FAIRBORN, OH -- The morning after a mob in Libya killed four Americans at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazzi, a subdued Joe Biden paid tribute to the dead and promised justice for their killers.

"These men are as brave and as courageous as any of our warriors that we’ve sent," Biden said of the four Americans killed, first noting that the late Ambassador Chris Stevens fought for the liberation of the Libyan people.

"The cause to which they dedicated their lives and gave their lives, democracy, partnership, tolerance, stands in sharp contrast to the values of those who callously took their lives," he said. "And let me be clear, we are resolved to bring to justice their killers."

The vice president also called for recognition of all foreign service officers, whose jobs often put them in danger and whose careers aren't "all about going to coffees and teas."

"As we always have, Americans must be steadfast, resolved and committed in the face of such horrific events," he added. "We never have been and we will not be run off, period."

Biden, who appeared at a campaign rally at Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio (which he at one point mistook for Michigan's Wayne State), offered fewer of his red meat lines than usual, barely mentioning opponents Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan by name.

But he did pivot from his recognition of the Middle East conflict to his stump speech by drawing an implicit contrast with Romney over the GOP's ticket's view of foreign policy as a "sidelight."

"Foreign policy is not some sidelight to all of this," he said. "And you deserve all of America deserve leaders who will tell you what they intend to do in both spheres."

The political fallout associated with the attacks Tuesday on a U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi that left four dead, including an American ambassador, was the product of a fluid and quickly evolving situation on the ground in Egypt and Libya.

Jason Reed / Reuters

President Barack Obama delivers a statement alongside Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, following the death of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, and others, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, September 12, 2012.

At the heart of Mitt Romney's criticism of President Barack Obama (for "apologizing for the right of free speech") was a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Egypt on Tuesday as protests there and in Libya crept up in reaction to a controversial film about the Islamic prophet Muhammad, a clip of which was set for screening by the Florida pastor Terry Jones.

Read the main story: US won't rule out Islamist militant link to attack on US consulate in Libya

At 6:17 a.m. ET on Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Egypt released this statement:

The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others.

At a 1 p.m. ET briefing, State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland confirmed that the U.S. Embassy in Cairo had suffered a breach – around noon ET:

We did have reports just before I came down here that we had a protest outside our embassy in Cairo. We had some people breach the wall, take the flag down, replace it -- what I heard was that it was replaced with a ... With a black flag -- a plain black flag, but I may not be correct in that. We are obviously working with Egyptian security to try to restore order at the embassy and to work with them to try to get the situation under control. 

By mid-afternoon Tuesday, this statement provoked criticism from some conservative bloggers, who characterized it as an "apology" for American values (i.e., free speech) rather than a strong condemnation of the protests, which would later metastasize into attacks on those diplomatic missions. Conservatives furthermore suggested that it was no coincidence that these demonstrations were occurring on the 11-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks on New York and Washington.

Related: Romney ratchets up criticism of Obama on initial response to embassy attacks

Through it all, the situation on the ground in Egypt and Libya was changing rapidly. NBC News and other news organizations were monitoring reports that the situation in both countries was potentially deteriorating.

At 4:29 p.m. ET, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo issued a series of tweets, some of which simultaneously defended its earlier statement and condemned the compound attackers. The Romney campaign seized on these tweets to argue that the original statement had remained the embassy’s policy even after the breach:

2) Of course we condemn breaches of our compound, we're the ones actually living through this.

3) Sorry, but neither breaches of our compound or angry messages will dissuade us from defending freedom of speech AND criticizing bigotry

At 6:25 p.m. ET, Nuland confirmed, via email, that the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, was under attack:

“We can confirm that our office in Benghazi, Libya has been attacked by a group of militants.  We are working with the Libyans now to secure the compound. We condemn in strongest terms this attack on our diplomatic mission.”

At 6:32 p.m. ET, Nuland said that demonstrators had been removed from the Cairo compound. There was no indication at this point whether there was a connection between the Cairo and Benghazi incidents:

“In Cairo, we can confirm that Egyptian police have now removed the demonstrators who had entered our Embassy grounds earlier today.”

As the evening progressed, vague reports emerged suggesting that an "American" had been killed in the Libya assault, though there was no indication of that person's identity. It had been emphasized to news organizations that the situation in Libya was fluid.

Slideshow: U.S. posts attacked in Libya and Egypt

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The U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans were killed after protesters angry over a film that ridiculed Islam's Prophet Muhammad stormed the U.S. consulate in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.

