Are you frustrated because you can't repeat right-wing points about Obama here?

[JackRiddler]

42. I think at this point Capriles is more fair to Chavez...

than a few posters on DU. Some cannot accept the reality that this is the duly elected, democratic government of Venezuela. The VZ government is popular because it has served and improved the lives of the vast majority of the people. The Chavista coalition has now won many fair and free elections in the last 14 years.

And, as some here have pointed out, it's not very socialist. The nationalizations that have prompted such hysteria among capitalists have been limited, and always come with "market price" compensation for the owners.

Let's face it, US militarism and empire need bogeymen, and they've made one out of Chavez even while the same US empire has helped create charnel houses in Mexico, and next door in Colombia, with its insane drug policy (a vital tool of empire).

And you know Chavez is coming up again at these so-called debates. As if Chavez is any kind of big issue to US voters. (He's not!) As if Romney wins any votes by adding to the right-wing hysteria. Sadly it's too much to hope that Obama will call nonsense on the demonization of the Venezuelan majority. Even though there's nothing to lose by it. Because all these politicians want to look strong against "our enemies."

Chavez is not an enemy to the people of the United States. He is a friend, if we accept him. Those among Americans who call him an enemy are the real enemies to our own country, to democracy and peace.