From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
The Clinton campaign has a new ad running in Iowa called "President." She goes after President Bush and Wall Street for not doing more on the housing crisis and outlines her plan to combat it.

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SCRIPT:
ANNCR: What if we had a different president this year? Hillary Clinton called for action on America's housing crisis in March, in June, in August. George Bush and Wall Street did nothing.Since then, home prices have plummeted and millions may lose their homes. Hillary's plan: Freeze home foreclosures. Freeze rates on adjustable mortgages. Provide real tax relief for the middle class. When we choose a president next year, let's choose one that would have started fixing our economy this year.
CLINTON: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

From NBC's Chuck Todd and Domenico Montanaro

The American Federation of Teachers has hit Iowa with a mailer for Hillary Clinton. It reads, "As teachers, we know when someone is prepared. The American Federation of Teacher knows: Hillary Clinton is prepared to deliver change."

The mailer then cites her endorsement of the Des Moines Register and adds, "All of the candidates want change. The question is: Who has the right combination of skills, experience and determination to make change happen? Whether it's education, health care or the economy, Hillary
Clinton is best prepared to take on the challenges we face -- and she's ready to lead from Day One.
That's why she is supported by the 1.4-million-member American Federation of Teachers."

It closes with this: "Hillary is prepared to bring real change. Caucus for Hillary on January 3rd."

From NBC/NJ's Erin McPike

ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa -- Romney began his first official bus tour this morning in western Iowa carrying the message, "we don't vote for yesterday, we do vote for tomorrow."

Part of Romney's rallying cry sounded his theme of optimism and went like this: "I'm convinced that the source of America's strength is the beliefs and the values of the American people. It's not goverment that makes us strong; it's our people. It's hardworking, God fearing, education loving, opportunity seeking, risk taking, patriotic American people."

The arc of his closing message covers both change and security. Sept. 11 crept back into his notes on national security and how it came to play in his experience handling the 2002 Winter Olympics. He informed the audience that the Salt Lake City games represented "the first event on the international stage... the first national special security event after 9/11," and that he "was able to turn those games around with the help of a lot of other great people and have safe games."

He also hit his change message hard, broadening it to a more global theme. "I think you're going to see more change in the next 10 years than we've probably seen over the last 10 centuries," he said. "And so the next president is going to have to be able to draw on the strength of the American people and lift their eyes and optimism towards the opportunities we have and overcome the challenges honestly that we face, and at the same time draw on the innovative spirit in a nation and a world that's changing."

The governor is riding aboard the Mitt Mobile today with the press behind in a chartered bus. The tour goes straight southbound from the northwestern tip of the state and wraps up for the day in Council Bluffs. It picks up again tomorrow morning just outside of Des Moines in Altoona.

Later today, the motorcade will roll through a bakery and an ice cream parlor as two of its six stops.

Riding along with Romney is his wife, Ann, and Michigan Rep. Pete Hoekstra, who told voters he signed up with Romney's camp more than a year ago.

The candidate spoke for about 10 minutes to rally voters but took no questions.

Mrs. Romney spoke for almost as long as he did near the end of the 25-minute stop and told a couple of personal stories about her husband and family.

When Mrs. Romney spoke, she told some of the same stories she usually does, including getting through her struggle with multiple sclerosis. Like the candidate, she talked about leaving Massachusetts for Salt Lake City, but she discussed it in terms of her own personal struggles having just been diagnosed with the disease and likened the situation to "jumping off a cliff without a parachute."

One of the most interesting things she said concerned the progress of their family life, which is a big part of Romney's message. She volunteered that when their five sons were young, Romney "hated to travel, which was a problem," because "he wanted to be home all the time with the kids." She went on that "eventually he just couldn't do it anymore" and had to change jobs.

Of course, the travel schedule is intense for the couple these days, as the bus tour will span five days before the caucuses.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro

The SEIU defended an affiliated pro-Edwards 527, which is running ads in favor of Edwards. Alliance for New America, funded by the SEIU, is running $750,000 worth of TV advertising in Iowa. An adviser to the group is Edwards' former campaign manager, and the group and Edwards have faced scrutiny for their involvement.

"While SEIU did not create the Alliance for a New America, the union supports the entity because it shares our goal of sparking a discussion of how best address the concerns of working people in America," writes Dave Regan, SEIU president, in a press release. "The union's support for the Alliance for a New America has been given in full accordance with both the spirit and letter of the laws governing 527 political organizations. There has been no coordination or discussion of our support for the organization's work with any individual candidate or campaign at any time.

"SEIU leaders will continue to separate any 527 activities from any discussions with candidates. Moreover, a thorough review of the ads reveals that the ads are focused on the issues and do not attack any candidates."

*** UPDATE *** The New York Times reports on its Caucus blog that "two campaign-finance advocacy groups -- Democracy 21 and the Campaign Legal Center -- argue that the Alliance for a New America may be violating other campaign finance rules."

The Edwards campaign responded that "As soon as SEIU officials informed us, later on, that some of their staff would no longer able to communicate with us about the campaign, we immediately stopped all conversation with them, as we legally had to."

Here's the full release:
"The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) today reiterated the importance of the Alliance for a New America, which enables working people to pool their resources to gain a voice on the key issues facing America as the country heads into the 2008 elections.

"SEIU members believe that everyone in America should be able to fully participate in the national discussion of issues in this election, not just the special interests who pour millions into campaign activities. SEIU members care deeply about fixing our broken healthcare system and ensuring economic equality and opportunity for everyone in America.

"For many years SEIU members have joined together to support public advocacy on issues that affect their families and communities.  For example, the Americans for Healthcare campaign focused the attention of political candidates and the public on our nation's health care crisis.  Similarly, the Justice for Janitors campaign advocated for the rights of low-wage workers. These public advocacy campaigns have proven to be a highly effective way to help keep the debate focused on the issues that matter for working people and their families.

"SEIU members have long supported the work of independent political groups, like The Alliance for a New America.  While SEIU did not create the Alliance for a New America, the union supports the entity because it shares our goal of sparking a discussion of how best address the concerns of working people in America. The union's support for the Alliance for a New America has been given in full accordance with both the spirit and letter of the laws governing 527 political organizations. There has been no coordination or discussion of our support for the organization's work with any individual candidate or campaign at any time.

"SEIU leaders will continue to separate any 527 activities from any discussions with candidates.  Moreover, a thorough review of the ads reveals that the ads are focused on the issues and do not attack any candidates.

"District 1199 represents more than 28,000 health care and social service workers across West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. The Union is a part of the Service Employees International Union, whose 1.8 million members make it the largest union in the country as well as the largest health care union in the nation."

