The candidates are making their last pitch in Iowa.  The day after Christmas the feet hit the pavement, well, the snow covered sidewalks, once again.  In the midst of the rush to caucus in Iowa Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, throwing Pakistan’s immediate future into turmoil. 

Among the candidates it was John Edwards who called the Ambassador to Pakistan to discuss his concerns.  During the conversation Edwards has said that he told the ambassador (I suppose that was Anne Patterson) that he would like to speak to Pervez Musharraf.  A couple of hours later Musharraf called Edwards.  According to Edwards, he implored Musharraf to hold the upcoming elections in Pakistan as soon as possible and to allow an independent and transparent investigation into the assassination of Bhutto.

Whether Musharraf will follow any of Edwards’ requests is another question.  But, the fact is, John Edwards did exactly what a President should do.  He called, expressed his condolences, and stated his concerns.  

The other candidates spoke of their concerns from the stump.  If any of them tried to contact any of the Pakistani officials none have said as much.  As a political skeptic, I’m not going to presume for an instant that Edwards did not have a political agenda when he made the call.  But, isn’t that what politicans and elected officials do?  Whether it is for personal political reasons or for the good of the nation, the leaders make the effort.

Once again, John Edwards has acted as one would expect our president to act.  Musharraf confirmed international respect for Mr. Edwards by returning his call.  Edwards has risen above the field.  He has already shown his presidential prowess, when others are tied to the stump.