(Image Source: MSNBC )

BY MATTHEW PICHT

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES


In the wake of the mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater — candidates and the media seem to be putting politics aside. President Obama heard about the tragedy from his homeland security advisor early Friday morning while on the campaign trail in Florida. CNN has the president’s statement.

“There are going to be other days for politics. This, I think, is a day for prayer and reflection.”

Presumed GOP candidate Mitt Romney issued a statement as well. CBS has it.


“We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief.  We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice.”

Apart from airing the president’s remarks, the major TV networks steered clear of any political issues on Friday morning. Instead, the outlets focused on updates on the Colorado shooting and interviews with eyewitnesses.

As a writer for the National Review points out...


“Much of the usual back-and-forth of the campaign trail will seem kind of petty and silly today.”

Which is why, as Fox News reports , both Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney have canceled campaign events scheduled for Friday. President Obama will return to Washington from Florida — 

— and Mr. Romney canceled a series of interviews and used a scheduled campaign stop to talk about the tragedy.

Additionally, the Denver Post reports — both candidates have pulled their ads from the Denver TV market until further notice.

But a writer for the New York Times says — while the focus shouldn’t be politics, the president does play a role in guiding the nation through its grief.
 

“While there is no ongoing threat he needs to manage from the White House, it falls to a president at times like these to not only pull the country together in its grief but to try to explain and make sense of something so senseless.”

Finally, Jennifer Rubin for the Washington Post says, both Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney have responded appropriately so far — and even though the political peace won’t stick around for long, it’s needed today.

“The campaign will not be drained of acrimony. The media race to the bottom won’t slow. The ad-makers will churn out attack spots. But for today perhaps it can all stop. Just for a day. We should be able to have a day of sadness — together.”