Chávez Says He's Willing to Consider Sending Ambassador to U.S.

Oh c'mon. I'm so tired of people associating Obama with socialism, calling him weak for trying to be diplomatic, accusing him of hating America, or any other of this partisan rhetoric. Half the problems people like blaming him for are inherited from the previous Bush administration, and yes, Obama will screw up sometimes, but what president doesn’t? Criticize him if you want, but at least wait till we see some of the effects of his policies later down the road.

As for the handshake, what was he supposed to do, backhand Chavez on the spot? Big-stick negotiating doesn’t work anymore; we’re not as strong as we used to be. We can’t simply ignore these leaders anymore. I’d much rather have them under a watchful eye than pout in a corner, and I prefer a president who could push America’s agenda with a misguiding smile, instead of missiles and American lives.

"Obama spent 20 years at one of America's most racist church"

Huh?

Obama went to Bob Jones University which didn't allow interracial dating until the last couple of years and that basically looks on Catholics and other non Protestants like Al Queda does the infidel?

I did not know Obama went there.

I know Bush spoke there and I know right wingers love that place.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

When you want to look at the future, look at your past as a guide.
Obama spent 20 years at one of America's most racist church ( Trinity with Rev, Wright), and he also had no problem with terrorists like Ayers that acually bombed police headquaters.
Obama is very confortable with Chavez, Morales and Castro. He is home!! They all share the same values of socialism and marxim.

We the people are in for one big revolution. Obama has sold out America and will continue on a destructive path with the help of his new socialists friends. Spreading the wealth will take on a completely new meaning. Increasing welfare entitlements at levels never seen before with the recent stimulus bill is just the beginning spending our way into self-destruction.

Exactly who was it that created the rift? Did Chavez inherit the "mess"? What was the state of affairs with Venezuela before Chavez? Precisely what was it that Bush did to set the malignant troll off? What do expect to get from a socialist? Please.

Ven needs US dollars.US needs Ven oil.
Ven is no threat to the U.S. (it is why the former President ignored Chavez)

If everyone feels good about themselves because Obama wants to play nice with an anti-american like Chavez, then by all means, feel good about yourselves.

Other than that, it doesn't change anything.

At least two people have said Obama is the smartest Pres we have ever had.

Really? Jefferson and Adams seem to be a couple that would present a serious threat to that hypothesis.

The worshipers that say things like this are the very reason the left loses any credibility after it gains power.

The reason Obama seeks approval from dictators and third world oppressors is a simple one -- he is on their side. They don't like America, and Obama doesn't like America. Obama's spiritual guide, the Reverend Wright, said "God Damn America!" That is Obama's guiding principle.

Obama is right at home with these left wing anti American diatribes by Ortega and Chavez.

Remember, this is a guy who sat in the pews of Rev Wright's so-called church listening to the exact same vile (for 20 YEARS) - without a problem.

Nothing new here.

Can't wait to see the '10 and '12 commercials with Obama smiling holding up Chavez's anti American book.

What a tool!

Obama is just playing along with Hugo.. he's like an elephant (not a GOP one) that never forgets any slights.. I'll go out on the limb and say that Chavez may have guaranteed his own demise this w/e.

Obama is a strong leader..don't be fooled by his wanting to have a cordial relationship with everyone. Obama is probably the brightest,smartest president we have ever had..everyone who has interfaced with the guy talks about his brilliance..and the fact that he is a listener and respects people..ask Gates..who made a statement to that effect a few weeks ago when comparing Obama with George Bush. I am proud of our president and based on the most recent polls it seems as though a majority of Americans feel the same way. So those of you Republicans who like war and toxic relationships between America and the rest of the world..Obama is not your man and George Bush is gone! George Bush is gone and to that I say Hallelujah!

anonymous,
You are right..Obama has a "lack of inexperience" ha ha..in essence what you are saying is that he has a lot of experience.."out of the heart the mouth speaketh"..so even when you try to "cut down" our intelligent president you are indeed complementing him. So much for you smart Republicans(wink, wink). Obama is the brightest president that we have ever had..hands down..no debate.

Some of you bloggers want Obama to be a clueless leader like your George Bush..Ain't going to happen because Obama is smart..probably the smartest president we have ever had.

The country of Venezuela is dangerous because of this 'crazy' leader, Chavez. Obama wanted to change; Obama is wrong. I don't think we will have Ambassador to the US from Venezuela; they made this up. They can't be trusted. I don't trusted these Latin America leaders. We should boycott the Latin America countries Venezuela, Boliva, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and Central America countries and Cuba, for example just like Spain. Obama has a 'lack' of inexperience and leadership. He will lose the election in 2012.

Jake Tapper's Political Punch has turned into Fruit Punch infiltrated by the illiterati right wing neocons.

Chavez is making his list of demands and he won't be successful because Obama is not anyone's puppet. All of these Latin American countries using Cuba as the carrot in order to forge relations with America.. ain't gonna work Chavez, Ortega of Herrera.

President Obama is in control and some world leader are confusing cooperation and dialogue with weakness. Look how Sarkozy flipped out this week. Now in Latin America they think they can manipulate the smartest main in the ballroom.

As Obama marks day 60 of his presidency he is in total control of our world from his trip to the G-20 to the Summit of the Americas; he is large and in charge.

Chavez said, "I think we should progress quickly towards a new relation with Cuba based on respect, without conditions, and I think there is a good chance that will happen."

There are always going to be preconditions the Castro brothers are going to have to deal with in order for the trade embargo to be lifted.

If Chavez is so powerful, yes I know he is Mr. Petroleum of Latin America, why does he have to hitch his wagon to Cuba?
Lack of confidence, I guess.

Talking can't hurt... maybe some good will come of it... better to look on the bright side.

Amazing jhw539

You have no words of wisdom for reaganfan

This was a good move. We really don't have conflicts with Venezuela, and it was only diplomatic clumsiness on the part of the last administration that made them an issue. Dealing with them as a minor side issue at this large conference was an appropriate move. Get the embassies restaffed and shuffle relations off to to the second tier desk at State where they belong.

We have talks with China and look into Russia's eyes regularly, yet merely talking to Venezuela is a problem? Just another sign of how disconnected from reality the Republican world view is.