###

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro and Lauren Appelbaum

Romney and McCain went up with dueling advertisements in New Hampshire. And both have very different tones.

Romney, the only candidate to run contrast TV ads so far this campaign season, is up with another -- this time against McCain, who won the Granite State primary in 2000. At least one poll showed McCain and Romney in a statistical tie in the state. Romney has lead by double-digits there for most of the campaign season.

"John McCain, an honorable man. But is he the right Republican for the future?" says an announcer over ominous music. The announcer then says McCain is against a repeal of the estate tax, voted against Bush tax cuts and "pushed to let every illegal immigrant stay here permanently."

Above more hopeful music, the announcer says, "Mitt Romney cut taxes and spending as Governor. He opposes amnesty for illegals. Mitt Romney. John McCain. There is a difference."

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McCain, ardently opposed to earmarks, will likely take issue with the implication that he is not strong on reducing spending.

Romney's first contrast ad went up in Iowa, laying out the differences between his governing record and that of Huckabee -- on immigration and crime.

McCain also has a new ad up, but unlike Romney's ad which attacks McCain, the Arizona Senator's new ad highlights his newspaper endorsements, including the New Hampshire Union Leader and the Portsmouth Herald. "Endorsed" will run on New Hampshire and Boston television.

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The McCain campaign shot back with an e-mail trying to dismiss each of the charges in the Romney ad (and takes some shots at Romney's record.) Another e-mail from the campaign features a Chicago Tribune article from Wednesday, which highlights criticism of Romney and how he might respond to a tightening race. The article notes that Romney "has not yet decided whether to air any 'contrast' or negative ads.

"This morning's events seem to call into question his candor, as if another example was needed," a McCain spokesman wrote in an e-mail to reporters.

In an e-mail release of its own on the ad, the Romney campaign writes, "On election day, Republicans will have a choice between two very different records and visions for our future."

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
Six days to go: DES MOINES, Iowa -- With six days until the first nominating contest, all three Democratic front-runners are talking about change and about who can best deliver it. Yesterday, in his big closing argument speech -- overshadowed by Benazir Bhutto's assassination -- Obama said in words aimed directly at Hillary Clinton, "The real gamble in this election is playing the same Washington game with the same Washington players and expecting a different result." Clinton, meanwhile, says she's the one who can best bring out change. "Some people think you can bring about change by demanding it and some people think you can bring about change by hoping for it," she has said, referring to Edwards and Obama. "I think you bring about change by working hard for it." And today, Edwards gives his closing argument, in which he's expected say (in words aimed squarely at Obama), "Compromise and conciliation is the academic theory of change. It just doesn't work in the real world. Fighting for conviction is the historic reality of change." The AP's Ron Fournier nails it in his latest column: "Most voters want it. The candidates all promise it. The presidential race hinges on it. But nobody can quite agree on the meaning of the single most important word of the election: Change." And don't miss Obama's comment to Fournier calling Clinton a "caretaker" president.

VIDEO: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd offers his first read on how the death of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto will affect the presidential campaign efforts.

*** Bhutto fallout: The big political news yesterday, of course, was Bhutto's death and the candidates' reactions to it. Have we seen this movie before? Does it feel like this race has now fundamentally shifted, issues-wise, almost like it did when the bin Laden tape came out right before the 2004 general election? If the caucuses were set to take place in the next 48-72 hours, this could be correct. But the caucuses are six days away. Remember that a 24-hour news cycle can make a story like this seem HUGE in the moment -- and then it disappears soon after. Will anything else advance the story into the weekend? Better yet, will other campaigns (say Giuliani's or McCain's) try and keep this in the news? Or will this story fade faster than we realize because of the weekend and the New Year's holiday?

*** Here comes Richardson: Bill Richardson is definitely trying to keep the story in the news. Today, in Iowa, he gives a speech on Pakistan and the global threats the US faces. And, as he did yesterday, he will once again call for Musharraf to step down. "Yesterday, I called for President Musharraf to step down," he is expected to say. "Today, as a nation I am calling on the administration to stand firm for our ideals in the face of terrorism and in respect for the ideals Bhutto stood for. Anything less would send a dangerous signal to the world that terrorism alters our resolve."

*** Who benefited and who didn't: The obvious CW says that Clinton and Biden (on the Democratic side) and Giuliani and McCain (on the GOP side) perhaps benefit the most from Bhutto's death and the instability in Pakistan. Clinton, after all, was already on message pre-Bhutto, as she talked about the unexpected that could happen earlier this week. And Biden has a TV ad up that's focused on an empty chair in the Oval Office predicting that an unexpected moment will test the next president. McCain seemed the most comfortable yesterday, contrasting his experience with the rest of the field and singling out other candidates by name. And Giuliani was everywhere yesterday and today. On the "hurt" side of the equation, Huckabee seemed to be the candidate least comfortable talking about this issue. He even tied yesterday's assassination with immigration last night, which seemed, well, disjointed. Huck also slipped when he wondered whether there would still be martial law in Pakistan (martial law, however, was lifted in that country two weeks ago).

*** Politicize this: Edwards and Obama also seemed less sure-footed, though both attempted to prove their foreign policy credentials, with Edwards going so far to brag that he talked to Musharraf yesterday. By the way, imagine if Clinton had said that yesterday… Something tells us there would have been a lot of criticism of politicizing the incident. Of course, there was criticism of politicization: Obama strategist David Axelrod seemed to link Bhutto's killing and the instability in Pakistan to the Iraq war (and Clinton's vote for it), while Evan Bayh said the situation showed the need for electing a president with "seasoning." On CNN, Obama was pressed hard about Axelrod's comments, and he didn't back down from them completely.

*** TV ads everywhere: The TV ad barrage in Iowa really has to be experienced first-hand. You can't really understand it until you spend 30 minutes watching a local newscast here in Des Moines, where every single TV ad during the commercial breaks is from a presidential candidate or a group pushing a presidential candidate. Frankly, nothing breaks out -- we're guessing the Huckabee Christmas ad did have a real impact at the time, because it was far different than anything else on the air. Clinton has an ad in which no one speaks, and that stands out from the crowd. It's a real challenge to media consultants to come up with something that pops. And this may explain why Clinton is going with buying two minutes of ad time the day before the caucuses (something George Allen tried in 2006), because that could break through the clutter. It will be the first time any candidate has attempted to break out of the 30- or 60-second box. With all this money on both sides, isn't it surprising no one's tried the Ross Perot 30-minute paid town hall? Or something like that?

