Outside the Beltway

Colombian politics edition.

The first round is tomorrow.

It’s certainly looking that way.

When people tell you who they are, believe them the first time.

…a gift for Dear Leader.

Trump has something in common with Hugo Chávez.

“When the president does it, that means that it is not illegal.”

And what application does it have to Venezuela in 2026?

In case you missed it.

“People are being designated” dontcha know.

We’ve seen this movie before.

Where’s Congress?

A reminder the US government sent people to CECOT who were then tortured.

(While murdering people without due process because of [checks notes] drugs.)

Bret Stephens wants to oust Maduro in Venezuela.

What could possibly go wrong?

The aid continues to grow.

I guess if we fail to vaporize you, you get treated like a criminial.

Brought to you by the “America First” crowd.

Colombia’s President said the wrong thing and had his visa revoked.

Birds of a feather and all that.

He now faces a federal indictment.

“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.”

It is one helluva a catch

This would include US citizens.

Thoughts on an unnecessary confrontation.

More immigration politics.

He is yet again underscoring what types of world leaders he likes.

This time: Aurora, CO.

He is seeking a new regional consensus.

The first of a potential three rounds.

A novel concept. Will it catch on?

Some quick hits.

The first round produced two very different candidates.

No, presidentialism does not lock us into two parties.

A possible murder plot in Colombia embedded into a problematic multi-decade narrative.

The Biden admin is about to take a demilitarized group off the terrorist list and some people aren’t happy about it.

Part of a disturbing trend.

SLT talking Colombia.

A problematically wide-open election in difficult times.

Most leaders ring up Joe.

Pondering lack of US interest in our friends to the south.

The pandemic is having serious effects in the region, and they will persist for some time.

Clips of recent police behavior reminded me far too much of scenes from authoritarian Latin America.