Edwards Responds to Bhutto Assassination

By: Aaron Lewis
Topics: John Edwards

(CBS)

From CBS News' Aaron Lewis:

WAUKON, IOWA -- John Edwards reacted to the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto this afternoon in Iowa.

"She was an extraordinary and courageous woman who obviously cared more about democracy and the people of Pakistan and the children of Pakistan than she did about the great risk to her own life," Edwards said. "She served her country admirably as others had. And she had gone back to Pakistan for the purpose of promoting the democratization of Pakistan which is a noble cause."

"I have a call in to President Musharraf who I also know. I want to talk to him about the importance of continuing on the path to democratization."

"Its very important under these circumstances and these kind of times for America to show both strength and principle. To be a calming influence to be a reassuring influence and to continue to promote democratization in Pakistan."

When asked if Musharraf should step aside, Edwards said, "I don't think now is the time to talk about things like that. I think the important thing for America to do is show that we continue to stand behing the principles of democracy that we always stood behind, that the president of the united states and the presidential candidates be a calming influence - not a disrupting influence - in times like this."