Leading Bush critic at home calls Chavez a "thug" [House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said at...]

Reuters ^

[Sub-Driver]

Leading Bush critic at home calls Chavez a "thug" Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:43 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - One of President George W. Bush's fiercest political opponents at home took his side on Thursday, calling Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez a "thug" for his remark that Bush is like the devil.

"Hugo Chavez fancies himself a modern day Simon Bolivar but all he is an everyday thug," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference, referring to Chavez' comments in a U.N. General Assembly speech on Wednesday.

"Hugo Chavez abused the privilege that he had, speaking at the United Nations," said Pelosi, a frequent Bush critic. "He demeaned himself and he demeaned Venezuela."

Simon Bolivar led the fight for independence against Spanish rule in several South American countries in the early 19th century and is cited by Chavez as a political model.

Chavez, a vociferous critic of Bush and the United States, has allied himself with U.S. opponents Cuba and Iran and has led a resurgence of left-wing populism in Latin America.

[Sub-Driver]

maybe she didn't get the talking points memo this morning.

[justanotherfreeper]

I think they've figure out aiding our countries enemies is not a winning electoral strategy.

[twigs]

This IS her talking point. Americans--except those even crazier than Pelosi--don't like the kind of speech coming out of any foreign leader on our soil. The Dems know it.

[mewzilla]

Note to Chavez: You can buy 'em, but that don't mean they'll stay bought....

[50sDad]

It has finally happened; the world is so clearly, totally and officiously Lefty that the American Left is scared not to be seen defending America!

[calex59]

Oh, she got them alright. I guess you didn't read when Hugo left the US last night at about 10:30 when all the dimwits he was supposed to hang with today decided he was poison. Internal polls must have shown the revulsion most Americans felt for this guys speech and now the dimwits have decided to try to be patriotic.

[Nathan Zachary]

Whaaat the?? Pelosi said that? Can't be!!! She's crossing over into traitor territory with that comment, and we all know how Chavez deals with those he considers traitors to him. She better cancel that visit just to be safe.

[Bluegrass Federalist]

I saw on Drudge that Rangel had criticized Chavez, and was glad to see it. It was headline only and I was waiting for the article. As much as I think Rangel is a dangerous kook, I can believe it from him. I don't buy it from Pelosi. At least she said the right thing, even if her heart (or the place her heart would be) is in the right place.

[maggief]

Rangel: Can't criticize my president on US soil ... but we'll take the dicounted oil.

[Kimberly GG]

I heard his American fans begged him not to go!

[Merry]

It's not a coincidence that Rangel and Pelosi have issued statements today condemning Chavez's statement. Their polling must have shown that most Americans were furious with the UN and this clown. I hope our Republicans in high office have been just as vocal.

[montag813]

Sounds like Pelosi has been listening to Michael Savage on her hometown station. He has been attacking her harshly for being silent about Chavez.

[Paradox]

They should have held PRESS Conferences yesterday to say this. Rangel, Pelosi, should have released something immediately upon finding out what he said. This tells me that the Dems have seen some kind of polling numbers which show that the average American thinks Chavez is a p*nk-*ss-B*tch. They probably snickered to themselves when he said this, and enjoyed the responses they read on DU and KOS, but when the polling came in, they sh*t their pants.

[NormsRevenge]

The hypocrisy meter is amping out..

How can one rap someone who is joined at the hip with Fidel and then berate Hugo for his latest utterances while her very own party has so openly expressed the same sentiments is laughable... done for appearances sake only, nothing more , imo.

[Names Ash Housewares]

Fascinating isn't it?

Pure political posturing.

Chavez pretty much says what they say and think.

Fun watching them do the dance.

[rj45mis]

I think they've figure out aiding our countries enemies is not a winning electoral strategy.

ding..ding..ding.. we have a winner!

[Paleo Conservative]

[sanjacjake]

Deport his fans.....Pelosi knows the voters will
shift to the big R's with the forigners coming here
and insulting our President...esecailly on our soil
and our dime..which UN cannot function without --the $$$$
down the drain by You and me....Jake

[tobyhill]

The Rats are scared to political death that they will be associated with Chavez's rhetoric but stupid them, they already are.

[jrooney]

Pelosi and Rangel today have condemed Chavez now. Why? Because he said the same type of rhetoric donks have been saying for the last 5 years and he sounded like one of them. The donks have to try and distance themselves from this because voters are waking up to this fact how looney the left can be. Cindy Sheehan has given Chavez lap dances and the donks have wrapped their arms tightly around her, so there is a connection now to Chavez that can be seen in the dark.

The donks know that Chavez's comments are only going to favor GW and the Republicans with voters. THANK YOU ROVE for the early October surprise!!! I look forward to the mental judo you can cast on other liberal lunatics to make them say stuff. :)