Hugo Chavez's 'Diplomatic Theater': Obama Upstaged by Chavez Photo Op at Summit of the Americas

(4/18/09) "The Summit of Distractions": Chuck Todd reports on the impact of Chavez's attempt to grab the spotlight by giving Obama a book by Eduardo Galeano, "The Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent" in full view of reporters.

Background Articles:

"Chavez Gifts Obama With Book That Assails U.S. for Exploiting Latin America": http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/04/chavez-gifts-ob.html

"Chavez to Name New Ambassador to U.S. as Ties Improve": http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aQnaorTIc698

"Obama Sees Positive Signs for Cuba, Venezuela Ties": http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=akpdoPwXIQ9Y

Video: NBC Nightly News

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Hugo
• Chavez
• Summit
• Americas
• Barack
• Obama
• Photo
• Op
• Handshake
• Hand
• Shake
• Book
• Venezuela
• Hand-Shake
• Cuba
• Cuban
• Raul
• Fidel
• Castro
• Socialism
• Socialist
• Trinidad
• and
• Tobago
• Latin
• America
• Shakes
• Venezuelan
• Hillary
• Clinton
• Read
• Diplomatic
• Diplomacy

[manuelabeltran]

How could any other nation dare to upstage the US? Everyone knows not to do that. How could insignificant countries like Venezuela or Cuba distract us from what is really important? Everyone knows only the US is important...That Chavez guy must be out of his mind thinking that Obama wants to be his friend, he was obviously trying so hard, specially with the kind of book he gave him... Venas Abiertas de America Latina, Eduardo Galeano, Maestro!

[hotdude23]

hugo is the man.. fucking love this guy.

[itrainsinoctober]

Chavez rocks. Most americans are fricken clueless.

[tristanXIV]

you are already at the knees of OPEC

[tonyg0123]

My new president is a bitch to all the world leaders. I feel so honored. Please introduce us to all your hatred towards America you socialist dictatorial piece of shit chavez! Obama should be at your knees in no time.

[cheljolie]

he will fix the world by the grace of jah,theres is nothing wrong about a friendly handshake,this has being the problem with the past leaders,show a good example so the people can follow, practice what you preach.

[nevysixstrings]

Obama hasn't done anything but put the US more in debt and make himself look like an idiot

[SekhmetTheAvenger]

WHO are you calling a stooge? you loser. Can you accomplish one quart of what Obama has accompliished so far? Learn Latin and Caribbean history. I bet you know more about the history of Erurope than the history of your own continent "the Americas" you know America is a continent not a country. Ignoramus.

[SekhmetTheAvenger]

I don't understand why Britain, France, that are located in Europe STILL OWN lands in the Caribbean and Latin America? does " THE MONROE DOCTRINE" applis only when the United States feel like it? The Reagan Administration provided the British with "intelligence" when Argentina tried to get their Malvinas islands back renamed the Faklands. Where is the justice when the US have a policy of destabilization towards Latin America and had some of their leaders assassinated.PEACE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.

[SekhmetTheAvenger]

The Caribbeans and Latinos expect a better relationship with the United States and Canada; We are neighbors. We should have open borders and free trade just like the Western Europeans are doing! Obama should take full advantage of the hands of friendship being offered to him. Nobody is burning the American flag at that summit that's a good sign.