Launch slideshow

At 10:10 p.m. ET, the Romney campaign emailed a statement from the Republican presidential nominee to media organizations about the violence in both countries, reporting of which was prohibited (or "embargoed") until 12 a.m. ET Wednesday:

“I'm outraged by the attacks on American diplomatic missions in Libya and Egypt and by the death of an American consulate worker in Benghazi. It's disgraceful that the Obama Administration's first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.”

At around the same time, POLITICO posted a story featuring a quote from a "senior administration official" appearing to disavow the statements from Cairo. This would emerge as fodder for Romney on Wednesday:

"The statement by Embassy Cairo was not cleared by Washington and does not reflect the views of the United States government," an administration official told POLITICO.

At 10:13 p.m. ET, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton issued the following statement:

I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on our mission in Benghazi today. As we work to secure our personnel and facilities, we have confirmed that one of our State Department officers was killed.  We are heartbroken by this terrible loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who have suffered in this attack. 

This evening, I called Libyan President Magariaf to coordinate additional support to protect Americans in Libya. President Magariaf expressed his condemnation and condolences and pledged his government's full cooperation.  

Some have sought to justify this vicious behavior as a response to inflammatory material posted on the Internet. The United States deplores any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. Our commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. But let me be clear: There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind. 

In light of the events of today, the United States government is working with partner countries around the world to protect our personnel, our missions, and American citizens worldwide.

At 10:26 p.m. ET, the Romney campaign lifted its embargo on the GOP candidate's statement.

At 11:11 p.m. ET, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus tweeted the following:

Obama sympathizes with attackers in Egypt. Sad and pathetic.

At 12:11 a.m. ET, Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt issued the following statement:

“We are shocked that, at a time when the United States of America is confronting the tragic death of one of our diplomatic officers in Libya, Governor Romney would choose to launch a political attack.”

At 6:17 a.m. ET, NBC News confirmed and reported that U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens was among those killed at the mission in Benghazi.

At 7:22 a.m. ET, President Obama issued the following statement:

I strongly condemn the outrageous attack on our diplomatic facility in Benghazi, which took the lives of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Right now, the American people have the families of those we lost in our thoughts and prayers. They exemplified America's commitment to freedom, justice, and partnership with nations and people around the globe, and stand in stark contrast to those who callously took their lives.

I have directed my Administration to provide all necessary resources to support the security of our personnel in Libya, and to increase security at our diplomatic posts around the globe. While the United States rejects efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others, we must all unequivocally oppose the kind of senseless violence that took the lives of these public servants.

On a personal note, Chris was a courageous and exemplary representative of the United States. Throughout the Libyan revolution, he selflessly served our country and the Libyan people at our mission in Benghazi. As Ambassador in Tripoli, he has supported Libya's transition to democracy. His legacy will endure wherever human beings reach for liberty and justice. I am profoundly grateful for his service to my Administration, and deeply saddened by this loss.

The brave Americans we lost represent the extraordinary service and sacrifices that our civilians make every day around the globe. As we stand united with their families, let us now redouble our own efforts to carry their work forward.

At 7:43 a.m. ET, Secretary Clinton issued the following statement:

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the death of four American personnel in Benghazi, Libya yesterday. Among them were United States Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and Foreign Service Information Management Officer, Sean Smith.  We are still making next of kin notifications for the other two individuals. Our hearts go out to all their families and colleagues.

A 21 year veteran of the Foreign Service,  Ambassador Stevens died last night from injuries he sustained in the attack on our office in Benghazi.  

I had the privilege of swearing in Chris for his post in Libya only a few months ago. He spoke eloquently about his passion for service, for diplomacy and for the Libyan people. This assignment was only the latest in his more than two decades of dedication to advancing closer ties with the people of the Middle East and North Africa which began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco.  As the conflict in Libya unfolded, Chris was one of the first Americans on the ground in Benghazi. He risked his own life to lend the Libyan people a helping hand to build the foundation for a new, free nation. He spent every day since helping to finish the work that he started. Chris was committed to advancing America's values and interests, even when that meant putting himself in danger.

Sean Smith was a husband and a father of two, who joined the Department ten years ago. Like Chris, Sean was one of our best.  Prior to arriving in Benghazi, he served in Baghdad, Pretoria, Montreal, and most recently The Hague.

