An unusual news conference

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:38:01 GMT

Dear Mr.Sanders, This news conference does sound very unusual and long. I think you were fortunate to be one of only four journalists to have his or her name pulled from the hat to ask a question of Chavez. It seemed Chavez talked about too many other things not concerning the news conference for far too long. One wonders what his motive was in doing dragging out the time. I agree with you Mr.Sanders that three hours and fifteen minutes to answer four questions is quite ridiculous, but at least you were able to spoeak to him. I wonder how the others who didn't have their name pulled felt. And I think the advice about making sure one visits the restroom prior to the news conference is a good idea. At least the next time you will know Mr.Sanders not everyone knows the first time. Thank you and good reporting. Peace to all!

An unusual news conference

Ben Manski, Madison, WI — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 01:50:53 GMT

Well, that does sound like a refreshing news conference. Almost like something one of our earliest leaders would have done. An Andrew Jackson style news conference.

Thank you for the reporting. But - what was the question you asked? And - when will MSNBC, or CNN, or CNBC, or some mainstream U.S. news corporation - start reporting news again? As in - reporting anything about the great bulk of the reforms enacted today in the constitutional reform? As in - refraining from using the following hackneyed phrases: "Self-described socialist", "long-winded," "Chavez's constitutional reforms," "elected dictator," and the rest. Just the facts, please.

Mr. Sanders' report is refreshing for what it does - reporting. Thank you.

An unusual news conference

Eureka99 — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:39:50 GMT

This is the Art of saying a lot without telling a thing! Some people call it: "Encher chouriço" (filling the sausage)!

An unusual news conference

Mark Goodrich — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 04:26:41 GMT

A "Si" vote for Hugo Chavez by the poorest most illiterate people in Venezuela should give the rest of South American and the world pause...God Bless the people of Venezuela - Americans to the north are "vecinos no enemigos."

An unusual news conference

Stephan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 05:57:11 GMT

Yes, the man can talk alot.

An unusual news conference

R,G, — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 06:09:28 GMT

Yes that is the story of this clown, likes to listen to his voice all day but never actually answer a question.

An unusual news conference

Mariana Moreno, Caracas, Venezuela — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 06:44:17 GMT

that's why he's been asked to shut up by so many , so many times...

An unusual news conference

Tim, Portland — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 07:17:46 GMT

Well done citizens of Venezuela! You proved that democracy is alive and well today (12/2) and headed off what would have surely killed it by defeating Chavez' attempt to alter your constitution for his own gain. You have great courage and the result is good for the entire continent. But be wary and vigilant - your Dictator wannabe has until 2012 to try again.

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Jacqueline Robinson, San Diego, CA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 07:32:28 GMT

Well, good for the people of Venezuela. The majority voted and whether or not the new President is better, the important thing is not to let a tyrant get away with stealing the Presidency for life. Should that ever occur, a little revolution isn't all bad once in awhile...or so says one of the US founding fathers-Benjamin Franklin.

Good Luck,

Lynn in San Diego, CA

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Rebecca Richardson, Prescott Valley, AZ — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:03 GMT

can you tell us what the 4 questions were and paraphrase if possible the answers?

An unusual news conference

Doug Thorburn, Northridge, CA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:02:27 GMT

Is Chavez on amphetamines?

An unusual news conference

Derek Gear , Vancouver, WA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:35:46 GMT

I am fairly impressed that he has taken the defeat with so much grace. Actions speak louder than words however, and only time will tell if he intends to honor the vote of the people or attempts to circumvent it in some other way. Although Chavez is demonized by our current administration, I am left to wonder if some of the animosity doesn't come from personal views between Bush and Chavez. Chavez is considered extreme left, however, does this administration get along with any individual or group from the left? Either in this country or abroad? One must admit, these are interesting developments.

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jody, santa monica — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:50:07 GMT

Nobody likes to hear Hugo Chavez talk more than Hugo Chavez. Too bad King Juan Carlos wasn't there.

An unusual news conference

Ed Martin — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:51:52 GMT

Mr. Chavez is one sick puppy, he has only one real selfish agenda and that is to enrich himself and his cadre of hangers on whom go along to get along while the national booty is being directed where he can access it latter when he's through stealing the coffers. He is a political thief who is stealing world contact and growth right from the younger generations whom would benefit the most from it. He claims to be self rightous and should meet with the same fate as the mighty Noriega did once, only one difference ! An american jail is to good for his sorry ass. A cuban prison in GITMO is where he belongs !

An unusual news conference

jdenishuggard — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:25:07 GMT

hello from westvancouver/bc/canada-chavez is being brought DOWN/we are doing plenty of business in curacao/aruba/bomaire/3 venezelan states.the people are madder than hell @this""idiot""/he is apparently""insane"".the caracus aiport ia a joke/must be 1000 ft.long/no chairs/iran boing 747 sits there/as if someone[iranian]needs to get out quick/wouldnt it begreat if brazil startedconflict with venezuela/turmoil for chavez-great idea/jdenishuggard

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Allan Sokyra — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:32:04 GMT

In other words... He's a nut!

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Roberto Alexander-Rodríguez — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:40:09 GMT

Whenever I attend official functions in Latin America, I wear a colonoscopy bag and take a fistful of no doze pills. Being part Latino (Colombia) I am quite aware that Hispanics love to hear themselves babble. El Supremo, Hugo Chavez, learned too well from the Maestro magpie himself, Fidel Castro, "the jaw that never tires", Chavez' mentor and dictator compadre. The other El Supremos that loved to hear themselves rant and rave were, Hitler and Mussolini. Birds of a feather, I say.

An unusual news conference

george harris — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:58:27 GMT

Chavez spends most of his time in his own little world inside his mind. I can understand his reservation with the US, since they have tried to destroy him on several ocassions, US foreign policy is one of friendship only when US corporations have control of other countries resources and government. Chavez sadly is now losing his charm and becoming an embarrassing joke to his people in the eyes of the world community. He started the ball rolling by rightly nationalizing all oil and gas facilities in his country. It was inevitable that US got upset, since their corporations simply wanted to rape the Venezuelan economy, and chavez put a stop to it. I just hope he doesn't head down the wrong road to megla-maniacal self-destruction.

An unusual news conference

Lucky Ray — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:02:16 GMT

The man is nutty,no doubt about it.More importantly this election loss may mean that his "presidency" can end without violence.
But the economic damage he has caused may be ireversible.It's not just the socialist policies that are bankrupting the government.He's also selling off key assets like the refinery Venazuelas' state owned company has in the US.One of only six US refineries.Looks like Conoco is lined up to buy it.Once assets like those are gone Venezuela will never get them back.
There's gonna be economic hell to pay when the time comes and he is finally pushed out.

An unusual news conference

Elvis Diaz, Sukhothai, Thailand — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:30:54 GMT

Cant believe Chavez lost... 3 hours of a history lesson of Venezuela? He was probally overwhelmed by the fact that he actually lost. I still cant believe he lost. But at least he is taking it as true believer in democracy and caused no violence during the election.

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Fenderman, Paw Paw, Michigan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:56:49 GMT

If Hugo's jaw could be hooked up to a flywheel we could solve the energy problem.

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Ilia R. Encinosa, Miami, Florida — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:19:14 GMT

God bless Venezuela!!!!!
The vote must have been a resounding NO for Hugo Chavez to have to admit defeat.
From a jubilant Cuban-American in Miami, Florida.

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RR, Fairfax, VA. USA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:19:19 GMT

This is the begining of the end for Chavez. Now, we know that there will be an end to what he's doing to the people of Vzla and when he's gone they will be able to unite and heal but above all learn from the horrible nightmare that Chavez was. If, he really wanted to help his people he would have educated them, created more jobs and not make them dependant on government handouts.

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john doe — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:33:07 GMT

venz., it appears, has the truest form of democracy, considering names are drawn from a hat, and the questions are not prearranged. chaves's acceptance speech of the defeat shows that he abides by the will of the people. If he were to come to the united states he could run for a seat in the senate and be a paradigm for other senators.

An unusual news conference

Mike — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:40:24 GMT

I am very proud of the Venezuelan people for their decision to stop this pseudo-dictator from continuing in the presidency. However, since all pseudo-dictators want to be dictators and perpetuate their presence and control over others, I am kind of skeptical of Chavez's acceptance of his own defeat. I would not like to think that he will continue manipulating the system to remain in power. Even though he knows that he is a loser, he, as any dictator, will continue messing up.

Let's not forget Hitler, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein and other insane leaders and what they did to somehow remain in power. Since I lived in Venezuela during his first attempt to overthrow the government, I wonder if he is planning something else now. This guy is not trustworthy. Let's not take him easy because you don't know what he can do later.

I ask the world and their governing bodies to keep watching the Venezuelan situation and the new decisions that are going to be made, the route that new policies might take and the control over other institutions.

Since I lived there and in the neighborhood where the 1992 coup attempt took place, I know that Chavez and his uneducated supporters are planning something else. They always have a Plan B. Let's remember his plan B in 1996 when he was put on house arrest.

I don't want to make any prophecies, but I think that they might bankrupt the government and blame others. He will stop helping the poor as to create more poverty than the one already created. He will somehow destroy schools and do something as to justify his presence and governmental style. Then he will proudly say "I told you so".

