Here's my take on Chavez's statements

[John Gauger]

I was watching CNN this morning after breakfast in the student union and they had Chavez's statements followed immediately by Ahmedinejad's interview with Anderson Cooper. Chavez of course told an inappropriate and inflammatory joke. But what was really surprising was Ahmedinejad's spiel. He was calm and polite. He talked about love and peace, about freedom and justice, and about fighting oppression. He said Iranians love Americans as the love themselves, and that our current difficulties did not change that. The two statements made a sharp contrast. Most importantly, it showed my that Ahmedinejad, while a little whacky, is not insane. He says what he thinks is appropriate for Iran in Iran and for America in America. He showed that he is capable of rational thought and knows when to hold his tounge. Considering that Hugo and Mahmoud are buddies and that Hugo prides himself on his ability to outsmart the Bush administration, it seems to me that Chavez orchestrated the statements such that Ahmedinejad would gain credibility. I must say that compared to Hugo, Ahmedinejad seemed like a sane, rational, moderate and reasonable man. Hugo says that international relations is a chess game and that he is a very good chess player. He was able to outsmart the leaders of the 2002 coup against him and I think that he is outsmarting our government and media right now. He's no fool. By the way, if you have not read the book he recommended, "Hegemony or Survival" I encourage you to read it. It completely changed the way that I look at my country and the world, but more importantly the way I conduct myself personally. Professor Chomsky truly is a genius.

[leveymg]

1. The thought occurred to me, also: Good Cop-Bad Cop Act

Seems to have worked. No overboiling conservative heartburn about Iran today. Don't see any stock file footage of goosestepping Revolutionary Guards or Iranian missile tests.

Just a lot of half-amused commentary about Hugo's sulpher smell joke.

Kinda pleasant after-taste to it. Played well to the general mood of this country, which is very fed up with Bush and threats of war. Not to mention the laughter and applause of much of the audience at the UN.

Yes, they certainly do seem smarter than Team Shrub.