*** On the trail: Once again, almost everyone (Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Giuliani, Huckabee, McCain, Obama, Richardson, Romney, and Thompson) is in Iowa. Elsewhere, Giuliani -- before he heads to Iowa -- picks up an endorsement in Orlando, FL; McCain later travels to New Hampshire; and Paul also campaigns in the Granite State.

Countdown to Iowa: 6 days
Countdown to New Hampshire: 11 days
Countdown to Michigan: 18 days
Countdown to Nevada and SC GOP primary: 22 days
Countdown to SC Dem primary: 29 days
Countdown to Florida: 32 days
Countdown to Tsunami Tuesday: 39 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 312 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 389 days

Click here to sign up for First Read emails.

The Washington Post's Kornblut and Murray note that the Bhutto assassination came just hours before Obama was to deliver his closing argument. For Clinton, "Bhutto's death helped underscore the line she has been driving home for months -- about who is best suited to lead the nation at a time of international peril. In her comments Thursday, Clinton described Bhutto in terms Obama (D-Ill.) could not: as a fellow mother, a pioneering woman following in a man's footsteps, and a longtime peer on the world stage."

"The differing reactions of Clinton and Obama to the assassination crystallized the debate between the two just a week before Iowans will decide the first contest in the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination."

The AP's Espo looks at how the Bhutto assassination could affect the presidential campaign in the waning days of the Iowa caucuses. McCain and Clinton "who have made experience a cornerstone of their campaigns, said the murder was proof of a need for a president who is ready to take command." Clinton "declined to be drawn into a discussion about the impact" on Barack Obama. But "McCain was not so reticent about comparing his experience with that of other GOP contenders. 'My theme has been throughout this campaign that I'm the one with the experience, the knowledge and the judgment. So perhaps it may serve to enhance those credentials to make people understand that I've been to Pakistan, I know Musharraf, I can pick up the phone and call him. I knew Benazir Bhutto.'"  

The Washington Times' header: "Slaying may boost Giuliani, McCain"

The Boston Globe writes the assassination "could change that dynamic, a week before the Iowa caucuses."

For Republicans in Iowa, the Des Moines Register writes, "Whether the attack in Pakistan will affect the decisions of Iowa caucus voters will largely depend on whether it can break through the issue that has dominated the Republican contest so far: illegal immigration."

On TODAY this morning, Romney said he would continue financial aid to Musharraf, NBC's Lauren Appelbaum notes. Asked if these events will help Giuliani and McCain's campaigns while hurting him, Romney disregarded the statement. "We have to put events of the world at a higher level than local politics," he answered.

But speaking of… With six days to go, politics is going to be played. The question is who does it the most blatantly. Per the Washington Post, Obama strategist David Axelrod linked "the Pakistani crisis to the different positions that Clinton and Obama took on the Iraq war in 2002, when Clinton voted to authorize it in the U.S. Senate, and Obama, then an Illinois state senator, spoke out against it.

"Clinton campaign advisers pounced on Obama's and Axelrod's comments. 'This is a time to be focused on the tragedy of the situation, its implications for the U.S. and the world, and to be concerned for the people of Pakistan and the country's stability. No one should be politicizing this situation with baseless allegations,' Clinton spokesman Jay Carson said." 

Obama was on CNN last night and NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan reports that during the interview, Obama was grilled by Wolf Blitzer on whether his chief media strategist, David Axelrod, had placed blame on Hillary Clinton for the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.  "I don't need to hear what you read because I was -- you know, I overheard it when he said it, and this is one of those situations where Washington is putting a spin on it. It makes no sense whatsoever," he said.

However, this could not have occurred since Axelrod had spoken to a large scrum of reporters in the back of the hall where Obama gave his speech, well after Obama had left the room. Obama went on to say that Axelrod had been asked a politicized question, on how the assassination would affect the Iowa caucuses, which resulted in a politicized answer on exercising good judgment on foreign policy. "But his [Axelrod's] response was simply to say that if we are going to talk politics, then the question has to be, 'Who has exercised the kind of judgment that would be more likely to lead to better outcomes in the Middle East and better outcomes in Pakistan?'" he said.
 
Newsweek's Richard Wolffe notes, "For weeks Hillary Clinton's aides have looked at the landscape through a simple prism: the more dangerous the world looks, the more voters will be drawn to a 'safe' candidate like the former first lady. That seemed like an easy and comforting explanation for Barack Obama's rise in the polls -- that voters were tempted to 'roll the dice' (in Bill Clinton's phrase) only at a relatively stable time when domestic issues started to seem more pressing than foreign affairs. Campaign calculations tend to be crude, but that doesn't stop political operatives from making them. So does the assassination of Benazir Bhutto push foreign affairs -- and an unstable world -- back to the top of voters' minds just a week before the Iowa caucuses?"

Yet Wolffe doesn't seem to assume this definitely helps Clinton. "But for the Obama campaign the Pakistani crisis is a chance to reinforce the Illinois senator's criticism of Clinton and Bush. 'I'm sure the conventional wisdom is that it's a scary world and you have to be experienced to deal with it,' says Robert Gibbs, Obama's communications director. 'But if all you're doing is using that experience to do the same thing over and over again, you won't get change. I just don't think people are convinced that longevity in Washington is a surefire cure for what ails a scary world. If that was the case, then Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld might not have bungled their way into the worst foreign policy disaster in a generation.'"

Richardson, in Iowa, delivers a speech on Pakistan and the global threats that the US faces, in which he'll once again call for Musharraf to step down. "America must always lead in the name of freedom and we should never allow our nation to perpetuate dictatorships or provide support to tyrants to oppress their people," Richardson is expected to say, according to excerpts his campaign provided First Read. "These policies not only betray our values, they make us weaker and less safe … turning whole populations against us. We are at our strongest when we stand for principle over power."

"Yesterday, I called for President Musharraf to step down. Today, as a nation I am calling on the administration to stand firm for our ideals in the face of terrorism and in respect for the ideals Bhutto stood for. Anything less would send a dangerous signal to the world that terrorism alters our resolve."

No one seemed to struggle more responding to the Bhutto news than Huckabee. Last night, NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy reports, Huckabee attempted to link Pakistan and immigration. Said Huck, "But it also points out something that we should do domestically and that is we ought to have an immediate, very clear monitoring of our borders and particularly to make sure if there's any unusual activity of Pakistanis coming into the country. We just need to be very, very thorough in looking at every aspect of our own security internally because again, we live in a very, very dangerous time."

Dodd said Pakistan should postpone its elections. "You'd end up with a sham that lacks credibility," Dodd said. "That's the last thing you need right now." "The long-shot Democratic contender expressed frustration with the Bush administration's 'preoccupation with elections ... as if that guarantees democracy.'"

