In Case You May Have Forgotten....

Before there was this (From Politico.com):

"August 18, 2008
Categories: Pakistan

Musharraf's resignation

The candidates put out similar statements on the resignation of Pakisatni President Pervez Musharraf:

McCain:

The resignation of President Pervez Musharraf is a step toward moving Pakistan onto a more stable political footing. Pakistan is a critical theater in countering the threat of al Qaeda and violent Islamic extremism, and I look forward to the government increasing its future cooperation.

There are serious problems that must be addressed. The situation in Pakistan's frontier regions requires immediate and continued attention, and I hope that the elections for President Musharraf's successor will serve to reconcile the Pakistani people behind a leader who can solidify their government internally. It is critical that the United States continue to work in partnership with the Pakistani people and their democratically elected government to tackle the many challenges we both face.

Obama:

President Musharraf has made the right decision to step down as President of Pakistan. It is in the interests of his country and the Pakistani people to end the political crisis that has immobilized the coalition government for too long. I have long said that the central terrorist threat to the United States lies in northwest Pakistan and Afghanistan, and not Iraq. US policy must focus on assuring that all elements of Pakistan's government are resolute in shutting down the safe havens for al Qaeda and the Taliban. There can be no safehaven for terrorists who threaten the American people.

A year ago, I advocated that the US move from a 'Musharraf policy' to a 'Pakistan policy.' I hope all of Pakistan's friends will now seize the opportunity created by Musharraf's exit to focus on the urgent issues of today: confronting the threat of extremist violence, dealing with food and energy shortages, and helping the Pakistani people build a stable, secure, democratic future."

There was this:

Richardson Stands Apart Calling for Musharraf Ouster

December 28, 2007 1:18 PM

ABC's Sarah Amos reports: Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., continued his call for Pakistani President Prevez Musharraf to step down from power, a day after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Richardson's speech in Des Moines this morning continued to separate him from other democratic candidates, who have not called for Musharraf's resignation. Richardson also called on the Bush Administration to stand-up against Musharraf's government.
"Bush's foreign policy has failed…but not for lack of opportunity to make it better. When Musharraf declared marital law we could have stood up. But we did not. When he suspended the Constitution, we could have stood up. But we did not. Now after yesterday's terrible murder…the United States must stand up," Richardson told the cheering crowd.

Over 200 Iowans braved a snowy morning in Des Moines to come and listen as Richardson called out the other democratic candidates for not taking a stand against Musharraf.

"Some of my Democratic opponents have misplaced faith in Musharraf. Like the Bush Administration, they cling to the misguided notion that Musharraf can be trusted as an ally to fight terrorism," Richardson told the crowd. The Governor went on to question how many times the "Washington conventional wisdom" needs to be proven wrong before the nation is ready to take a new direction in the fight on terrorism."

Obama-Richardson anybody?

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue