GOP Presidential Candidates Respond to News of Bin Laden's Death

Following President Barack Obama's statement announcing the death of Osama bin Laden, several political and celebrity voices were raised to discuss this major event. Keywords in almost all statements issued regarding the death of bin Laden include "victory," "freedom," and "justice." Among those vocal regarding bin Laden's death are several GOP presidential hopefuls seeking the party's nomination for the 2012 election.

Michele Bachmann, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and potential presidential candidate, expressed her "deepest gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. military and intelligence community." Her statement, issued through WJON, also included a somber reminder that bin Laden's death "does not bring back the lives of the thousands of innocent people who were killed that day by Bin Laden's horrific plan, and it does not end the threat posed by terrorists."

Newt Gingrich, a presidential hopeful who served as the 58^th Speaker of the House of Representatives, praised both former President George W. Bush and President Obama in his statement.

"I commend both President George W. Bush who led the campaign against our enemies through seven long years and President Obama who continued and intensified the campaign in both Afghanistan and Pakistan," Gingrich wrote in a statement released via Facebook. "The killing of Osama bin Laden is a significant victory in the long struggle between radical Islamists and modern civilization -- . We should remember to thank [our men and women in uniform and the intelligence services] who made this possible."

Former presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, who hopes to renew his candidacy in 2012, issued what is considered one of the harshest statements regarding bin Laden's death.

"It is unusual to celebrate a death, but today Americans and decent people the world over cheer the news that madman, murderer and terrorist Osama bin Laden is dead," Huckabee stated. "Welcome to hell, bin Laden."

Former vice presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin stated, "This is a victory for the American people, for the victims who were heartlessly murdered on September 11 and in Al Qaeda's other numerous attacks, and for all the peace-loving people of the world." Like many who have responded to this news, Palin focused most of her comments on praise for American armed forces.

"It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of these brave Americans who relentlessly hunted down our enemy," Palin wrote in her statement issued on Facebook.

Tim Pawlenty, the 39^th governor of Minnesota, joined in congratulating "America's armed forces and President Obama for a job well done." Pawlenty mirrored Obama's sentiments regarding the resolve of America in regard to fighting the nation's enemies.

"America will never shrink from the fight and ultimately those who seek to harm us face only defeat," Pawlenty said. "This is terrific news for freedom and justice."

Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, stated that bin Laden's death is "a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere."

"My thoughts are with the families of Osama bin Laden's many thousands of victims, and the brave servicemen and women who have laid down their lives in pursuit of this murderous terrorist," Romney said in his official statement regarding bin Laden's death. He also offered congratulations to President Obama.

Rick Santorum, a former senator from Pennsylvania who is considering candidacy for the Republican nomination for the presidency, declared the announcement of bin Laden's death "extraordinary news for all freedom loving people of the world."

"I commend all those involved for this historic triumph," Santorum said in an official statement released through his website. He added that "while this is a very significant objective that cannot be minimized, the threat from Jihadism does not die with bin Laden. As we were vigilant in taking him out we need to demonstrate we will continue to be vigilant until the enemy has been subdued."

Donald Trump, who has been regarded as one of President Obama's harshest critics in the initial stages of campaigning for the presidency in 2012, put politics aside to congratulate Obama and reflect on the death of bin Laden, and asked fellow Americans to do the same.

"We should spend the next several days not debating party politics, but in remembrance of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and those currently fighting for our freedom," he said in a statement released to ABC News.

Trump also joined in sentiments of national pride regarding the news. "I am so proud to see Americans standing shoulder to shoulder, waving the American flag in celebration of this great victory."

While the GOP candidates may disagree with some of President Obama's politics, they have overwhelmingly agreed with him on one point, on the death of bin Laden: "Justice has been done."

Sources

Michael Falcone, "Donald Trump Congratulates Obama on Osama Bin Laden Killing, Asks for End to 'Party Politics' For 'Next Several Days'", ABC News

Newt Gingrich, "Statement by Newt Gingrich on the Death of Osama bin Laden", Facebook

HuffPost Politics, "Osama Bin Laden Dead: President Obama's Announcement Prompts Outpouring of Reactions", The Huffington Post

Jim Maurice, "Bachmann -- Thanks Service Men and Women On News Of Bin Laden's Death", WJON

Neil Monro, "Mitt Romney: 'This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere'", The Daily Caller

Sarah Palin, "A Grateful Nation", Facebook

Rick Santorum, "Santorum Statement on Death of Osama bin Laden", RickSantorum.com