All the Americans we lost in yesterday's attacks made the ultimate sacrifice. We condemn this vicious and violent attack that took their lives, which they had committed to helping the Libyan people reach for a better future.

America's diplomats and development experts stand on the front lines every day for our country. We are honored by the service of each and every one of them.

Around 9 a.m. ET, a senior administration official described to NBC News the process by which the president was notified and briefed:

The president was informed of the Libya situation by NSA Donilon yesterday afternoon as he started his weekly meeting with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. The President was updated on both incidents several times throughout the evening and again this morning.

The president was notified last night that Ambassador Stevens was unaccounted for and then notified again this morning about his tragic death.

In the same hour, Clinton appeared on camera at the State Department to make remarks about Stevens's death. She said (excerpt):

This is an attack that should shock the conscience of people of all faiths around the world. We condemn in the strongest terms, this senseless act of violence and we send our prayers to the families, friends and colleagues of those we've lost.

All over the world every day, America's diplomats and development experts risk their lives in the service of our country and our values because they believe that the United States must be a force for peace and progress in the world, that these aspirations are worth striving and sacrificing for. Alongside our men and women in uniform, they represent the best traditions of a bold and generous nation.

In the lobby of this building, the State Department, the names of those who have fallen in the line of duty are inscribed in marble. Our hearts break over each one. And now because of this tragedy, we have new heroes to honor and more friends to mourn.

Around the same time, Romney re-arranged a planned rally in Jacksonville, Fla., to hold a 10:16 a.m. ET press conference, used in part to reiterate his criticism of Obama.

Some of Romney's statements include:

America will not tolerate attacks against our citizens and against our embassies. We'll defend also our constitutional rights of speech and assembly and religion.

We have confidence in our cause in America. We respect our Constitution. We stand for the principles our Constitution protects. We encourage other nations to understand and respect the principles of our Constitution, because we recognize that these principles are the ultimate source of freedom for individuals around the world.

I also believe the administration was wrong to stand by a statement sympathizing with those who had breached our embassy in Egypt, instead of condemning their actions. It's never too early for the United States government to condemn attacks on Americans and to defend our values.

The White House distanced itself last night from the statement, saying it wasn't cleared by Washington. That reflects the mixed signals they're sending to the world.

[...]

I think it's a terrible course for America to stand in apology for our values. That instead, when our grounds are being attacked and being breached, that the first response of the United States must be outrage at the breach of the sovereignty of our nation.

An apology for America's values is never the right course.

[...]

The White House also issued a statement saying it tried to distance itself from those comments and said they were not reflective of their views. I had the exact same reaction. These views were inappropriate. They were the wrong course to take when our embassy has been breached by protesters. The first response should not be to say, "Yes, we stand by our comments that -- that suggest that there's something wrong with the right of free speech."

[...]

The president takes responsibility not just for the words that come from his mouth, but also from the words that come from his ambassadors from his administration, from his embassies, from his State Department.

They clearly sent mixed messages to the world and the statement that came from the administration and the embassy is the administration. The statement that came from the administration was a statement which is akin to apology and I think was a severe miscalculation.

At 10:42 a.m. ET, Obama appeared in the Rose Garden to address the incident in Benghazi, but made no reference to Romney's attack. An excerpt:

Every day all across the world, American diplomats and civilians work tirelessly to advance the interests and values of our nation. Often, they are away from their families. Sometimes, they brave great danger.

Yesterday, four of these extraordinary Americans were killed in an attack on our diplomatic post in Benghazi. Among those killed was our ambassador, Chris Stevens, as well as Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith. We are still notifying the families of the others who were killed.

And today, the American people stand united in holding the families of the four Americans in our thoughts and in our prayers.

The United States condemns in the strongest terms this outrageous and shocking attack. We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats. I've also directed my administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. And make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people.

Since our founding, the United States has been a nation that respects all faiths. We reject all efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. But there is absolutely no justification for this type of senseless violence. None. The world must stand together to unequivocally reject these brutal acts.

Throughout the morning, statements from a variety of lawmakers flowed in, though most Republicans avoided the kind of harsh criticism of Obama voiced most prominently by Romney.

At 12:14 p.m. ET, Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan appeared in Wisconsin to address the Libya situation, though he also avoided direct criticism of Obama.

