Whatever you think about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, you have to admit that the guy is a pretty central figure in Western Hemisphere's oil politics. Hugo is in town this week for the United Nations General Assembly. Last night on nightline, he directly accused the US of having plans to invade his country - a plan called Balboa (as in Rocky I guess)

In-between making fiery speeches condemning the US and saying the UN should move its HQ to the 3rd World, Hugo has made a few stops in poor NYC neighborhoods in Harlem and The Bronx. And he's bearing gifts: He has offered to sell deeply discounted Citco gasoline and heating oil to community organizations, schools, churches, and low income residents in several poor communities in the US.

That might make him more popular in those communities, but I doubt it will change Pat Robertson's mind that he should be assassinated.