Hugo Chavez Thinks CNN Trying to Get Him Killed

Pop quiz, hot shot: On any given day, who is more likely to say the nuttiest thing?

1. Sean Penn
2. Rosie O'Donnell
3. Keith Olbermann
4. Hugo Chavez

Regardless of your answer, on Wednesday, November 28, 2007, the whacky dictator from Venezuela wins the booby prize for saying CNN is trying to get him killed.

As deliciously reported by Reuters moments ago (emphasis added throughout, h/t JammieWF):

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Wednesday CNN may have been instigating his murder when the U.S. TV network showed a photograph of him with a label underneath that read "Who killed him?"

The caption appeared to be a production mistake -- confusing a Chavez news item with one on the death of a football star. The anchor said "take the image down" when he realized.

Stop laughing...he's serious:

But Chavez called for a probe in an interview on state television, where he repeatedly reviewed a tape of the broadcast, questioning why the unconnected photograph and wording were left on screen for several seconds.

"I want the state prosecutor to look into bringing a suit against CNN for instigating murder in Venezuela," he said. "... undoubtedly it is part of the psychological warfare."

With all due respect, Hugo, in order to employ psychological warfare, your target has to have a brain. But here's the best part:

Chavez has singled out CNN for biased reporting in what he says is a U.S.-sponsored campaign in the foreign media to destabilize Venezuela. CNN says its coverage is objective.

Hmmm. Chavez thinks CNN is biased; CNN says its coverage is objective.

Got to go with Chavez on this one.

*****Update: I decided to remove Ron Paul from this list, as regardless of what I think of some of his positions and statements, he is indeed a U.S. Congressman deserving of respect. I apologize to those that might have been offended.