Reply #158: Me either ...

[RoyGBiv]

Well, no, I do to some extent. It's the fact he was almost ousted by a Bush-backed coup, and it all got caught on video (from the inside) for the world to see. It very clearly shows how the media has been manipulated against Chavez.

The problem is the subsequent assumption that took hold, which is basically since Bush hates him so much and since it is a clear fact the media was used to show him to be far, far worse than he was, he must be (leap of logic coming) an incredible leader.

One really doesn't need the mainstream media (here or there) to see Chavez's ample flaws. I don't really think he's a bad guy or leader deep down, and his heart seems to be in the right place most of the time, but, well, let's just say I wouldn't want to live there. And, I wouldn't vote for him if he were here.