Mike

An unusual news conference

Steve,N Carolina — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:48:18 GMT

It sounds to me that Hugo Chavez is bright,thoughtful,personable& ever curious. What a novel concept; a qualified leader who at least seems to respect the will of the people!

An unusual news conference

Harold Strauss — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:52:09 GMT

I would be interested in knowing if his facts coincided with known history. It would be interesting to know whether he spoke from knowledge, or just rambling on about matters he may know little or nothing about. Sounds like he has a "captive" audience for sure. No toilet breaks? Anyhow, talking is a lot better than a war,"of any kind"!

An unusual news conference

Gerardo Lacruz, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:59:57 GMT

I wonder what ace he has up his sleeve. So calm after a defeat like this? 51% against 49%. It is as if the electoral council had the outcome all ready...Again!!!

An unusual news conference

Esam — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:09:20 GMT

You know what I find unusual and weird and arrogant? It is this Western attitude that they know everything and every one.
As a Palestinian myself I've been told countless times by Americans what the history of my people is, what it's not, who I am and who I'm not, what belongs to me and what doesn't belong to me.
And I've been told this for far longer than the 3 hours and 15 minutes Chavez spent trying to correct the historical record so many Westerners have been brainwashed with.
The oppressed and poor people of the world are finally making our voices heard but there's still is a lot of education to do. The Western mind, in particular the American mind, can be a very, very stubborn thing.

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Karl, Atlanta, GA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:09:40 GMT

This, I feel is an excellent example of the "shock and awe" syndrome.
I wonder what Fidel is thinking, if anything?
Long live the people and their democratic selections for both leaders and referendums!!

An unusual news conference

janice collins, burr ridge il — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:11:20 GMT

I think I would have left after 15 minutes. It appears there wouldn't have been a clear answer to any questions.

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JON WYATT, MONTREAL CANADA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:23:29 GMT

Well no suprise! This guy is a psycho. Truly dillusions of grandeur. Perhaps even bi polar manic depressive. But then that's what it takes to be a leader of a third world country lately!

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Bob Alexander — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:44:09 GMT

Several of us who have heard Chavez speak know he likes the sound of his own voice better than those of reporters. What did those wonderfully, intelligent reporters ask? Four really important questions no doubt. Here we have another motivation to replace oil by conservation, research and development, production of alternate fuels and legislation.

An unusual news conference

Gary s — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:48:56 GMT

Like or Not, the politics on Venezuela is a TRUE democracy, unlike the US where 49 per cent of the peoples vote wins and 51 per cent losses, and our president could not talk for five minutes without guidance.

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George Boyles, Petersburg, IN — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:04:58 GMT

Now that he has lost his democratic bid for dictatorship the next few days will be interesting.

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SAL PA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:21:06 GMT

I applaud the people of Venezuela for standing firm on what they believe in. History will prove that you made a very wise and historical decision. You certainly deflated some of the ego that Chavez has offered you.

I wish all of you well.

Sal from USA

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R. B. Martin, Philadelphia — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:22:12 GMT

it doesn't surprise me that chavez took over 2 hours to answer 4 questions and in the meantime he avoided an honest dialogue with reporters.

he sounds like any dictator. when they feel the sting of democratic defeat they lick their wounds in public hiding behind rhetoric intended to serve no other purpose than their own personal aggrandizement.

i agree with his comments regarding a possible asian connection to the ethnology of indigenous populations in south america... but, is that any different than north america? A great migration took place between the three continents sometime in history where the climate invited people to move geographically from one hemisphere to the next. those first intrepid explorers who were not born on these north or south american continents were no more native than someone who immigrated here from anothe part of the world.

i do not care what arguement he wants to make about ethnicity and what that has to do with someones right to claim ownership over their own personal destiny.

like it or not... you are native to the ground on which you were born. So, as far as I am concerned... the blood of french irish explorers that i have in my body has been on this continent since 1623... do i not have a right to claim myself after 400 years as being a native to this land? Are my children not natives?

It is a crime the way these continents were subdued and annihilated by the exploitations of european "Dictators" (Kings and Queens) and this history should always be remembered and not thrown onto the fires of banned books that have been burned for truth telling.

Likewise, what good does it do to argue about these racist issues in a world that is crying out for justice and mercy in the face of all expoitation that is taking place on this planet... none of which would be possible without the power of weapons and arms of mass detruction and the terror all sides use to impose their will on others.

The zenophobia that chavez employs to masquerade as socialist values is nothing more than demogogic diatribe intending to ensure his own political, i.e. personal exploitation at the expense of the venezuelan people.

compare his smile to the smile of any dictator and you will see they all share one common trait... when forced to listen to the democratic will of the people that smile automatically turns into a frightened frown behind the sneer and snarl of a rabid dog trying to infect the world with its own ambitions... self preservation at the cost of all humanity standing in their way.