I want to begin unfortunately on a somber note. We woke up to some pretty disturbing news this morning. I know all Americans today are shocked and saddened by the news from the Middle East. The attacks on our diplomatic missions in Egypt and Libya and the loss of four American lives including our Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. This is outrageous. Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and I would just like to ask at this moment that we join together in a moment of silence in memory of them. [MOMENT OF SILENCE] Thank you.  This is a time for healing. It is a time for resolve. And in the face of such a tragedy, we are reminded that the world needs American leadership. And the best guarantee of peace is American strength.

At around 1:04 p.m. ET, Vice President Joe Biden told supporters gathered in Ohio:

"The cause to which they dedicated their lives and gave their lives, democracy, partnership, tolerance, stands in sharp contrast to the values of those who callously took their lives," he said. "And let me be clear, we are resolved to bring to justice their killers."

The United States is a "friend and partner" to the new Libya, President Obama said in a statement today aimed, in part, at an American audience, and, in part, to Libyans.

"The Khaddafy regime is coming to an end," Obama said. "The future of Libya is in the hands of its people." Khaddafy's "reign," he added, "has unraveled."

Obama said the United States will work closely with allies and the Transitional National Council, or TNC, which he called a "credible representative" of the Libyan people.

The only specific U.S. action item Obama mentioned was calling on the United Nations' secretary general to "support" this "important transition."

Obama lauded the efforts of the international community. "In the face of this aggression, the international community took action," Obama said. He touted the efforts of partnerships not only with traditional European partners, but also Arab nations.

He also called for an "inclusive transition that moves toward a democratic Libya." He said, speaking to Libyans: "Your revolution is your own. Now the Libya that you deserve is within your reach." Obama acknowledged there are "huge challenges ahead," but what's happened proves that "fear can give way to hope."

From NBC's Courtney Kube
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton renewed the United States' call for Khaddafy to step down and to leave Libya.

Clinton said the U.S. believes "there needs to be a transition that reflects the will of the Libyan people and the departure of Khaddafy from power and from Libya."

Speaking after a meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, Clinton said the U.S. has "made it very clear that we want to see a ceasefire; we want to see the Libyan regime forces pull back from the areas they have forcibly entered; we want to see resumption of water and electricity and other services to cities that have been brutalized by the Khaddafy forces; we want to see humanitarian assistance reach the people of Libya. These terms are non-negotiable."

Asked about a possible deal in Libya brokered by the African Union, Clinton said that she is still "waiting to get a full read out from the various participants," and that "we'll wait to get the full briefing as to what the African Union delegation determined."

Foreign Minister Stubb said he thinks the European Union should be involved in the future of Libya, especially with respect to the political dialogue. "There is going to be life after Khaddafy," he said, "and the European Union should prepare for that."

From NBC's Suzy Kianpour
Former Libyan Ambassador Ali Aujali joined Council on American-Islamic Relations President Nihad Awad, American-Libyan Council President Fadel Lamen, Libyan Emergency Task Force Director Dr. Esam Omeish, and Muslim Public Affairs Council Washington Director Haris Tarim, at the National Press Thursday to express their support for the military action in the troubled North African nation.

They spoke about the need for allied forces to arm the opposition forces, cautioned against more “boots on the ground,” expressed their desire for the Obama administration to stay involved in the conflict, and discussed the strategic role the city of Misurata plays in the Libyan conflict. Ambassador Aujali also offered some unique insight into his last interaction with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Oemish thanked the Obama administration for a "timely and swift" response, which came in the wake of Aujali’s comments last week insinuating that the United States had taken longer than he'd hoped to get involved with the crisis. He called Obama "reminiscent of George H.W. Bush" for his efforts in Kuwait against Iraq’s Saddam Hussein in 1991. "What the U.S. has done will never be forgotten by the Libyan people," Oemish said.

Awad called on President Barack Obama to increase U.S. support in Libya. "Now's not the time to weaken our resolve," he said. "It's our moral duty to do whatever is necessary to support the people of Libya."

They shared stories they’ve heard from Misurata, a city in northwestern Libya. "Stories we cannot even tell our wives," Aujali said, comparing Gadhafi’s actions to those of Italy’s Benito Mussolini and Germany’s Adolf Hitler. "The fight for Misurata is the fight for Libya, I want everyone to understand that," Lamen added, citing the strategic importance of the city to opposition leaders.

Aujali said they are not looking for more "boots on the ground" but rather, more logistical training to supplement the ongoing efforts. In the event that the opposition takes over and Gadhafi falls into their hands, Aujali said they will hand him over to the international court to "stand trial for crimes in Libya.

