Bolivarian revolution: The musical!

Posted By Joshua Keating Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 1:21 PM Share

ANDREW ALVAREZ/AFP/Getty Images

So maybe Hugo Chávez does have a "prize-winning record of managerial incompetence," as Andy Webb-Vidal argues in a new FP web exclusive, "Dumb and Dumber," but perhaps he has other talents. For instance, can he carry a tune? It seems that when not admonishing his countrymen for buying alcohol, luxury cars, and breast implants ("the latest degeneration"), Venezuela's president can still get down with his bad self:

All of his sermonizing about vices and virtues might make Chavez seem like a prudish sourpuss to some, but he also likes to party — in his own clean way.

He says he unwinds with pickup baseball games or outdoor bowling matches known as "bolas criollas." And during marathon speeches he breaks into song frequently — so often, in fact, that one aide compiled recordings of him singing on an "All Time Hits" CD, which has yet to be released to the public.

"There I am singing, but it's terrible," Chavez said.

Forget Kevin Spacey, he should be talking to Timbaland! Check out Chávez on vocals here and judge for yourself.

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