And the jackals descend

That didn't take long. From FOX News, (That's right, because nobody will give you faster access to the terraist take than FOX.)

"The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy," Bush said, speaking from his ranch in Crawford, Texas. "Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice."

Not bad. Bush seems to know that Bhutto's assassin(s) were anti-democracy extremists. I wonder if the Pakistani intelligence service, the ISI, falls into that category.

Bush's statement, however, was calm compared to the candidates vying for the Republican nomination for President. They went utterly ghoulish.

The tragedy posed both an opportunity and a challenge for candidates to demonstrate to Iowans their ability to handle an overseas crisis.

Right, here we go then:

Mitt Romney

“This points out again the extraordinary reality of global, violent, radical jihadism,” former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said at a press conference in New Hampshire. “There’s no question that the violence that we see throughout the world is violence that is not limited to … Iraq and Afghanistan, but is more global in nature.”

“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,” he said.

Mitt, the great "seer", sees Bush's extremists and raises with two radical jihads.

Rudy Giuliani

“The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a tragic event for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan,” Giuliani said. ”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.”

Giuliani, "the man who believes watching airplanes destroy a city is the stuff of future leaders", increases the bet with The Terrorists and the certain knowledge that they going to get you if you don't elect him and Batman.

John McCain

“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.”

McCain, "I used to HEART George Bush", sees Islamic Extremism and raises with a big bet - nuclear threat.

Mike Huckabee

“The terrible violence surrounding Pakistan’s upcoming election stands in stark contrast to the peaceful transition of power that we embrace in our country through our Constitution,” 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.”

Huckabee, "Pakistan really isn't up to the democracy thing", ignores the size of the pot, calls and let's everyone see a face card, The Constitution. Despite the fact that, under George Bush rules, The Constitution no longer trumps unitary rule, Huckabee keeps his killer card close to the chest - the US Supreme Court.

Fred Thompson

Thompson, late as usual, is still driving around trying to figure out where the game is being played.

There are, of course other takes. It would appear Huckabee managed to actually botch his statement, something FOX missed completely.

He made a bad choice of words when saying the U.S. needs to consider “what impact does it have on whether or not there’s going to be martial law continuing in Pakistan.”

Ah, it's always nice when those "Christian" leaders keep up on world events.

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In Canada, Steve Harper remains silent on the whole issue while he sits by the phone and waits for.... the word.