► This is great. A couple of weeks ago, Chavez ran his big mouth off, calling President Obama, "ignorant".
So what happened today when Chavez met the President, in person -- he melted. HA!
Meanwhile, President Obama is on the verge of TEARING down that 50 year old Wall that has separated Cuba from the United States.
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Peace is at Hand:
"The United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba," President Obama said at the Summit of the Americas opening ceremony.
The flurry of back-and-forth gestures began earlier this week when Obama dropped restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba, challenging his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, to reciprocate.
In a diplomatic exchange of the kind that normally takes months or years, Castro responded within hours to Obama's policy changes this week.
He extended Cuba's most open offer for talks since the Eisenhower administration, saying he's ready to discuss "human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners -- everything." Cuban officials have historically bristled at discussing human rights or political prisoners, of whom they hold about 200.
Castro, using conciliatory language of a kind rarely heard in the 50 years since the Cuban revolution, grabbed the attention of U.S. officials when he said: "We could be wrong, we admit it. We're human."
"Let me be clear: I am not interested in talking for the sake of talking," said President Obama, "but I do believe that we can move U.S.-Cuban relations in a new direction."
(AP) & (LAT)
► A contrite Chavez. It reminds me of the scene in Frosty the Snowman, when Santa scolds the magician.
► "Me?! No, Mr President, I would never insult you. It must of been another Hugo Chavez."
► The naturally gracious President Obama did not let the insult bother him.
► The Deputy.
► Argentinian President Cristina Kirchner is a big DKos favorite.
► It's amazing how children respond to the President.
► Marine One flying over Mexico City.
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Bonus Coverage:
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► The Alaskan press has been kicking Governor Goofy's ass, as she commits one fuck-up after another.
For the FIRST time in Alaskan history (since 1959) a Governor's cabinet choice went down the tubes.
Yesterday, her racist, sexist, homophobic appointee for Attorney General was REJECTED by the Republican legislature. Way to go, pitbull.
► Senator Franken with Frani.
► Lemme tell ya, guys -- the men and women in Trinidad are effen gorgeous.