Lamen stressed that the situation in Libya is unique. "Afghanistan is not Libya, Libya is more coherent," he said, "Libya has more urban centers like urban cities," and went on to compare the situation in Libya to that of what happened in Kosovo and that in the end the Libyan people want to oust Gadhafi themselves. "They want that honor" he said.

The news conference concluded with an interesting anecdote about Auajli's last interaction with Gadhafi. "Last year in May I went to Tripoli to see him," he said and talked about how he explained the importance of relations with the UN and how he should allow more American investments and for tourists to be allowed to come to Libya so that American citizens wouldn't have a negative view of Libya. "He always panicked if his relationship with American was not good," Aujali said.

From NBC's Kevin Hurd
Almost half -- 48% -- labeled Obama as a "cautious and consultative" commander-in-chief, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Highlighting the partisan split in the country, another 36%, however, called him "indecisive and dithering."

Just 17% called him "strong and decisive."

A little more than one-third of Americans see President Obama as an "indecisive and dithering" commander-in-chief.

The new poll of 975 people asked respondents to describe the president's leadership style as Commander-In-Chief.

It also gauges how the public feels about U.S. involvement in Libya.

Julia Clark, IPSOS Public Affairs Director, tells Reuters, "the data suggest he is perceived to be more consultative in his approach, which may distinguish him in the minds of the American public from his predecessor, George W. Bush, who was not perceived to be.

On U.S. involvement in Libya, 60% said they "support the United States and its allies bombing Libya to impose a no-fly zone to protect civilians from Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi's forces." Another 40% said they are opposed.

In the poll, 79% said they would support the U.S. and its allies trying to remove Khaddafy. A small minority support deploying grounds troops -- only seven percent said they would support that idea.

NBC's Robert Windrem reports: U.S. officials say there are indications that the Libyan army is having to deal with "strains," but they are uncertain whether the rebels can take advantage of them. The strains are seen in the Eastern area, particularly in logistics, maintaining the supply chain. There are also concerns about tribal strains in the military.

But, as one official said, a third-world military still has advantages over a rag-tag group of rebels. 

NBC's Courtney Kube reports: Despite speculation that the Tomahawk campaign in Libya had ended, coalition ships fired 14 more Tomahawk missiles over night.

There have now been at least 175 Tomahawk missiles fired into Libya since Saturday afternoon.

From NBC's Alexandra Moe
President Barack Obama warned Libya's Moammar Khaddafy to stop attacking his people or the United States and it's allies will be forced to take military action.

AP

President Barack Obama makes a statement on Libya, March 18th, at the White House.

"Let me be clear, these terms are not negotiable; these terms are not subject to negotiation," Obama said Friday at the White House. "If Khaddafy does not comply, the international community will impose consequences, and the resolution will be enforced through military action."

This statement comes just a day after the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1973 authorizing military action and a "no-fly zone" over Libya.

Khaddafy's government announced a cease-fire early Friday but reports suggest assaults are continuing despite warnings from the United States.

The exact role the US would play if the international community was forced to take action was not made totally clear by Obama but he did state what he would not do.

"The United States is not going to deploy ground troops into Libya.  And we are not going to use force to go beyond a well-defined goal," the President said. "Our goal is focused, our cause is just, and our coalition is strong."

Obama also announced that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will go to Paris Saturday to meet with allies about the situation in Libya.

From NBC's Courtney Kube
Asked about a possible cease-fire in Libya, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the situation "fluid and dynamic," but warned the Libyan regime that the U.S. is "not going to be responsive or impressed by words," and that the U.S. "would have to see actions on the ground."

She said that the situation is not yet at all clear, but that the U.S. will continue to work with their international partners to press Khaddafy to leave.

Clinton said the international community will need to see a clear set ofactions operationalized on the ground, and that Khaddafy's forces must move a "significant distance" away from the East. She added that there has to be an accounting for of what has already happened, and that Khaddafy has left the international community with "no other choice" but to pursue the course of action taken with the U.N. Security Council Resolution.

After meeting with her Irish counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister Eamon Gilmore, Clinton said that the U.N. resolution is just one step, and that the international community will continue to consider other options and explore the most effective measures for dealing with Khaddafy.

Clinton also stressed that it is important to take this "one step at a time," adding that the diplomatic effort over the past few weeks has been "very intense" leading up to last night's vote.