Chavez Re-Elected in Landslide
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James Joyner | Monday, December 4, 2006 |
Venezualan president Hugo Chavez was easily re-elected.
Emboldened by a resounding re-election, President Hugo Chavez pledged to shake up Venezuela with a more radical version of socialism and forge a wider front against the United States in Latin America. Opposition contender Manuel Rosales accepted defeat Sunday night, but promised to continue countering a leader whom he accuses of becoming increasingly authoritarian.
Touting his victory in a speech to thousands, Chavez said Venezuelans should expect an “expansion of the revolution” aimed at redistributing the country’s oil wealth among the poor. “Long live the revolution!” Chavez shouted from the balcony of the presidential palace. “Venezuela is demonstrating that a new and better world is possible, and we are building it.”
With 78 percent of voting stations reporting, Chavez had 61 percent of the vote, to 38 percent for Rosales.
Apparently, anti-American rantings remain a path to victory in Latin America.
It would also appear that neither public opinion polls nor dreams are an accurate predictor of Venezuelan elections.
About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.
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Well what exactly has the US done for the average voter in Venezuala...illegal anti drug interdicton is about the only thing that comes to mind. If we can vilify brown people for votes here in the states is it so surprising they do the same with white people down there?
?????
Move there, then send us a letter telling us how you're doing.
The links you provide are not to any credible sources, either for polling or analysis. Mora y Leon is an over-the-top spinner with zero credibility.
The dynamic in Venezuela is not all that hard to figure out. It is a country that was ruled for a long time by a deeply corrupt oligarchy. It has a relatively small middle class. And huge amounts of poor, both in the cities and in the countryside.
Someone who can tap into the hopes and aspirations of the poor, and win their hearts, is going to be successful in a democratic system. It is a simple matter of numbers.
Chavez was never in any danger of losing. Because of the oil revenue floating everyones boat, and the fact that he has delivered to some extent on redistributing that wealth to the poor, he continues to enjoy majority support.
I just saw a commercial while watching Fox News in which RFK Jr. thanked our good friends in Venezuela and Citgo Oil for helping DC residents with heating oil. I thought I was going to be sick.
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