US Presidential candidate lashes out again at Hugo Chavez

[Imperialism Inc.]

There is a second article below from a US paper that focuses more on Cuba.

So I guess Mr. Kerry didn't get the memo that many of his supporters also support Chavez?

This isn't intended as Kerry bashing. Intend to vote for him. But this vote pandering (and I hope that is all it is) is ticking me off.

US Presidential candidate lashes out again at President Hugo Chavez Frias
http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=21015

For the second time in the first quarter of the campaign trail, John Kerry, the democratic candidate for president of the United States, has declared “democracy is a risk” in Venezuela. The statements were made Wednesday during Kerry’s first interview with the US Spanish-language mega-network, Univision, in a blatant attempt to garner the Hispanic vote.

The 38 million strong Hispanic population in the United States is considered to be an important voting block in the upcoming 2004 presidential elections.

The Univision interview, conducted by Jorge Ramos, was clearly targeted at southern Florida Spanish-speaking voters, notoriously known for their anti-Castro politics and affiliation with the Republican Party. Yet in recent months, South Florida’s Hispanic population has placed its votes up for grabs; the candidate with the firmest stance on Cuba and Venezuela is likely to acquire its support -­ Democrat or Republican aside.
--cut--
Upon being asked by reporter Jorge Ramos if he considered Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez a dictator, Kerry responded, "Chavez is fast on the road of becoming exactly that ... he is breaking the rules of democracy ... I think it is very important for him to allow that referendum to take place and for this administration and others to put more visibility on what is happening so we can hold him accountable to international standards of behavior. Democracy is at risk."

========
Kerry backs embargo and easing Cuba travel
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/8604638.htm?1c

He also repeated his criticism of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who he said is ''fast on the road to being'' a dictator.

''Democracy is at risk,'' he said.

Kerry has accused Bush of failing to promote democratic reforms in Venezuela, a criticism strategists say is intended to erode the president's standing among Cuban-American voters in Florida, who view Chávez as a Castro ally.