By IAN JAMES Associated Press. Published 11:02 a.m., Tuesday, July 5, 2011. CARACAS, Venezuela -- Hugo Chavez's surprise return from Cuba after cancer treatment was a classic maneuver for a president who excels at showmanship. It's also likely to give him a political boost as supporters rally around their ailing leader.The 56-year-old president projected a strong, vibrant image as he stepped off a plane early Monday. Smiling, he hugged his vice president, broke into song and later raised a fist in triumph.">By IAN JAMES Associated Press. Published 11:02 a.m., Tuesday, July 5, 2011. CARACAS, Venezuela -- Hugo Chavez's surprise return from Cuba after cancer treatment was a classic maneuver for a president who excels at showmanship. It's also likely to give him a political boost as supporters rally around their ailing leader.The 56-year-old president projected a strong, vibrant image as he stepped off a plane early Monday. Smiling, he hugged his vice president, broke into song and later raised a fist in triumph.">

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Chavez future in doubt

He projects strong image in return, but suggests he's not ready

By IAN JAMES Associated Press. Published 11:02 a.m., Tuesday, July 5, 2011. CARACAS, Venezuela -- Hugo Chavez's surprise return from Cuba after cancer treatment was a classic maneuver for a president who excels at showmanship. It's also likely to give him a political boost as supporters rally around their ailing leader.

The 56-year-old president projected a strong, vibrant image as he stepped off a plane early Monday. Smiling, he hugged his vice president, broke into song and later raised a fist in triumph.

"It's the beginning of my return!" he declared.

That afternoon, he rallied thousands of supporters from a balcony of the presidential palace, telling them: "We will also win this battle for life."

Wearing fatigues and the red beret of his army days, Chavez revealed that he had been in intensive care in Cuba and held up a crucifix.

The crowd chanted: "Oh, no! Chavez won't go!"

Despite the confident image, doubts about his future re-emerged as he suggested later in the day that he isn't ready for a full comeback.

He told state television by telephone that he doesn't expect to attend celebrations Tuesday marking the 200th anniversary of Venezuela's independence from Spain. Normally, Chavez would be front and center at the patriotic event.

Still, for a president who knows how to command attention, his surprise return was signature Chavez and sent a powerful message that he remains in control. During nearly a month in Cuba, uncertainty has swirled about how sick he is and what would happen if cancer were to force him from power.

Chavez will likely play up his plight to rally his movement as he looks ahead to 2012 elections, in which his allies say they are convinced he will be their candidate.

Unanswered questions about Chavez's health abound. He has said he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, and his foreign minister said it was extracted from the same part of the "pelvic region" where Chavez had an abscess removed in Cuba on June 11.

Source: www.timesunion.com/news/article/Chavez-future-in-doubt-1452694.php

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