No, Chavez is nothing but a caricature of every weak and frightened man that has ever had to hide behind the power of the gun and a coup in order to take power. He is a dictator. Let no one be fooled by his 3 hour oratorial gesticulations intended to fill up the vacuum left in his ego when the voters deflated his maniacle ulterior motives.

An unusual news conference

Rick Johnson, Half Moon Bay, California — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:25:59 GMT

There is a Spanish word "Charlatan" which is not directly translatable to English. Chatterbox comes close but it's not the same. It applies perfectly to Chavez. No wonder the Spanish king, out of frustration told thim SHUT THE HELL UP ALREADY!!! That's not exactly what he said (the exact words were "Porque no te callas?") but I'm pretty sure that's what he meant. Charlatan. That word defines Chavez and his compadre Fidel.

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John Doe — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:26:19 GMT

Actually, the news above is what you reported. That is, the perception that the event was "weird", as well as the human element of Chavez's behavior

An unusual news conference

Clark Phillips — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:28:45 GMT

It seems that President Chavez is well learned in the matters of History. I wonder what his thoughts are on the Monroe Doctrine, and its role in ensuring he even has a country to preside over?

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B. Daniels — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:31:46 GMT

Three hours without notes, huh? Can you imagine Bush engaging the media, incoherently or otherwise, without a script for 3 hours!!!

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Tom, Taylor, Mi. — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:35:17 GMT

Hello. Chavez has 5 years lefyt on his six year term. It was great the people had good sense to rein in his powers. He would nationalize most private business firms, and lean further toward communism. Lets hope he doesn,t go "off"; He is a loaded shotgun. ThommKat.

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L. Urquiet fairfax, VA. — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:42:03 GMT

May be Bush can do the same thing an real people can ask real questions and not only the peaople he hand picked. How about that for democracy.

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Maria Guerrero, Boston, MA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:51:08 GMT

That's Chavez strategy for not answering questions, you should be thankful that he didn't insult you because of the question

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MIKE FIELDS LEXINGTON KY — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:51:12 GMT

CHAVEZ IS A FRIGGIN NUT!!!

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MARKO BEESB — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:57:09 GMT

CHAVEZ IS STILL SMARTING FROM BE CALLED DOWN BY THE KING OF SPAIN(THE ULTIMATE DADDY FIGURE). CHAVEZ REMINDS ME OF A 13YR OLD, STILL SUBJECT TO TANTRUMS AND INSECURITIES LIKE A CHILD BUT IS BECOMING A MAN AND IS TRYING TO ASSERT HIMSELF.
HE IS JUST LIKE A KID(PUNK?) WHO HAS BEEN CALLED DOWN BY HIS PARENTS IN PUBLIC HE WILL LASH OUT AND TRY TO GET BACK SOME HOW, AND WITH THE ELECTIONS GOING THIS WAY YOU CAN BE ABSOLUTELY SURE THERE WILL BE MORE VENGEFUL ACTS TO FOLLOW

An unusual news conference

K Mazer — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:08:41 GMT

It was unusual. Was it an insight to the man? Does he seem intelligent? Does it seem as if there will be more to come? Why did he have such an informal news conference?
Who is Chavez when the day is done?
What do you think his ultimate goal is? Is he anti-USA or just anti-NWO?

An unusual news conference

Buddy Ferguson, Boerne, Texas — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:14:06 GMT

Well, I never thought that Pres. Hugo Chavez would accept defeat like a political gentleman. In fact, I really didn't believe he would be defeated after liberally spreading taxpayer and government money among the poor and middleclass Venezuelans to buy their votes. Venezuelans are far more independent and intelligent than Pres. Chavez gave them credit.

An unusual news conference

Alex- Florida — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:17:00 GMT

Anyone who knows Fidel Castro's modus operandi can see a clear and distinct resemblance between the two. They both love to ramble on and control their press conferances to see to it that minimal pertinent information is released through their words. I'll bet it must have been quite enjoyable to get Mr Chavez's anthropological thesis at the very same time he was trying to alter their "constitution" in order to gurantee him a lifelong rule. I wonder what question Mr Sanders was able to ask?

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Diane Stuart, Jupiter, FL — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:17:16 GMT

Mzaybe Chavez'z point was it's more important what he has to say than what reporters have to say. I congratulate Chavez. America is really tired of prestaged questions and manipulated answers. If Chavez spent three hours talking about the history of his country and interacted with reporters, hats off to him! That is the news then. And really, if a reporter is 'bored' or 'upset'....that, is NOT news. So, FOCUS on the news, not reporter's emotions, because really, the masses out here, are TIRED OF IT!!!

