Attack on Cole puts spotlight on international issues in U.S. presidential race, 2 senators say

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As the United States launches an investigation to determine who committed the apparent suicide bomb attack against the USS Cole, an inevitable question arises: How will the tragedy affect the presidential campaign?

Certainly, it raises questions in voters' minds and highlights the leadership capabilities of Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush, said two U.S. senators -- from opposite sides of the political spectrum -- during interviews with CNN on Sunday.

Lott said, "I do think that it's important now that we speak with one voice ..."

"Do we have failed policies of the Clinton-Gore administration? What kind of leader do we want for the future?" said Sen. Trent Lott (R-Mississippi).

'It could affect the election'

Voters do ask, "who is best under these circumstances," said Lott, the Senate majority leader. "It could affect the election. It's hard to tell."

"Experience matters, but judgment triumphs over all. ... And that's where I think George W. Bush wins," Lott said.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, (D-Connecticut), said, "To the extent this tragedy, this crisis in the Middle East highlights anything, I think it highlights the differences between both of these two candidates and their ability to move in immediately to become commander-in-chief and to manage a major foreign policy crisis."

Dodd said Gore is "probably the most active, most involved vice president in the history of the country."

The apparent suicide bomb attack against the Cole, as it was docking to refuel last Thursday in Aden, Yemen, left 17 sailors dead and 39 injured. An estimated 400 to 500 pounds of explosives blew a 12-meter by 12-meter (40-foot by 40-foot) hole in the destroyer's hull.

Dodd said, "I think both candidates are responding well ... by not getting into an argument," over the attack on the USS Cole

Secretary of Defense William Cohen, referring to the ongoing investigation, said on CNN's "Late Edition" that it will resolve whether there were any "breakdowns in our security."

Avoiding an argument

Lott and Dodd said it was prudent for Bush and Gore to avoid taking sides on the issue.

"I think both candidates are responding well ... by not getting into an argument," over the tragedy, said Dodd, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Lott said, "I do think that it's important now that we speak with one voice, and that we're careful. But at the same time, we are gonna have an opportunity ... to look back and say ... 'Are we doing the right thing now in that whole region of the world?'"