A new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll shows a tight race in Iowa with Clinton leading at 29%, followed by Obama at 26% and Edwards at 25%. Yet in New Hampshire, Obama leads with 32% -- followed by Clinton at 30% and Edwards at 18%.

On the attributes front, the poll found similar results as other surveys. "Clinton is viewed as most experienced, best prepared to be president and most qualified to handle a range of important issues, including Iraq, terrorism, the economy and health care. She also is viewed as the least honest candidate and less likely to produce change in Washington than Obama, 46. By contrast, Obama, is viewed by both Iowa and New Hampshire voters as an agent of change, the more honest candidate and most likely to tell voters what he thinks rather than what they want to hear."

On the GOP side, the poll finds Huckabee with a very large lead over Romney in Iowa, 37%-23%. In New Hampshire, Romney leads big over McCain, 34%-21%, followed by Giuliani at 14%, and Huckabee at 9%. "The poll shows stark differences among Iowa caucus-goers and New Hampshire primary voters on religion. In Iowa, Republicans by almost 3 to 1 say Huckabee's religious beliefs are a positive factor. Almost half of these Iowa voters say Romney's Mormon faith is a negative. 

Note that these polls were conducted December 20-23.

The New York Times does the Iowa-is-saturated-by-TV-ads story. "The Democrats are spending by far the most on television advertising here, and smashing records in the process. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois has spent the most, at $8.3 million, Mrs. Clinton has spent $6.5 million, and Mr. Edwards, of North Carolina, has spent $2.7 million, according to an analysis by CMAG, a firm that tracks political advertising spending. Over the last week, Democratic candidates combined have spent at least $565,000 on television advertising, for a total of $23.7 million this year. In the 2004 race, Democratic candidates set a record by spending a combined $9.1 million for the entire campaign in Iowa."

More: "Republican candidates -- Mr. Romney, Fred D. Thompson and Mr. Huckabee -- have spent a total of $9.5 million so far on Iowa advertising. Mr. Romney has spent by far the most, $6.5 million on more than 8,000 spots, though his considerable and early investment has not helped him maintain his initial lead in polls; Mr. Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, now appears to hold the lead, and he and Mr. Thompson, a former senator from Tennessee, have each spent just over $1 million on advertising. (President Bush did not face opposition in Iowa in 2004.)

As the Des Moines Register's Yepsen did yesterday, Time's Scherer looks at the battle for third in Iowa.

Nationally, Huckabee and Giuliani are in a statistical tie in a national AP-Yahoo! poll with Huckabee at 22% and Giuliani 21%. McCain places third place with 14%, followed by Romney 13% and Thompson 11%.

GIULIANI: On any other day, this New York Times story -- which details Giuliani's role in helping the OxyContin drug maker deal with a government and PR disaster -- could be a big deal. But this now might only come back to hurt Giuliani in a general if a Dem foe brings it up.

Giuliani -- "suffering from a slide in the polls -- unveiled his first TV ad invoking the Sept. 11 attacks and showing images of firefighters at Ground Zero," the New York Post writes. McCain took a swipe at Giuliani  "'As far as I know, Mayor Giuliani has never been to Iraq,' McCain, a Vietnam POW, said while stumping at an Elks Lodge in Des Moines. He praised Giuliani's 9/11 performance but said it had 'little to do with national security.'"

HUNTER: A Hunter profile!!! The Des Moines Register profiles the candidate. "Hunter has targeted conservatives who want to continue to mount a strong defense for the United States, toughen border security and gain better footing on trade."

ROMNEY: The AP writes that this, in part, was Romney's closing argument to New Hampshire voters yesterday: "The next president is going to have to lead the nation in a time of dramatic change. He's going to have to strengthen our military, strengthen our economy, strengthen our families. In a number of ways, with the recognition that a lot of humility is necessary at a time like this, I do believe that the unique experiences I've had in my life have prepared me for facing the entirely new generation of challenges we face."

In case you are wondering, it appears Al Gore may not endorse in the Democratic primary.

Nationally, Clinton leads 47%-25% over Obama in a new AP-Yahoo! poll. Edwards takes third with 13%.

CLINTON: The New Hampshire Union Leader profiles the New York senator. "Clinton is out to convince voters she will be the president who can bring affordable health care coverage to all Americans. At most campaign stops, health care is the first topic to come up. But for some voters, questions still exist about the viability of her plan: providing to everyone in the country the same level of coverage enjoyed by federal employees, including members of Congress like herself."  

EDWARDS: The war of words on change continues with Edwards today making what appears to be a direct response to Obama's closing argument from Thursday. From an excerpt: "Nobody who takes their money and defends the broken system is going to bring change. And, unfortunately, nobody who thinks we can just sit down and talk them into compromise is going to bring change either. Why on earth would we expect the corporate powers and their lobbyists -- who make billions by selling out the middle-class -- to just give up their power because we ask them nicely? Compromise and conciliation is the academic theory of change. It just doesn't work in the real world. Fighting for conviction is the historic reality of change."

Edwards will also say, according to excerpts: "When America was founded, there were people who wanted to negotiate with King George. Imagine if we had followed that path. There were people who wanted to contain the trusts instead of bust the trusts. Imagine if we had followed that path. But look what happened when Americans of great conviction led America to stand up for its principles and reach for higher ground.  We fought for change, and we changed history. During the Great Depression, FDR stood up to powerful, entrenched interests to lead this nation out of our darkest hour."

And: "When Iowa rises, America will rise. We will defeat greed and fear - and strike a blow for working people, for those with no voice, for those Washington has ignored for too long. I promise you this - if you join us to strike that blow they will not ignore you for one more day. The folks in Washington and on Wall Street will hear you loud and clear, and they will know that their grip on power and money is coming loose. They will know that America is rising. And we're coming to take our country back."

Some in the press may inquire as to the implications of Edwards not fielding full "official" delegate slates in all congressional districts in the New York primary. We should make it clear that not fielding full slates in each and every CD throughout New York, or in any other state for that matter, is largely irrelevant as to the number of delegates he will actually take to the national convention. Under both the DNC's delegate selection Rule 13(c), as well Part Three, Section B(10) of the New York State Democratic Party's own 2008 Delegate Selection Plan, if a presidential candidate wins at least 15% of the statewide vote on primary/caucus night, or at least 15% of the vote within an individual CD, then the State Party MUST afford post-primary delegate selection opportunities to elect both statewide At-Large  delegates, and CD district delegates, in accordance with the  percentages of the vote won by that Presidential Candidate. This rule operates regardless of whether sufficient (or any) delegate names were actually found under the presidential candidate's name on the primary/caucus ballot!