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Dan Klemmer — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:30:42 GMT

Chavez, like Fidel, can do this because he is intelligent and cultured. But mostly, because he speaks the truth. It's easy to be spontaneous when you have no lies to hide like our leaders, both liberal and conservative.

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YG, Coral Springs, FL — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:32:33 GMT

Hello Kerry,

First of all please allow me to apologize. Every time Chavez does or says something that reaches the international community I feel urged to apologize and bury my head in shame.
I am a Venezuelan living in the US for the past - almost - 8 years. I am married to an American and love the US as my own country. I was however born and raised in Venezuela and what has happened there breaks my heart every day of my life.
I hope the world community understands that the majority of Venezuelans are not with that vicious man, that the majority of Venezuelans not only loves the US but also admires it, that the Venezuelan people are for the most part educated, and lovers of freedom and democracy and are people of peace.
I hope in my heart that this victory will give people in Venezuela the strength to keep fighting and recover the country that tyrant took from us. I hope someday Venezuela will be what it was and many people will go and see its beauty, as I hope to be able someday to bring my husband and children and see my family and friends again, and perhaps get back that piece of my heart that is now missing.

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Lori — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:41:46 GMT

Mr. Sanders, you've been reporting for over 25 years,and I certainly hope that you comprehend the news you report and not just forget it. You certainly must know that Fidel Casto can go on for many hours. Now knowing that Chavez is a very loyal student of Castro's, and also knowing that Chavez is gaining lots of reputation in the marathon speaking arena, you should have known better and stopped in the restroom before Chavez came in the room.

There hasn't been one press conference where he hasn't gone on for hours and many of them as you implied, with absolutely no point. Just ask your fellow reporters, the same ones saying that they knew they needed to empty their bladders before Chavez began to speak.

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John Doe, Lawrenceville, GA. — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:42:17 GMT

I wish that the United States was fortunate enough to have a leader such as Hugo Chavez.

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person x in x, GA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:45:36 GMT

-Sounds as if Chavez had too much to drink, so he talked on and without purpose.

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Paul Heintz, Lenexa, Kansas — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:49:48 GMT

You have to just smile. He is good very good...

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Simon — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:56:02 GMT

Chavez is a threat to freedom in Venezuela -he will destroy the country if allowed to continue on this path to communism. Thank God the referendum failed there is hope afterall.

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Carmen Costas, San Juan, Puerto Rico — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:57:05 GMT

I watched 45 minutes of the conference which was televised by CNN on Saturday and couldn't stand it no more. In fact, I should have changed channels before. He was supposedly addressing one question related to Uribe's rejection of his intervention in the freeing of the FARC hostages. He started reading a paragraph of a letter he received from the FARC leader, and interrupted himself so many times and for so long, that at the end he had to start reading the whole paragraph again because it had lost all meaning. I pitied the newsmen who had to stay there listening to this self-centered individual and couldnt not just change channels like I did.

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Teresa De La Parra — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:06:41 GMT

I am a Venezuelan who has traveled abroad as a student and now as a worker. I am not rich by any means. I grew up in a hard working middle class home in Caracas under democracy. As a young adult I realized this democracy was abused and mishandled; as a matter of fact, there was a lot of corruption. Socially, that was the reason that I decided to adventure to a more balanced and fair society. I went to the USA. I actually found in the USA the society I was hoping for; however, I was living in Venezuela when the elections took place in 1998 and I was shocked when Chavez won those elections. It did not take a genius to see what he was up to from the beginning, and I am not an intellectual, not even a college graduate!, but you could clearly see how his campaign was geared towards psychological manipulation of the minds and hopes of the naïve, the poor and the ignorant. He included religious and witchcraft tactics as well. His strongest opponent was a man named Salas Romer, a Business degree graduate from Harvard who had previous government experience; he was also financially well off and descendant from a linage of a respectful, honest and prominently historic Venezuelan family. I thought he was the right person to take care of business and corruption for he had shown he truly cared and had the preparation for such a special job; not the ignorant, vulgar, maniac, brut, delirious, liar, murderer, money-hungry Chavez and his gang! Unfortunately the majority did not think so. And now everybody is paying the consequences. My feelings and prayers are with the noble people of Venezuela, who are so patient. I celebrate with you. You guys are admirable. In other countries they would already have shot the guy. But Venezuelans are still civil, they believe in peace and good will to men. Unfortunately, in the back of the mind of many lingers a fairy tale wish for a bright shining armor coming to save them from evil because they feel helpless and held down while their dignity, freedom and human rights are being twisted and chopped off (I guess this fallacy is part of the culture, and Chavez is very clever about using it to his favor) My heart goes to the Chavistas also. I plead you to think and realize your children’s brains are being washed by a dictatorship regime at the so called Bolivarian Schools and that you are trading freedom of speech and thought for that free Air Conditioning machine in your bedroom. And to the Vzlan embassy’s personnel, businesses, military people who are holding high positions in-country and overseas only because you support the PROCESS (El Proceso), I hope you also do some soul searching and realize you could really make a historically beneficial difference for Venezuelans, for the people you are supposed to protect, defend, represent (And yes, I know your families come first, so protect them before you do anything) Use your powers. Be pro evolution not revolution! What a predicament! I do not know how we will ever get out of this mess because Chavez does control everything. His intelligence team keeps track of everybody’s actions, even down to knowing the location, the day/time and how much you spend if you eat an ice cream cone. He lost the vote this time and I dare to think he could have manipulated the votes so he had something to “prove” to the world that “he is democratic” It could very well be another bone he is throwing to the people so their attention is focused in that direction while he is master minding other procedures for obtaining his wishes and desires -- It wouldn’t be the first time he has done it – SO, opposition: Keep strong and united. Watch out for Chavistas in disguise. Engage. Engage. Engage! Who knows, I may get in trouble for writing this comment. I better watch my back now! even overseas.

