Michael Shifter Chavez Quotations

The possibility we'll have another Chavez acolyte in Peru represents a serious challenge to the economic model and a threat to democracy.

More than any other leader, he is shaping the agenda and setting the terms of debate in the region. Chavez has the initiative, he's on the offensive, and everyone else is reacting to what he says and does.

To be frank, it doesn't surprise me. Chavez is a case apart; but if you look at the finance ministers -- Chile, Uruguay, Brazil -- all of them would please Milton Friedman with their fiscal discipline and their closing down of debts. And even those on the left stress 'effectiveness' as the model. It shows that the old labels don't have a lot of meaning in the present context.

These conflicting messages reflect a lack of clarity and coherence. When (Venezuelan President Hugo) Chavez speaks, they react. There is no strategy of thinking longer-term and in more strategic terms.

The way Robertson's declarations will play in Latin America is that Chavez is right and that the U.S. is out to get him.

It looks like we are headed for a collision. Chavez realizes that the U.S. doesn't have an idea of how to deal with him.