A vocal campaign by officials in America might be used by Chavez as a way to inspire nationalism in support of himself. He'd love to be the proud anti-American voice.
I did notice that we decided to close down a couple of sections in the embassy in Caracas today. That's a minor step which will be largely ignored, especially in America, but it is a movement in the diplomatic game of chess now being played.
this is an excellent point. as it is, the supporters are the poor and uneducated, and the opposition is the middle/upper classes, educated, traveled and more likely to have ties to the US. Chavez would certainly capitalize on visible American support for his opposition.