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ulises louise,toronto.ca — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:13:03 GMT

i"m cuban adn i concider fidel castro the only man who can talk about a question for hours and don't said nothing .chavez is only an student

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PETE NANCE GREENSBORO,GA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:13:45 GMT

Absolutly great news.Chavez needed to lose he is a tyrant and a embarrassement to his country.

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SilverFox39, Richland Center, WI — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:26:16 GMT

Sounds like Mr. Chavez has taken observational lessons from his buddy Fidel.....

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Bill, eastcoast, usa — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:27:01 GMT

There is no infrastructure in Venezuela. The sale of oil goes into pockets. Now maybe the money will start going into the country and back to the hard working people. Great country bad leader.

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Raul Olsamer — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:29:31 GMT

The Spanish King told Chavez to shup up, President Uribe of Colombia also told him off, his ex ex wife told him the same and now thank God the people of Venezuela told him.....Why dont you shup up!! (Por que no te callas !!!)

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bill, east coast USA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:29:48 GMT

ulises louise,toronto.ca... Ha Ha hee hee , that is so true.

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Edwin — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:34:53 GMT

In conceding to the popular vote, Hugo Chavez has just proven that is has more integrity and ethics than W. Bush and Cheney who rigged the FL vote and then used the Supreme Court and Kathrine Harris to give them the victory. This clearly shows what the Bush administration is really like and has made a mockery of our democracy.

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Nicole, Eugene, Oregon — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:37:00 GMT

I am so, so proud of you Venezuelans. You flexed your muscles and, barely, showed Hugo Chavez who is the boss. I just hope, beyond hope, that he is not planning something hideous in retaliation for being defeated.

If he does, I hope that we, as Americans, are here to support you in your quest for freedom and democracy. More democracy, it seems, than we truly have. Congratulations. I am proud.

Onward to Cuba with democracy!

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Sinister Minister — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:41:01 GMT

The true Devil got voted out.
Long live Venezuela !!!!

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James K, LI New York — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:45:00 GMT

History has taught us a great lesson about men like this. BRAVO! to the people of Venezuela who have seen through the lies and deception of a evil man hungry for ultimate power. The people have spoken.

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Alfredo Zoca, Caracas, Venezuela — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:46:29 GMT

El Presidente Chavez, promised that a vote for No was a vote for el presidente Bush. That is why I voted for No.

When will the inauguration take place? Long live el new Presidente of Venezuela! Long live Bush!!!!

An unusual news conference

jsmith — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:50:00 GMT

It is a delusion to think that anyone who scratched and clawed their way to power will be stopped by one vote, wake up world!

An unusual news conference

J.Flores, Houston, TX — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:50:12 GMT

The people of Venezuela have spoken, but I doubt Chavez will listen. He has spent way too much time with Castro to learn that leaving power is not the Socialist way of running things. Come 2012, he will find a way to stay in power.

Also, if he spoke for 3 hrs after "defeat", imagine if he would've won.....

An unusual news conference

Ritchard York — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:56:15 GMT

In the case of Hugo Chavez and the Venezuelan Bolivarian Revolution, the mainstream media and politicians in the United States have elevated their game of demonizing all who oppose US foreign policy and business interests to a higher level of absurdity than usual. According to the mainstream media, the only newsworthy stories in Venezuela are one sided diatribes lifted from the discredited, opposition-owned media in Venezuela. For example, we read about Chavez shutting down opposition TV stations. We hear that Chavez is rewriting the Venezuelan Constitution so he can be President for life. Chavez is a dictator, QED.