OBAMA: Had it not been for the Bhutto news, Obama's new closing argument speech (which included a LOT of indirect shots at Clinton and Edwards) would have dominated the day's political news. Per the Des Moines Register, which covered his speech, Obama criticized his rivals' votes on the Iraq war and addressed Bill Clinton's assertion that voting for him would be like "rolling the dice." "The real gamble in this election is playing the same Washington game with the same Washington players and expecting a different result," Obama said.

Yet how many other reporters, besides Newsweek's Howard Fineman, are sensing a lack of fire in Obama's stump speech? 

From NBC's Mark Murray
Earlier today, we noted Clinton surrogate Evan Bayh arguing that the Bhutto assassination showed the need for electing a president with "seasoning."

Well, courtesy of Time, here's top Obama strategist David Axelrod seeming to link Bhutto's death and the Iraq war. "Bhutto's death will 'call into issue the judgment: who's made the right judgments,' Axelrod said. 'Obviously, one of the reasons that Pakistan is in the distress that it's in is because al-Qaeda is resurgent, has become more powerful within that country and that's a consequence of us taking the eye off the ball and making the wrong judgment in going into Iraq. That's a serious difference between these candidates and I'm sure that people will take that into consideration.'"

Later on, via CNN, Axelrod appeared to back away from that comment. "'I believe our policies in Iraq have had a direct impact on events in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but I would not suggest there is a straight line relationship between the events of today in Pakistan and anyone's particular vote,' he said. 'What I was pointing out was the difference in judgment at the time. Obama thought that the war would have a negative impact in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and that seems relevant right now.'"

From NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
NEVADA, Iowa -- At a town hall in Nevada, Iowa, Obama expressed his sympathies for Benazir Bhutto's family and the Pakistani people and noted that he has spoken previously on the problem of extremism there.

"Obviously today we just want to express our sympathies to the Pakistani people and the Bhutto family about the assassination," he said. "I've been saying for some time that we've got a very big problem there."

He elaborated: "Not only do we have a president who has acted in an anti-democratic fashion the past, but we also have the rise of Islamic militants in the northwest provinces that are going back and forth between the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan."

Obama added that Al Qaeda now has a base in Pakistan and American intelligence says that the group is stronger there now than they were before 2001.

Tying the problem of Pakistan to the war in Iraq, Obama said, "We were distracted from focusing on them. And they are causing us problems, and they are still plotting to do harm to America. And once we have focused on how to stabilize Iraq and reduce our footprint there -- saying no permanent bases, we are not occupying this country -- we will then be in a position to really take on those who actually killed 3,000 Americans. That's what I intend to do as President of the United States."

In August, Obama's reference to talking about Pakistan, most probably refers to an August 2007 speech on counterterrorism in which he argued the United States should strike Pakistan unilaterally if they find actionable intelligence about al-Qaeda terrorist camps there and Pakistan fails to act. The speech was criticized by some as overreaching in terms of foreign policy. But Obama frequently cites it now when pointing to the turmoil in Pakistan to say that he was right.

After Obama's closing argument speech today, his chief media strategist David Axelrod, used the opportunity to criticize Clinton on the same theme, saying that if the United States had not gone to war in Iraq, they would have had more resources to deal with the greater threat in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

From NBC/NJ's Tricia Miller
DECORAH, Iowa -- Edwards spoke in Waukon this afternoon about having calls in to Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf. Then, at his second event in Decorah, he told Iowans that he got his call returned.

"He called me," Edwards said, "because I told the ambassador I'd like to speak to him. I met him a few years ago, which I think I told you earlier, and we had a conversation in which I urged him to continue the democratization process. He told me, he gave me his assurances that he intended to do that, and we also spoke about having international independent investigators allowed into the country for transparency purposes, for credibility purposes, and we spoke briefly about the elections."

Edwards is the only candidate to have said publicly that he received a call from Musharraf today. Edwards did not join in the fight between rivals Clinton and Obama over which candidate has the best foreign policy advisers, and asked what this conversation does for his own foreign policy credibility, Edwards referred back to the complexity of the issue.

"I think that the most important thing is to understand what's actually happening within Pakistan, the complex nature of the problems there, and to be visionary about what America needs to be doing," he told reporters.

From NBC/NJ's Erin McPike
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Romney switched up his stump speech today and even kept notes with him to offer his closing remarks to New Hampshire voters, but his efforts were overshadowed by the death of Benazir Bhutto.

Reporters buzzed after he made a statement early this morning about Bhutto that he didn't offer his condolences, which he made certain to do later -- both in his remarks before supporters at the American Credit Union Museum and in a second session with reporters.

He refused to discuss what he would do in a hypothetical situation, but he summed up his message that the key is "to develop that kind of process and develop comprehensive strategies to help support moderate voices within the world of Islam so that we don't have to be responding to crises."

Romney also said he didn't have the classified information available to offer much depth of insight into the situation, but he pointed out that he has been critical of Musharraf in the past for his decision to impose martial law in Pakistan.

He was also asked several questions about how his own experiences and lack of foreign policy credentials would affect his own decision-making processes and explained that ultimately the need for leadership skills supersede the need for foreign policy expertise.

"In any crisis, you're not going to turn to somebody who says, 'Well, I know all about Pakistan' and say to them, 'Well, why don't you take care of it?'" Romney said. "If we did that, we'd just hire someone from the state department to run the country."

And he underscored that note at the close of the session with: "The president is not an expert. The president is a leader who guides America in making the important decisions which must be made to keep us safe."

Specifically, he was asked if candidates like Giuliani and McCain would be better equipped to handle foreign crises because they have had more experience in the arena and can rule "from their gut." But Romney balked at the suggestion. "Well, anybody who thinks they could rule from the gut," he said, "and I doubt Sen. McCain would say that, so I'm not gonna assume he would say that, that he could just rule from the gut."

The underlying theme of Romney's reworked message when actually on the stump was, "No one votes for the past," suggesting that he is the GOP candidate of the future. He was joined by his wife, Ann, who made her pitch at the end rather than the beginning for him and his character. Romney also spoke in more detail about his father and explained that he started out poor and worked his way up through the ranks to become a successful businessman and later, a three-term governor.

Romney will return to the state after the Iowa caucuses on the night of the third for three days of rallying his supporters before the Granite State's primary on the 8th.

From NBC's Andy Merten
At her second campaign stop of the day, Clinton gave a more personal account of her relationship with the late Benazir Bhutto, which dates back to her years as First Lady.

