2012 Hopefuls Cheer Osama's Demise

Despite the fact that Osama bin Laden's death means a popularity boost for the man they'd be up against, potential Republican presidential candidates are of course reacting positively to the news. Politico offers a roundup:

• Sarah Palin: "Americans tonight are united in celebration and gratitude. God bless all the brave men and women in our military and our intelligence services who contributed to carrying out the successful mission to bring bin Laden to justice."
• Donald Trump: "I want to personally congratulate President Obama and the men and women of the Armed Forces for a job well done. ... I am so proud to see Americans standing shoulder to shoulder, waving the American flag in celebration of this great victory."

• Tim Pawlenty: "This is terrific news for freedom and justice. In the hours after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush promised that America would bring Osama bin Laden to justice—and we did. I want to congratulate America's armed forces and President Obama for a job well done."
• Rick Santorum: "This is extraordinary news for all freedom loving people of the world, and I commend all those involved for this historic triumph. Americans have waited nearly ten years for the news of Osama bin Laden's death."

Click to read Mike Huckabee's spirited, can't-be-missed reaction. (More President Obama stories.)