Potatoes to the people! Comic vows to challenge Chavez

[T_i_B]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article1221865.ece

Could a comedian who wears a straw hat and poses as a country bumpkin, complete with his own donkey, dislodge the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez? Benjamin Rausseo, who also goes by the name of the Count of Guachero, seems to believe that he can.

Mr Rausseo, who is better known as a fast-talking comic specialising in irreverent and edgy stand-up, this week cast aside his trademark headwear and entered the political fray - formally registering as a candidate for the country's elections in December.

"This is a solemn event," he told hundreds of his cheering supporters. "I've temporarily separated myself from the Count of Guachero character, but he's going to help me in the campaign."

Mr Rausseo claimed that Mr Chavez's years in office - he was first elected in 1998 - had brought only "words, speeches and hate". He added: "The country wants solutions. I want a system that guarantees us opportunities without discrimination or ideology. We want peace, happiness, security and lots of potatoes for the people. People will make their own decisions whether they take me seriously or not."

[w4rma]

1. He reminds me of Kinky Friedman. A right-wing clown who suckers in

progressives. And like Kinky he has no chance.

[StClone]

3. Gimmicks not Governing skills

He may as well be Jesse Ventura.

[brentspeak]

9. What makes you think this Venezuelan comedian is a "right-wing" clown?

[Peace Patriot]

2. "Lots of potatoes for the people"? That's about as funny as Bush

"hunting" for WMDs under the rug in the Oval Office. Nazi humor.

[last1standing]

4. How is this possible?

Every time I read the news or listen to a pundit talk about Venezuela, its always about "Chavez, the dictator". It seems strange that a dictator is being challenged for the presidency. It almost makes it sound like a democracy, but that couldn't be, because our president keeps saying its not. I'm very confused - I guess I'll just have to watch some more FAUX so they can tell me what to believe.

[jobycom]

7. Democracy is where the courts appoint a leader. Dictatorships are where

the leader tries to do what the people want him to do. Get your definitions straight, or you'll be vacationing at a sunny resort in the Carribean soon, until you learn to love your Democracy.

[ClintonTyree]

5. A Venezuelan Pat Paulson.

You could count on it back in the 70's. Every 4 years Pat Paulson would "throw his hat into the ring". Afterward, all he had left was a crumpled hat.

[0007]

6. Perhaps this idiot will learn fart jokes from junior

Expect to see "potatoes for the people" on junior's menu soon.

[jobycom]

8. Man of the year, starring Robin Williams. Directed by Barry Levinson

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0483726/

Trailers: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0483726/trailers

I don't really care who runs or wins in Venezuela, as long as an honest election is held and the people choose whom they honestly want to run things for them. I like to think that there are still places where that happens. I'm probably naive in that hope, though.