In a message dated 12/3/2007 9:41:53 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, mister.wd at gmail.com writes:
I'll certainly defer to anyone who has paid more attention to Venezuela than I have, but my impression is that this defeat isn't such a bad thing. Sure, the overwhelming passage of the referendum would have been great, but a 51/49 victory wouldn't have given Chavez much of a mandate -- and the press would have jumped on even the smallest irregularity in voting as evidence the results were rigged, that Chavez is a really a dictator, etc. Now it'll be hard for anyone to argue credibly to popular audiences that Venezuela isn't really a democracy. Additionally, I question the long term viability of any revolution centered on one person. If Chavez has to deal with term limits, that will force the chavistas to groom new leaders who can carry the revolution forward if something happens to Chavez.
Anyone think I'm off base here? -WD
I would definitely agree. However, my suspicion, based upon past experience, is that the US has been pouring $$$ into the Chavez "opposition" so I am not sure that any upcoming leaders will not be tainted with US $$$.
Sergio
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