Only The American Left

Only the American Left loves Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez -- you know, Harry Belafonte, Sean Penn, Cindy Sheehan.

Chavez's own people don't worship at his feet:

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has lost his lead eight days before a referendum on ending his term limit, an independent pollster said on Saturday, in a swing in voter sentiment against the Cuba ally.

Forty-nine percent of likely voters oppose Chavez's proposed raft of constitutional changes to expand his powers, compared with 39 percent in favor, a survey by respected pollster Datanalisis showed.

Of course, in response Chavez said:

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - President Hugo Chavez warned his supporters on Friday that anyone voting against his proposed constitutional changes would be a "traitor," rallying his political base before a referendum that would let him seek unlimited re-election in 2012 and beyond.

Ah yes, Hugo Chavez, the man adored by the American Left.

BZ