Staff Reports
Nicolas Maduro has once again taken the top prize in a presidential election, as declared by Venezuela’s election council. This announcement comes on the heels of exit polls projecting a staggering 30-point loss for the dictator, raising eyebrows well beyond the borders of his oil-rich but poverty-stricken nation. It seems that while Maduro held tight to the reins of power, his armed thugs were out and about, shutting down polling places and absconding with ballot boxes. No need for a crystal ball to see why everyone is rolling their eyes; this election was as fair as a three-legged race in an empty lot.
Political analysts predict that the immediate future is apparent: instead of stepping down and implementing reforms, Maduro will tighten his grip on power. A well-known saying, “You can vote your way into socialism, but you have to shoot your way out,” echoes in the minds of those who understand the nature of authoritarianism. Yet, across the ocean, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris seem blissfully unaware of this reality, perhaps because they’re too busy with their own daydreams of diplomacy.
The Biden administration’s latest bet on Maduro was spectacularly misguided. Easing sanctions in exchange for promises of “free and fair elections” is akin to handing the keys of a luxury car to a thief because he promises to drive safely. Surprisingly, granting a dictator who has already demonstrated a complete disregard for democratic principles a financial lifeline doesn’t lead to a heartwarming tale of redemption. Instead, it unveils yet another chapter of the Democrats’ repeated failures in foreign policy, reminiscent of their handling of Iran during the Obama years. It appears that the lessons of history are lost on a party that prides themselves on being progressive; the only progress here is in the reinvigoration of tyranny.
In response to this chaos, the current administration’s strategy can be summed up as sound bites and empty threats. Should Maduro choose to ignore the will of the Venezuelan people, it’s safe to say Harris will deliver a masterpiece of tough talk – clearly, words have been effective in moving tyrants before, right? The sad reality is that any hope for action from her is as slim as the chances of a vegan at a Texas barbecue. The Biden-Harris team, self-styled champions of human rights, seems perfectly content to watch another socialist regime flourish while merely issuing statements from their ivory tower.
We just watched Maduro steal an election and didn't do jack shit about it!
Venezuela's Election Was Just Stolen, and Biden-Harris Were at the Center of It https://t.co/vK13MPYl5H— Disgruntled Midwest Patriot (@MadPatriot60) July 29, 2024
Kamala Harris’ missteps in this charade should not go unnoticed, particularly as she attempts to build a case for her own presidential bid. Hers is a record marred by failure, and the implications of this diplomatic blunder will surely follow her into future campaigns. Should she ascend to the presidency, the fear is not just a repetition of past mistakes but a deepening of the very crises that she has played a role in fostering. The reality is that while Harris may wish to be viewed as a leader, her tenure thus far casts a long shadow over any aspirations for higher office. Let’s hope that next time, they try a little harder to learn from history before making the same misguided bets.
