The Tyrant

In a recent op-ed in El Universal, a leading Venezuelan daily, the journalist Roberto Giusti described Chávez and The Great and Terrible Oz as “consummate showmen with a shrewd ability to manage emotions of a large audience and, using a mixture of half-truths, pin the blame for people’s ills on enemies, real or imagined.”

Like The Terrible Oz, Latin American caudillos recognize and exploit real grievances in their countries. They confront an ossified political establishment, develop a strong bond with their followers and attack their opponents and the media with no holds barred—sometimes even encouraging violence. ​

 - From the Wall Street Journal.