifice, that doesn't make him qualified to be President.
Many of these candidates who tout their "experience," they are they who will do all that has been done. And what has been done, has only brought America shame in the world. A war we did not have to fight in Iraq. A world that sees us as bullies. A Dollar that has less valve than during the time of the Great Depression. And an economy in shambles! And An American public so ignorant, that these politicians can say almost anything about 9-11, or terrorist, and they GOT YA!! Who will be able to reverse, or change our course? You think it will be one of these so-called experienced candidates? What is it when you continue doing something, but expecting a different result? Yeah.

ne,pa.   December 27th, 2007 8:23 pm ET

McCain is salivating for another war.

If this man gets in start packing. The draft will return!

Daniel   December 27th, 2007 6:03 pm ET

The Republicans (Yuck) will use this death to their advantage. They don't really care. They're very bad people!

Jose Card - Independent   December 27th, 2007 5:05 pm ET

Senator McCain was really close to paying the price with his own life for freedom in Vietnam, too. He can really understand Ms. Bhutto's life-long struggle for democracy.

Senator McCain also knows Pakistan much better than other candidates do, no matter how passionately they may have spoken of Bhutto's death.

When Senator McCain went to a foreign country, he met with the leaders and visited places where any first lady won't be shown to. His foreign experience is at a much higher level than those of other candidates. He has earned the respect from many foreign leaders and he doesn't even like to brag about it.

Lee Carter, San Francisco, CA   December 27th, 2007 12:46 pm ET

I think Senator McCain was very correct about the situation in Pakistan. It is very scary to have a country with nuclear capability to be unstable.

Lou, Wappingers falls, NY   December 27th, 2007 12:36 pm ET

prior to these last few weeks I overlooked McCain as someone who can run this country; but now after the last few weeks and looking through some of his history I really feel he is the only canadate who can take this country to the next level!! I hope the rest of america awakens

Kerry, Lexington MA   December 27th, 2007 12:33 pm ET

This guy says 'danger' and 'security' in practically every speech he makes. But the kind of 'security' McCain is interested in dealing with is far less important than the real 'security' threat to America. America is threatened economically than militarily. Give America it's best shot at enhancing it's economic security: vote for Romney 2008

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