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— Death in Libya: Romney chooses opportunism — Salt Lake Tribune Editorial

There are two conclusions to be drawn from the despicable attacks on the U.S. consulate in Libya that killed ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.

The first is that these were coordinated military operations by terrorists, conducted under the cover of spontaneous demonstrations responding to an obscure movie trailer on YouTube that profanes the Prophet Muhammed and Islam. It is a reminder that the United States must be constantly on guard against such perfidy, particularly at diplomatic outposts and especially on anniversaries of 9/11.

The second is that toxic politics at home have sunk into such an abyss that Mitt Romney apparently felt obliged to criticize statements coming from the U.S. embassy in Cairo, and from President Obama, at the height of a diplomatic crisis. It is a sad example of a candidate choosing opportunism over statesmanship and scripted campaign talking points over thoughtful, careful language. That his statements didn't make much sense is almost beside the point. ...

— 'We are still in shock' — Libyan journalists on this week's attack — Larry Wilson | Los Angeles News Group

— Effective diplomacy can greatly reduce the need for expensive defense measures — Deseret News Editorial

— Why are we there? — Ogden Standard-Examiner Editorial

— Deadly enemies of free speech — Denver Post Editorial

The U.S. embassy may have erred in trying to calm extremists, but Romney's reaction was out of line.

— It's a complex world, and Mr. Romney thinks that's a distraction — St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial

— Libya tragedy is no place for politics — San Jose Mercury News Editorial

— A diplomat dies, Romney plays politics — Sacramento Bee Editorial

— Tragic American losses show security lapses — Kansas City Star Editorial

— Benghazi attackers deserve swift punishment; filmmaker deserves condemnation — Seattle Times Editorial

— Libya response must be swift but smart — San Francisco Chronicle Editorial

— In the smoke of an attack, Romney blows some more — 200 wiseguy words | The Oregonian

And, a voice in the wilderness:

— Romney was right — Rich Lowry | The National Review/Salt Lake Tribune