Chavez Popular Support Increased.

According to Between The Lines - audio, the lockout and rallies and agitation appears to have increased Chavez's popular support. This was in an interview with Steve Ellner, professor of history at the Universidad de Oriente in Caracas

"According to the polls Chavez still is the most popular politician. The polls indicate that Chavez has between 30 and 35 percent, and this figure is actually from before the strike. Chavez has actually gained support. According to one survey that I saw that was published in the newspaper, it's a weekly newspaper that's called Quinto Dia, his support is up to about 50 percent. I mean that's just one survey that was quoted in the press and it's not a pro-Chavez newspaper."

No possible opposition candidate has been supported by more than 25%. Polls may be misleading as they understate lower economic classes.