All the badly out gunned, alternative media in the US can do is try its best to rebut the bias in the storyline defined by the mainstream media. The tiny fraction of Americans who visit the alternative media discover that Chavez has submitted a proposal to change the Venezuelan Constitution in a number of ways, one of which is to eliminate term limits on the office of President. All changes will first have to be approved by the democratically elected Venezuelan National Assembly, and then also approved in a popular referendum before they become law. Only Americans who search out the alternative media discover that Hugo Chavez was elected President by a comfortable margin in 1998, survived an opposition-sponsored recall in 2004, and most recently was re-elected in December 2006 with more than 60% of the vote. International observers certified all three elections as fair and square. George Bush, on the other hand, was selected President by a partisan Supreme Court after losing the popular vote in 2000, and won re-election only because enough black voters in Ohio were disenfranchised by a partisan Republican official to keep the Buckeye State in the Republican column in 2004. Few observers believe Bush could survive a recall election today, but of course this basic element of democratic rule is not permitted by the US Constitution. Nonetheless, the only storyline ninety-nine percent of Americans hear remains: Hugo Chavez is a dictator and George Bush is the democratically elected leader of the free world.

An unusual news conference

Susan, Shreveport, Louisiana — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:00:33 GMT

It is refreshing to learn that sanity and good judgment is alive and well in Venezuela! As a US citizen with a daughter-in-law from Central America, I am very interested in political developments in this part of the world. Anyone who wants to rule for life is, ultimately, up to no good, regardless of what acomplishments have been made up to now. This press conference may have been boring to those journalists present, but the behavior Chavez exhibited was, I believe, disturbing and should be recognized by the intelligencia of Venezuela and the rest of this hemisphere as dangerous. I am proud of my neighbors to the south!

An unusual news conference

redfox — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:00:57 GMT

It is great the people woke up before it was too late. Chavez supporters were beginning to worry over his thirst for power and his dictatorial outbursts. Lets hope Chavez fades into history.

An unusual news conference

Xavier, Miami Fl — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:02:47 GMT

In the Spanish language, it is called "cantinflear": The art to talk a lot without saying a real thing!

An unusual news conference

Ramiro Santa, Orlando, FL — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:04:32 GMT

The future of the Venezuelan people lies on the Venezuelans. It is very low for foreign powers to interfere with decisions that MUST be made domestically.

An unusual news conference

Phoenix, Az. — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:06:21 GMT

Only liberal idiots could find a way to make it sound like Chavez and his insane ways are better than our country under President Bush. You democrats are pathetic. Maybe you could all go live under Chavez and get out of America.

An unusual news conference

Robert, Phoenix,Arizona — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:12:05 GMT

You Bush haters need to move to a country you support. Maybe Venezuela. You could see the difference in their President and ours. Only a democrat could spin Chavez being a real democratic leader vs. our President. You will lose the next election if you continue to bad mouth our government.

An unusual news conference

John Shutterbrand, Salem, VA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:12:21 GMT

I don't know who is worse, our Bush or their Chavez. It seems there is no politician we can believe anymore. Maybe the Iranian guy? I don't know. They are all liars liars liars. Some lie talking too much...some others lie not speaking at all. Some say the Venezuelans have a dictatorship, and I ask them: What do we have here with all of this "patriot" acts and surveillance of the population...without mentioning the Guantanamo tortures...Like Jesus once said: "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone". I can't wait to vote against the Republicans this next November.

An unusual news conference

Chuck, USA — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:20:45 GMT

At least he said something, a far cry from the dictator that runs the US. A man whom stole two elections. And has thrown the US constitution in the toilet. A war criminal and an intellectual clown just like the people whom "hate" Hugo Chavez.

An unusual news conference

Jen Higgs, Caracas/Vancouver — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:22:14 GMT

Chavez, like the majority of Venezuelans, is truly democratic. I´ve seen various versions of the names out of a hat thing happen a lot here.

This is his first electoral defeat, but that doesn´t mean that the other elections were rigged. He´s very intelligent, has a huge heart, talks a LOT, and does almost everything he says. He truly beleives in his project and does what he thinks is best for the country.

In the Chavez administration's track record you have no expropriations of people's homes, or of small (family-sized) buisinesses. Poor people have been given title to the land (urban and rural) that they have lived on for years. Middle class people get given good loan terms to buy houses, cars, strt buisinesses. Capital investment is up 17% in the last 5 years.

The president of Brazil said "You can invent whatever you like about Chavez, but you can´t call him undemocratic". The King of Spain said "Why don´t you shut up and let me sleep?". And why on EARTH would we pay more attention to a monarch than a en elected president???

