Yes, that Socialist and American “pain in the You-know-where” President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is back again by popular demand.

Yesterday, in a record breaking election in which 80% of registered voters participated, President Chavez defeated his opponent, former governor Henrique Capriles, by 900,000 votes.

Despite Chavez’s recent struggle with cancer, which has left the former soldier physically weaker, he made powerful political statements and promises to the people, proclaiming that Venezuela would: 

“continue along the path of democratic and Bolivarian socialism of the 21st century.”

Although Chavez has claimed victory, many argue that he is facing a Venezuela that is evolving beyond the purview of his ” Bolivarian Revolution.” 

A significant portion of the overall turnout for the election consisted of voters who supported Capriles. Initially, Chavez did not take his opponent seriously, referring to him as a “loser,”  ”sycophant,”  and “fascist.” 

But with 45% of the votes, Capriles, many argue, was actually quite a worthy challenger. He campaigned all across Venezuela (even in the most destitute slums), stating that he was Venezuela’s future, while Chavez was the country’s past. 

For now, President Chavez’s leadership will continue to be part of Venezuela’s present reality. But although he will not have to worry about a title change for another six years, Chavez might do well to reconsider his policies and heed the words of his political adversary by acknowledging that Venezuela:   

“…is a country that has two visions, and to be a good president, you have to work for the unity of all Venezuelans.”

Assuming his health does not hinder him, Chavez has another six years in office to try doing just that.

One down, three to go. With Romney closing the gap in the polls — tied with Obama at an ironic 47% three days after the first debate — both candidates are expecting much out of their running mates at the Vice Presidential debate this Thursday.

And what exactly have they been told to do? Don’t mess up.

Both Biden and Ryan are gaining ground in their respective political parties, yet their potential for future leadership roles (and perhaps a 2016 presidential bid) may come crashing down with just one slip-up in their debate. As Julian Zelizer of CNN reports,

“in several cases, promising stars have been badly harmed by their performances, developing public perceptions that proved hard to shake.”

Remember the Biden/Palin debate from four years ago? “Can I call you Joe?” Something like that.

No matter how prepared Biden and Ryan may (or may not) feel, here is a quick list of five debate tips for the two mighty men, or for anyone who may be a potential candidate one day:

1. Don’t look like a sketch. (Nixon-Kennedy 1960)

During the first televised presidential debate in US  history, Nixon was looking less than swell after recently being discharged from the hospital.

Kennedy, on the other hand, was smashing as usual, sporting a glowing golden tan and a grin to woo masses of women. With a sweaty composure and caked-on makeup leading to a sallow skin tone, Nixon seemed like a nervous crook (cough). On top of that, his eyes wouldn’t stop shifting back and forth, narrowly avoiding the camera. Who would vote a sketch into office?

2. Don’t deny facts (Ford-Carter 1976)

When Ford was asked to speak on communism, he infamously replied with “There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe.” Really now? That’s like  stating that China does not have an inkling of influence in our economy today.

And then, Ford continued to back-up his obvious blunder. So, additional tip: Admit your mistakes – it shows that you’re human. Or, to make it easier, DON’T DENY FACTS. And communism.

3. Don’t compare yourself to someone you’re definitely not (Bentsen-Quayle 1988)

Here’s an example of a VP debate that turned sour. 

When asked if he was experienced enough to inherit the office of the President, Quayle stated

 ”… I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency.”

Bentsen responded

 ”Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy.“

Packing a punch! With inexperience comes stupid answers, followed by historical one-line zingers. Especially if you’re Dan “Wet Head” Quayle likening yourself to JFK. Nuh-uh. Candidates and running mates should just refrain from comparing themselves to any politician, because it can go bad either way.

4. Don’t be rude (Bush-Clinton-Perot 1992)

An innocent woman steps up to ask the three candidates a question:

Audience Member: “How has the national debt personally affected each of your lives? 

Perot: I have lived the American Dream and I want the future generations of the country to live it, too.

Clinton: I see my people lose both their jobs and their government programs., and I know them by name. 

Bush: *looks at watch* National debt affects everybody…interest rates…something something…my grandkids?

He might as well yawned and asked for a nap — Bush blew it. Don’t be rude. Pay attention to the people who are talking to you. You’re their public servant, after all.

5. Don’t forget your policy ideas (Republican Candidates 2011)

Remember this?

Please, please, please do not pull a Rick Perry and forget which agency you’ll cut on national television. “Oops” moments don’t cut it at this stage in the game — heck, this wouldn’t fly at a high school SGA meeting. 

So, Mr. Biden, Mr. Ryan — will your debate go well? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, we wish you luck. Tip of the hat. No pressure. Just don’t mess up. 

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Former Retriever midfielders Terry Kimener ’09, American studies, and Peet Poillon ’10, interdisciplinary studies, were part of the United States national lacrosse team which conducted an intrasquad scrimmage yesterday (October 7) at the Capital Lacrosse Classic at Landon School in Bethesda. This was the latest step for the U.S. team as it prepares for tryouts next summer before the 2014 Federation of International Lacrosse World Championships in Commerce City, Colo.

The scrimmage was also a preview of the Champion Challenge from Jan. 25-27 in Orlando, Fla., when the defending gold medalists will scrimmage at least one NCAA team.

This will be Kimener’s first competition in the red, white and blue.  In his sixth MLL season, the three-time All-American (2006-08) and 2008 America East Player of the Year had a break-out season with the Denver Outlaws in 2012, scoring 17 goals and adding 18 assists.

His Outlaw teammate Poillon tied for ninth in scoring in 2012 with 40 points (24-13-40) and surpassed the 100-point plateau (75-32-113) in his fifth MLL season. Poillon was a Second Team All-American for UMBC in 2009.

- Originally published on UMBCRetrievers.com

Former Retriever midfielders Terry Kimener ’09, American studies, and Peet Poillon ’10, interdisciplinary studies, were part of the United States national lacrosse team which conducted an intrasquad scrimmage yesterday (October 7) at the Capital Lacrosse Classic at Landon School in Bethesda. This was the latest step for the U.S. team as it prepares for tryouts next summer before the 2014 Federation of International Lacrosse World Championships in Commerce City, Colo.

The scrimmage was also a preview of the Champion Challenge from Jan. 25-27 in Orlando, Fla., when the defending gold medalists will scrimmage at least one NCAA team.

This will be Kimener’s first competition in the red, white and blue.  In his sixth MLL season, the three-time All-American (2006-08) and 2008 America East Player of the Year had a break-out season with the Denver Outlaws in 2012, scoring 17 goals and adding 18 assists.

His Outlaw teammate Poillon tied for ninth in scoring in 2012 with 40 points (24-13-40) and surpassed the 100-point plateau (75-32-113) in his fifth MLL season. Poillon was a Second Team All-American for UMBC in 2009.

- Originally published on UMBCRetrievers.com