"I met her young children, her husband, her mother -- a lot of her family members," she said while campaigning in Denison, IA this afternoon. "We stayed in touch throughout the years, met on several occasions, always talked about her commitment to bringing democracy back to Pakistan, and we talked about our children."

Maintaining a somber tone throughout her opening remarks, the presidential hopeful continued: "This is a terrible loss -- certainly on a personal level -- for those of us who knew her, who were impressed by her commitment, her dedication, her willingness to pick up the mantle of her father, who was also assassinated. It's a terrible, terrible, tragedy, but it's also a tremendous loss for the people of Pakistan."

Although her remarks this afternoon sounded more like a eulogy of the former prime minister, Clinton this morning also warned of the geopolitical implications of her assassination.  "The world once again is reminded of the dangers facing those who pursue democracy and free elections in Pakistan and elsewhere -- in areas that are rife with conflict and violence and extremism," she said at her first stop in Lawton. And at both stops, Clinton pledged to assist the future democratization of Pakistan, both from Capitol Hill and perhaps the Oval Office.

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
Clinton has a new television advertisement in South Carolina that begins airing today. In it, an announcer touts Clinton's work in providing health-care coverage for children, giving National Guard members access to health care, and for protecting Social Security. "Hillary spent 35 years standing up for people," the narrator says. "As president, she'll stand up for you." 

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann
DES MOINES, Iowa -- If there's a safe space between politics and policy, Biden stayed in it until the last question of the day. A somber Biden appeared this morning at a hastily assembled press conference to address the assassination of Pakistani political figure Benazir Bhutto.

Calling her death "a genuine tragedy," the senator called for a transparent investigation into the attack and said that he had twice asked Pakistan's president to provide better protection to the slain Bhutto.

"This fall," he told reporters, "I twice urged President Musharraf to provide her with better security." He added, "The failure to protect Mrs. Bhutto raises a lot of hard questions for the government and the security services that have to be answered."

Asked if his statement implied that Musharraf's government may have been negligent or even complicit in Bhutto's assassination, Biden responded that he cannot comment on any blame to be laid at the feet of the Pakistani government without knowing all the facts of the attack.

"Even if the security was not as I specifically recommended, it's not rational to draw the conclusion that the government wanted to see her assassinated," he said.

According to copies distributed by his staff, Biden, along with Senate colleagues Patrick Leahy and Joe Lieberman, drafted a letter to Musharraf to urge greater security precautions for Bhutto in October, just a few days after the first attempt on her life after her return to Pakistan.

Biden went on to note that Musharraf's cooperation with a U.S.-assisted investigation effort, and his subsequent allowance of democratic elections in the country, will be the best indicator of his government's intentions. "I don't want to pass judgment on it," he said. "Let's see how this investigation proceeds."

Biden, unlike Democratic rival Richardson, says that he is not calling for Musharraf to step down "at this moment," but added that he will increase pressure on the Pakistani leader if he drags his feet in the process of holding free and fair elections.

Reporters asked how turmoil in Pakistan might affect the Democratic race in the waning days before the caucus.  

"I am a candidate, obviously," he said quietly, shaking his head. "But I am standing here before you today as the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee."  

But, pressed further by reporters despite calls of  'Last Question!" from his staff, Biden acknowledged that his roles as candidate and foreign relations authority are hard to separate. "I would be holding this press conference were I not a candidate for president," he said.  "I doubt there are any of the other candidates who would be holding a press conferences were they not candidates."

"That's not a criticism," he added. "It's an observation."

From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli and Athena Jones
MANCHESTER, NH -- In Iowa, when reporters pressed a Clinton campaign spokesman about whether the New York senator she would take any questions from the press about Bhutto's assassination, he said she did not want to be seen as exploiting it.

But that didn't stop Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh (D) -- campaigning here on Clinton's behalf -- from arguing that the assasination showed the need for a president with "seasoning."

Bayh, a red-state Democrat who endorsed Clinton in September, actually learned of Bhutto's killing when one of the two-dozen voters gathered here asked him for his reaction. "There is a deep strain of radicalism," he said, "and this assassination is a manifestation of that."

Bayh then related his experience on a trip to the region with Clinton, saying she had already met several of the leaders the congressional delegation was meeting with. "I have seen firsthand in that very country the knowledge that she brings to the table, the respect with which she is held by people across the political spectrum," he said. "Knowing these individuals, knowing their background, their strengths and their weaknesses, and it just gives you a tremendous leg up in dealing with some of the problems that we face."

He added that in a general election, Republicans would likely raise the specter of international attacks in attempt to garner votes. "When there are unfortunate calamities like this, the Republicans [will say], 'See. See what we told you? We have to have someone who's strong to defend America at a time of concern.' Well, Senator Clinton is strong," he said. "And she's experienced. And she's tough enough to defend this country and do it in a way that's true to our values, the civil liberties we cherish, and that's one of the reasons why I'm supporting her."

Speaking after the event, Bayh again emphasized the need for experience. "I think they know we live in a dangerous world, and tragedies like this just remind us that we need someone with the seasoning, the experience and the strength to be commander in chief during uncertain times," he said. "The job of the next president is not to be entertainer in chief. The job of the next president is to move our country forward to make the substantive changes that will matter in our daily lives, and to protect us in an uncertain and dangerous world. And that's why in a field of very good candidates, I believe Senator Clinton has the right combination of experience and strength to accomplish all of those things."

From NBC's Christina Jamison and NBC/NJ's Athena Jones
Per Clinton spokesman Jay Carson, the campaign has a two-minute ad buy on every Iowa TV station's 6 o'clock news on January 2, the day before the caucuses. It's being billed as "a very succinct version" of her closing argument. 

From NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
DES MOINES, IA -- To a packed room here filled with supporters and the national media, Obama laid out the closing arguments for why he should be president of the United States, basing his candidacy in a deep, personal faith for a better America born from his own personal story.

"The truth is, you can have the right kind of experience and the wrong kind of experience.  Mine is rooted in the real lives of real people, and it will bring real results if we have the courage to change. I believe deeply in those words. But they are not mine. They were Bill Clinton's in 1992, when Washington insiders questioned his readiness to lead," Obama told the crowd to laughs and cheers.

Saying that the change he provides is what "Washington needs now," Obama held his opponents' feet to the fire as he ran through a litany of distinctions or attacks -- nine by our count -- on why he should be chosen to be the next president of the United States over Sens. Edwards or Clinton, although he didn't mention those rivals by name. 

Turning Clinton's "turn up the heat" words from November's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner against her, Obama said, "There's no shortage of anger and bluster and bitter partisanship out there. We don't need more heat. We need more light."

