COMMENT Like everything Hugo Chávez does, whether making policy while telling convoluted jokes on his prime time TV show Aló Presidente or sounding off against imperialist lackeys, his referendum scrapping the limits on how long he can remain in power is full of colour and controversy.
The Obama administration, unlike its predecessor that painted Mr Chávez in lurid, almost Iranian colours and backed a failed coup against him in 2002, gave a measured welcome to the “civic spirit” of the plebiscite. The leader of Venezuela’s “Bolivarian revolution” has, after all, won 14 out of 15 popular votes during his decade in power.