If Chavez is crazy I wish there were more crazy people in the world. People who put social benefit infront of personal benefit. People who go up in front of the UN and say that the emperor (Bush) has no clothes. People who say what's on their mind in a press conference.

An unusual news conference

Joe Crow, Chicago IL — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:38:28 GMT

Chavez's was very out of character... Who knows what he's plotting now... Beware that he won't let go of power that easy. Unfortunately, he still holds a somewhat influencial position in our hemisphere. His mental pathology has gotten him to trully believe what he says (including his lies), which makes him dangerous. This is a smart man and he knows how to manipulate and make this "apparent" defeat work in his favor.

An unusual news conference

Nancy Raye, Phoenix, AZ — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:38:58 GMT

I cannot believe people who actually live in the US could cheer for Hugo Chavez. If it were not for the rest of us suffering, I wish people who cheer this lunatic had to live under a rule such as he proposes. I believe, actually, I am sure you would change your cheers. And, after 2008, who are all you Bush haters going to hate. It is only an uninformed, pitiful minded person who can blame the problems of the entire world on one man. I bet he never knew he was so powerful. I wish everyone in the US who wants socialized government, medicine, education, etc. would go somewhere else to get it and leave the rest of us here to enjoy what freedoms we have left - that includes the Congress and the Senate.

An unusual news conference

Maria L — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:40:01 GMT

Chavez indeed talks too much but he also does much more than just talk..I definitely agree with Diane Stuart,Jupiter,FL..........Cheers Chavez . .
v

An unusual news conference

Glad I'm American — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:40:18 GMT

American Indians share many physical features of the Japanese and other Mongoloid peoples, but blood groupings show much greater differences.
I've been mistaken for a Jappanese by Japanese.
I've also been mistaken for an Afghan by an afghan lady.
Foreign visitors from Asian lands often approach me believing I'm of their race and ask for help in their own languages thinking I'd understand them.

Our skulls are Bracycephalic like the mongoloid peoples and the early Hebrews. Some Jewish colonists in early America believed that Indians might be descendents of the lost tribes of Israel.

The Japanese colonized parts of Brazil in the 19th and early 20th century. there are still Japanese enclaves in several South American countries.

Chavez is a Commie pure and simple but he's also a very smart individual. If he were not a smart man he wouldn't be a real threat.

Good show for the people of Venezuela. Dump the commie system and Chavez.

An unusual news conference

mess,houston, tx — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:41:47 GMT

now that the show is over ask Chavez to get some milk into venezuela or he will leave the next generation with physical problems worse than the biased history lesson....

An unusual news conference

GG — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:46:10 GMT

What were the four questions? Was my first reaction to this article and then the realization came that the responses would have been the rantings of a mad man......This is not the first time a man like this has emerged from the masses, Congratulations to the people of Venezuala for curbing his intent! The sad news is that until the masses are educated (this includes us in the USA) Chavez will not be the last.

An unusual news conference

Henri Meli, Raleigh, NC — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:47:47 GMT

More than a defeat for Chavez, this is a victory for the Venezuelan people. This is the most important thing to remember about this election. Presidents come and go. Dictators come and go, but the country and its people always prevail. And Venezuelans have proven that, they are intelligent and smart people. They can be fooled a few times, but they can't be fooled all the time. Yes, Chavez has done good things for Venezuela, but anybody that wants to remain in power forever doesn't deserve any respect. And Chavez is no better than all the other dictators, that are polluting the world...God bless the people of Venezuela...

An unusual news conference

Rafael, Hoboken, NJ — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:48:43 GMT

Hugo Chavez was certain that he was going to win the constitutional changes and therefore did not have a loosing message for a news conference, so he did what his mentor Fidel taught him : blah, blah, blah about nothing. Speaking of Fidel, I am certain Chavez will be meeting with the Cuban dictator, to formulate the next plan to eventually make Venezuela a communist country. If he does what Castro did with Cuba, the "modus operandum" will be to get rid of the clergy, the scholars, the rich and anybody that can stand in his way. Then he'll proclaim himself a Marxist, Leninist dictator just like "grandpa" Castro. And while Latin America turns communist, our government continues to waste time and resources in Iraq. South Florida, prepare yourself for the next immigration, the Venezuelans.

An unusual news conference

bill stephenson — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:56:22 GMT

to dazzle with deversion,chavez lives on. five more years of his b s and then adios. thank God the Venezuelan people are a bit smarter than he thought.

An unusual news conference

nate — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:57:13 GMT

What is so wrong with giving people a say in where their tax dollars are spent or letting them spend more time at home rather than at work? We use to have an 8 hour workday in the US but now I leave the house at 5 am and get back home at 8 pm. 2/3 of my life is spent working for someone else and the other 1/3 sleeping. I would vote for Hugo if he ran in the US.