Quote:
Originally Posted by SonOfaBeach
Sorry... Obama got *used* by Chavez. He calls Obama out as ignorant, states that he needs to read up more on the history of LA, then proceeds to hand him the "gift" of a book for him to read said history.
Obama stood there all wide-eyed and smiley. It made him look weak (and yeah, I guess ignorant).
You're right - it was politics - but it was Chavez playing the role of master politician in this scenario. Calling out the American president and then giving him some reading material so that he can go educate himself... Nice... The move just bolstered Chavez that much more amongst his socialist support base.  |
If he got used or whatever else is something that only time will tell.
Snubbing him would have made it worse as they could have continued to bash about how america is "above" everyone else.
It's really hard to hate someone who shakes your hand, accepts your gift with a smile and moves on.
To me it makes Chavez look foolish, you bash dude, complain about him and his ignorance then you want to run up and pose for a picture with him and have a smile on your face. If you hate the dude and everything he stands for you should not be shaking his hand with a smile.
Obama went on to say:
"And in all these conversations, here's what I emphasized, that we're not going to agree on every issue, but that, as long as we are respectful of democratic processes, as long as we're respectful of principles of sovereignty for all nations, that we can find areas where we can work in common."
He also added:
"One of the benefits of my campaign and how I've been trying to operate as president, I don't worry about the politics. I try to figure out what's right in terms of American interest, and on this one I think I'm right."