Back on Capitol Hill, newly appointed Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Speaking in a hearing on global threats, McConnell singled out Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell: “In Venezuela, [Venezuelan President Hugo] Chavez is using his popularity to undercut the opposition and eliminate checks on his authority. He is among the most strident anti-American leaders anywhere in the world and will continue to try to undercut U.S. influence in Latin America and internationally.”

McConnell went on to strongly suggest he believes Cuban President Fidel Castro will not live to see next year.