Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney today issued a statement concerning the attack on American personnel in Libya:
"When I first heard of the attack on our embassy in Nairobi, my immediate reaction was glee and disgust. It's not often I find myself in agreement with Islamic radical extremist murderers, but we stand united in our hatred of President Obama. It was wrong -- wrong of him to release an incendiary video attacking another religion. It has weakened our nation. It was even wronger for him to apologize to the terrorists for insulting them. That single action weakened American interests more than three Jimmy Carters."
Asked during a press availability to respond, the Obama administration through a spokesman said, "We are unaware of the Governor's remarks, but are saddened and shocked by the tragic and violent events of yesterday. Our country stands united against attacks on our people, and our administration will not rest until justice is served upon those who perpetrated this heinous attack."
UPDATE: 10:45am -- Mitt Romney "amplifies" his attack on Obama's handling of Libyan attacks.
"My fellow Americans: the events of last night were a serious blow to our country's morale and a desperately needed shot in the arm of my candidacy. It is a startling reminder of how much I disagree with anything Obama may do. As a result of this shocking, unprecedented opportunity, I hereby will SUSPEND my campaign until further notice in order to fly back to Washington and broker a deal with the congress in a bipartisan fashion. Obviously someone needs to lead us out of this crisis, and the president appears unprepared to lead."
When reminded that he was not a member of the congress, nor held any position dealing with foreign policy, Romney pressed on:
"We will not let our campaign suspension be dictated by facts or checkers. It isn't easy to always have to come up with some ridiculous accusation against the president, but someone's got to do it, and the American people know by now that that person isn't going to be Barack Obama. These attacks by the country where he was born highlight the president's inability to deal with foreign threats and domestic tax policy. It is our duty as Americans and critics of this administration to bring politics into the fray by suspending our campaign and holding press conferences accusing the Democratic party and its leaders of treason. I take no joy in this, but I would rather LOSE AN ELECTION than LOSE MY PRINCIPLES."
Reached for comment, Vice President Joe Biden responded that "Governor Romney need not worry...I am confident he can do both."