Chavez: Rumors of romance with soap star a plot to sully image

Agencia EFE (Spain) ^ | 27 Jan 2006 | Staff

[Kitten Festival]

Caracas, Jan 27 (EFE).- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Friday that rumors about his plans to wed a soap-opera star were an attempt to tarnish his image ahead of the December presidential vote, when he plans to seek re-election.

After denying any romantic relationship with Venezuelan actress Ruddy Rodriguez, Chavez postulated that the U.S. "empire" and its Venezuelan "lackeys" were behind what he called a disinformation campaign. Chavez, a self-styled "revolutionary" who is a staunch ally of Cuba's Fidel Castro, regularly criticizes the United States for having an "imperialist and interventionist" position toward Venezuela. "The campaign has already begun to tarnish my image, that's what this Ruddy business is about; I can't explain it because there's been nothing to spark (these rumors). I don't think this is innocent fun," Chavez said in a national television and radio broadcast. Rodriguez, who has been married for more than 10 years to attorney Rodolfo Pizani, has also denied rumors about a supposed wedding with Chavez. But tabloids and other media outlets in Venezuela have kept the story alive. The actress, who is currently a cast member of the Colombian soap opera "La Ex," produced by Caracol Television, is known for starring roles in several other soap operas, as well as for her appearance in the 1987 James Bond film "The Living Daylights." Presidential elections in Venezuela are scheduled for Dec. 3. EFE gf/mc

[Kitten Festival]

He doesn't want Castro to be jealous.

[marron]

I don't know why that would sully his image, but it should certainly sully hers.

[BunnySlippers]

This is from the guy who said Condi is lusting for him. And that he would show that unmarried woman what a man is all about. Blech!

[Dallas59]

[Dog]

LOL

[Michael.SF.]

Wait. He paid for Cindy Sheehan's trip to Venezuela, right?

I bet he's boinking her. Now that is a really sullied image.

[tet68]

The Lady in question. Much too classy for the likes of Chavez!

[Crawdad]

Dude, that's a dude.

[Cicero]

Ruddy Rodriguez in The Living Daylights (Bond film)

[BenLurkin]

More like a plot to enhance his image.

Chavez in one homely m . . . .

[PzLdr]

{BONG}Mr. Chavez,Mr. Chavez. Time for your medication, Mr. Chavez.

[Proud_USA_Republican]

The only two things going for Venezuela:

1) It's stunningly beautiful women

2) It happens to sit under a ton of oil

[maggief]

[RedMonqey]

Damn, This guy can' wipe his a$$ without first blaming the "Grande Yanqee Norte" formenting a conspiracy against him.

Chavez, face it, you ain't a big enoungh dog to worry about.

[maggief]

oops ... the caption is more ridiculous than the pic.

U.S. anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan attends a news conference during the annual World Social Forum in Caracas, Venezuela January 25, 2006. Tens of thousands of international activists gathered for the World Social Forum to protest against U.S. imperialism and debate topics from fair trade to indigenous rights. The sixth world forum, an event that began in Port Alegre in Brazil, has registered more than 67,000 participants and starts with a march against imperialism and war that will likely focus on U.S. George W. Bush and the conflict in Iraq. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

[Fintan]

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After having some of Sheehan's funky stuff, even Susan Estrich will look good to this guy.

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[xcamel]

"Huggy Hugo"

and his new honey

[Proud_USA_Republican]

I can see why Hugo went into politics. I don't think he is "soap opera looks" material.

[popdonnelly]

"were an attempt to tarnish his image ahead of the December presidential vote, when he plans to seek re-election."

In other news, Jimmy Carter declares Hugo the winner.

[popdonnelly]

"Hugo, put this bag over your head. It will enhance your sexual performance."