Obama also seemed to whack Edwards for not acting to reduce the power of lobbyists and special interest influence while he was a senator in Washington. "There are others in this race who say that this kind of change sounds good, but that I'm not angry or confrontational enough to get it done... I'm the only candidate in this race who hasn't just talked about taking power away from lobbyists; I've actually done it. So if you want to know what kind of choices we'll make as President, you should take a look at the choices we made when we had the chance to bring about change that wasn't easy or convenient."

Returning to an argument raised by Democrats in the 2004 election against President Bush, Obama also appeared to imply that his fellow Democrats were using GOP scare tactics to dissuade Americans from voting for him. "We can't afford the same politics of fear that tells Democrats that the only way to look tough on national security is to talk, act, and vote like George Bush Republicans; that invokes 9/11 as a way to scare up votes instead of a challenge that should unite all Americans to defeat our real enemies."

Previewing his speech yesterday, Obama said that he "wouldn't over-hype it," and for the journalists who follow him on a daily basis, there was little new to his arguments or his attacks. However, what he did do seven days before the Iowa caucuses was to lay bare his case to be president, addressing both what he deems his strengths and perceived weaknesses.

And in making that case, he provided Iowans a clear choice between himself and Hillary Clinton -- to either choose someone who can create a fundamental change in Washington  versus a more seasoned political candidate who knows the realities of governing and can use those years of experience to create a vision for a better future.

Obama argued that a real shift in the political landscape cannot occur if one chooses the latter option. "You can't at once argue that you're the master of a broken system in Washington and offer yourself as the person to change it. You can't fall in line behind the conventional thinking on issues as profound as war and offer yourself as the leader who is best prepared to chart a new and better course for America," he said.

From NBC/NJ's Matthew E. Berger
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Giuliani said the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto "leads us to the conclusion that we have to remain on offense against terrorism."
 
Giuliani told veterans Thursday that the events should make the United States consider redoubling its efforts in Afghanistan and should remind the world that the country is engaged in an ongoing battle against terrorism.
 
"The United States military had a great victory in Afghanistan back in 2001 and 2002 in routing the Taliban, removing them, driving Al Qaeda back," Giuliani said at the War Memorial Auditorium. "We've got to make sure that those gains are made permanent and we have to work with the people of Pakistan to make certain that they preserve a democracy, they preserve a rule of law, they move even further in that direction."
 
Giuliani said the United States should also see what efforts could be made to stabilize and move towards peace in Pakistan, "a country in which people are protected, a country in which the rule of law is predominant," he said. "All of those things are too difficult to answer all in one day but that has to be the direction that we go in."
 
He continued to call for an expanded military to help defeat terrorism.
 
Giuliani said he did not want to politicize the assassination, but the timing is significant for him. It comes on the same day that Giuliani introduced a national television ad, speaking of the threat of Islamic terrorism and using images from the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. The events in Pakistan could put the nation's attention back on terrorism, which is when Giuliani is viewed in the best light.
 
"I think this should be seen from the point of view from the national security of Pakistan, the national security of the United States, the whole effort against terrorism, and it should not be viewed in the political light," he said. "Now, having said that, everything ultimately gets viewed in a political light, but I don't think that would be the most appropriate thing right now to talk about."
 
He also said he believed all presidential candidates would have "complete unanimity behind what the president and the administration decides to do."
 
Giuliani also said he believed his new television ad used 9/11 images in a "proportionate way," noting that other candidates have used similar images, including Hillary Clinton.
 
"It is part of my life," he said. "It is part of my life that helps to define me. It isn't the only part of my life. But it would seem to me that maybe the critics want you to, like, remove a part of your life in which people have every right to draw judgments about how you would handle a crisis, how you would handle a difficult situation, how you would handle terrorism."
 
He said that he believed he would be criticized no matter what type of ad he ran, but said the ad places "proportionate emphasis on something that was an important part of my life but by no means my whole life."

From NBC's Mark Murray and NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
Obama's campaign just released the prepared remarks of the speech that's being billed as his closing remarks before the Iowa caucuses. By our count, there are at least nine shots/digs/jabs/contrasts -- whatever you want to call them -- at Clinton and Edwards, although he mentions neither by name.

AIMED AT CLINTON?
1. "You know that we can't afford four more years of the same divisive food fight in Washington that's about scoring political points instead of solving problems; that's about tearing your opponents down instead of lifting this country up." 

2. "We can't afford the same politics of fear that tells Democrats that the only way to look tough on national security is to talk, act, and vote like George Bush Republicans; that invokes 9/11 as a way to scare up votes instead of a challenge that should unite all Americans to defeat our real enemies." 

3. "The real gamble in this election is playing the same Washington game with the same Washington players and expecting a different result. And that's a risk we can't take. Not this year. Not when the stakes are this high."   

4. "In this election, it is time to turn the page. In seven days, it is time to stand for change."

5. "But you can't at once argue that you're the master of a broken system in Washington and offer yourself as the person to change it. You can't fall in line behind the conventional thinking on issues as profound as war and offer yourself as the leader who is best prepared to chart a new and better course for America. The truth is, you can have the right kind of experience and the wrong kind of experience. Mine is rooted in the real lives of real people and it will bring real results if we have the courage to change. I believe deeply in those words. But they are not mine. They were Bill Clinton's in 1992, when Washington insiders questioned his readiness to lead."

6. "It's change that won't just come from more anger at Washington or turning up the heat on Republicans. There's no shortage of anger and bluster and bitter partisanship out there. We don't need more heat. We need more light"   

7. "In the end, the argument we are having between the candidates in the last seven days is not just about the meaning of change. It's about the meaning of hope. Some of my opponents appear scornful of the word; they think it speaks of naiveté, passivity, and wishful thinking. But that's not what hope is."

AIMED AT EDWARDS?
1. "There are others in this race who say that this kind of change sounds good, but that I'm not angry or confrontational enough to get it done. Well, let me tell you something, Iowa. I don't need any lectures on how to bring about change, because I haven't just talked about it on the campaign trail. I've fought for change all my life."

2. "I'm the only candidate in this race who hasn't just talked about taking power away from lobbyists, I've actually done it. So if you want to know what kind of choices we'll make as President, you should take a look at the choices we made when we had the chance to bring about change that wasn't easy or convenient. That's the kind of change that's more than just rhetoric - that's change you can believe in."

*** UPDATE *** Clinton campaign spokesman Phil Singer responds to these Obama remarks, "Now is not the time for political attacks; it's time to pick a president who can give us a new beginning in a time of war and a troubled economy. There are big stakes in this election -- Iowans are going to pick the candidate best able to make the change we need starting on day one and that candidate is Hillary Clinton."

