Venezuelans voted enthusiastically to vote themselves into a dictatorship. They did it several times, perversely Chavez sent them to the polls several times in those early days and again and again they approved his seizure of power.
This is the ultimate flaw at the heart of democracy. It is no guarantor of freedom. It guarantees that people who do not want freedom do not get it.
Chavez did win the first election fair and square. All the elections since then have been rigged. He did not win any election after the first one.
The only reason he won the first elections is the people became disgusted with the corruption in government and the voted for Chavez. Today they are disgusted with Chavez and also very afraid of him.
As Stalin said, "it is not important who they vote for, what is important is who counts the votes."
I lived in Venezuela for a few years. It is a lovely nation with good people. I fear our nation will be on the same path if Obama wins the next election.