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."

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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.

[el_gato]

1. ah, sucking up to the Maimi Mafia

oh well, we can worry about after Kerry is president.
But it is time the U.S. stopped meddling in the affairs of other nations, which is the real answer to the question "why do they hate us"

[rogerashton]

2. If anyone can switch my vote to Nader --

it is Kerry! --

Actually, Nader is wrong on a lot of issues that matter to me. Socialist Labor?

[Imperialism Inc.]

3. Nader Shnader as far as I'm concerned.

Voting for him is not on my list of stupid things to do.

[annak110]

4. Damn I hate to be reduced to voting for this business-as-usual

jerk!

One more of these forays into fascism and I will, after 46 years, quit the Democratic "Party" and register as a Green, and thus belong to a real second Party.

[aquart]

5. I hate this.

But I never thought Kerry was ideal.

He ought to give up on the Miami Cubans, though. Florida is not in play.

[Imperialism Inc.]

7. I think there will be an enormous number of eyes of Florida this

election. I wouldn't look for a lot of foul play, but I would look at the voters they purged last time not being back on the rolls until '06. (Why does it take months to purge them but years to get them back on?)

[TheFarseer]

6. I like Chavez

for his standing up to Bush and I'm for lifting sanctions on Cuba but if it gets Kerry Florida's electoral votes, this is one of those issues that's negotiable to me. Still annoying

[genius]

8. Kerry needs an education

Attacks on our heros and ignorance on Kerry's part could split our side. If someone is close to him, tell him Bush is the one behind the referendum. Venezuelans don't want it.

[annak110]

10. Yes, and here is a number to call to

complain to Kerry since his Senate office is not taking calls for "campaign issues". (WTF?) 202-712-3000

[Imperialism Inc.]

9. Gotta love politicians. Take a look at this adorable PR shot.

I know its propaganda but it is awfully cute.
He's a touchy feely guy. In the "Revolution Will Not Be Televised" documentary on the 2002 coup they showed this boy singing for him and he just like grabbed him and hugged him and everything. Different culture I guess.