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He's a Heritage Foundation senior policy analyst. He specializes in Latin America. He prioritizes US security and related interests.
He headlined "Big Shoes to Fill Globally." Chavismo without Chavez will be "daunting," he said. "Many predict it cannot be done."
Saying appears wishful thinking. Hardball US meddling prioritizes it. Venezuelans have plenty to say on their own. They're not about to roll over for Washington. They'll fight to preserve Bolivarian gains.
Walser repeated the usual canards. Venezuela's PDVSA oil company is "in trouble." The nation "suffers from high public debt." It's experiencing "slowing growth."
Its infrastructure is "failing." Its overall "domestic challenges" are daunting.
"Chavez is known for strutting on the international stage, playing bad boy to the United States. The Ahmadinejads, Castros and Ortegas of our world could count on a hero's welcome in Caracas.""Chavez's heir will probably be hard-pressed to cast the same giant Bolivarian shadow over the international landscape."
Whoever's eventually chosen will inherit strong popular support. It extends way beyond Venezuela. It's invaluable political capital. Chavez won't lead Venezuela forever.
His successor must use it wisely. Doing so can sustain Bolivarianism longterm. Venezuelans want it no other way.
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