From NBC/NJ's Matthew E. Berger
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Giuliani is going back to the basics, invoking 9/11 imagery and Islamic terrorism in an effort to galvanize voters in Florida. He is doing it in a new ad, in which he relays the story of the "Greatest Generation" that he has been saying for several days. And he does it by picking his audiences, reaching out to veterans and law enforcement in the Miami area Thursday.

The ad, entitled "Freedom," has Giuliani describing the Greatest Generation, as exemplified in Tom Brokaw's book, and then saying those who helped at the World Trade Center were the children and grandchildren of those World War II heroes. "They have the same resolve, the same understanding."

While Giuliani is certainly reaching out to his base, the ad can be seen as risky. Giuliani has been criticized for running on the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and using images from that day could rankle some victims' families and others who will argue it is in bad taste.

Giuliani also goes back to focusing on combating terrorism in his ad. "The Islamic terrorists would make a terrible mistake if they confuse our democracy for weakness. Our democracy means we disagree with each other. But when you come and try and take away from us our freedom, when you try and come here and kill our people, we are one, we are going to stand up to you and we are going to prevail."

The ad will run in New Hampshire as well as Florida, marking his first entrance into television in the state where he is placing much of his hopes. Romney has already been on television in Florida for several weeks.

Giuliani will reach out to veterans again Thursday, speaking at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale and holding a town hall meeting specifically for law enforcement in Dania Beach. He will end his day at the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library in Miami.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Here's a wrap up of the candidates' statements not mentioned on First Read so far from Obama, Clinton, McCain and Kucinich and as well as New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg:

OBAMA: "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."

CLINTON: "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."

MCCAIN: "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."

KUCINICH: "This is a very dangerous moment for the world. Benazir Bhutto represented a courageous effort to bring principles of liberty to Pakistan. She was truly dedicated to the people of Pakistan. The United States must change its policy direction in the region. It must stop adding fuel to the fire. Kucinich met with Bhutto several times over the years in both Washington, D.C. and New York City."

BLOOMBERG: "Today all New Yorkers, including the more than 100,000 who can trace their heritage to Pakistan, are saddened to learn about the assassination of Pakistan's Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Hers was a voice for democracy, and the silencing of it -- by such brutal means - is a shock to us all. Ms. Bhutto's death -- and the deaths of the many other Pakistanis who were killed today simply for expressing their views - is a great loss for friends of democracy and for everyone who is united in the fight against terror. It's also a grim reminder that many people consider the freedoms we cherish a threat. The perpetrators of this violent act must be brought to justice, and it is my hope that President Musharraf will follow through on free and fair elections in January as a testament to Ms. Bhutto's legacy."

*** UPDATE *** RICHARDSON: "Benazir Bhutto was a courageous woman. Her death, and the deaths of so many of her supporters, is more than just a tragedy. It is a testament to the will of the Pakistani people to see democracy restored. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who died today. Ms. Bhutto knew the dangers to her safety. But she would not be intimidated. We also must not be intimidated. A leader has died, but democracy must live. The United States government cannot stand by and allow Pakistan's return to democracy to be derailed or delayed by violence.

"We must use our diplomatic leverage and force the enemies of democracy to yield: President Bush should press Musharraf to step aside, and a broad-based coalition government, consisting of all the democratic parties, should be formed immediately. Until this happens, we should suspend military aid to the Pakistani government. Free and fair elections must also be held as soon as possible. It is in the interests of the US that there be a democratic Pakistan that relentlessly hunts down terrorists. Musharraf has failed, and his attempts to cling to power are destabilizing his country. He must go."

*** UPDATE 2*** BIDEN: "This is a terrible day. My heart goes out to Benazir Bhutto's family, friends and followers. Like her father before her, Benazir Bhutto worked her whole life - and gave her life - to help Pakistan become a democratic, secular and modern Muslim country. She was a woman of extraordinary courage who returned to Pakistan in the face of death threats and even after an assassination attempt the day of her return, she did not flinch. It was a privilege to know her these many years and to call her a friend.

"I am convinced Ms. Bhutto would have won free and fair elections next week. The fact that she was by far Pakistan's most popular leader underscores the fact that there is a vast, moderate majority in Pakistan that must have a clear voice in the system. Her assassination makes it all the more urgent that Pakistan return to a democratic path. This fall, I twice urged President Musharraf to provide better security for Ms. Bhutto and other political leaders -- I wrote him before her return and after the first assassination attempt in October. The failure to protect Ms. Bhutto raises a lot of hard questions for the government and security services that must be answered.

"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. I urge Pakistan's leaders to open a fully accountable and transparent investigation. We must find out who was behind this and bring those responsible to justice. And the United States should offer any assistance necessary, including investigative teams, to get to the bottom of this horror. The way to honor Benazir Bhutto is to uphold the values for which she gave her life: democracy, moderation and social justice. I join with the Pakistani people in mourning the loss of a dear friend."

HUCKABEE: "I am deeply troubled by the news accounts this morning of Pakistani opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination in a suicide attack. This is devastating news for the people of Pakistan, and my prayers go out to them as we follow developments regarding this dire situation. 
 
"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.  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."

*** UPDATE 3*** EDWARDS: "Benazir Bhutto was a brave and historic leader for Pakistan. Her assassination is a sad and solemn event, and our hearts go out to her family and to the Pakistani people. But we will not let this contemptible, cowardly act delay the march of progress in Pakistan for a single second.

"I have seen firsthand in Pakistan, and in meetings with Prime Minister Bhutto and President Musharraf, the instability of the country and the complexity of the challenges they face. At this critical moment, America must convey both strength and principle. We should do everything in our power to help bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and to ensure that Bhutto's movement toward democracy continues."

From NBC/NJ's Erin McPike
NASHUA, NH -- After retail stop at Norton's Diner here, Romney made the following statement on Bhutto's death in Pakistan. "We have all heard with great alarm and concern the reports of additional tragedy in Pakistan. At this stage, there are conflicting reports about whether Madame Bhutto has been killed or not. But there is, of course, the very risk that she has been killed," he said.

"This points out again the extraordinary reality of global violent radical jihadism. We don't know who is responsible for this attack but there is no question that the violence we see throughout the world is violence which is not limited to Iran, excuse me, Iraq, and Afghanistan -- but is more global in nature. And this type of loss of life points out again the need for our nation and other civilized nations of the West and of the civilized world to come together to support moderate Islamic leaders, moderate Islamic people -- to help them in their effort to reject the violent and the extreme. 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 grat earnestness to help overcome the threat of the spread of radical, violent Jihad."