Fraude Mexico 2006 — part 3 of 10

This ten minute segment of “Fraude Mexico 2006” continues Lopez Obrador’s dramatic speech to Congress, which was voting on whether or not to strip him of his position as Governor of the Federal District, and open the way for a criminal indictment on the murky hospital access road eminent domain case. AMLO accuses Fox himself of threatening democracy through his support for the “desafuero” which could lead to AMLO’s jailing on what were really very minor charges… and the loss of his political rights.  To AMLO, it seemed as if this was just an attempt to protect the “rich”.  One thing that stands out in his speech (at 01:50 in the video) — relevant right now in the United States — is his complaint that the Fox Administration sought to privatize gains, and socialize losses in the economy.

In what would become his campaign’s focus (and is still the focus of his “legitimate presidency”), AMLO also mentions the fight against privatization of PEMEX and the state electrical industries.

Vicente Fox made the argument that this was a sign that “no one is above the law,” but — given the massive street demonstrations in favor of AMLO — even Fox eventually backed down, going so far as to promise in a television address not to involve himself in the 2006 election (which, by law, Presidents aren’t supposed to do anyway… though they do).

Fox faced a hard sell, claiming his hard line on AMLO was all about democracy and legality.  Faced with massive street protests, the President backed down.

By February 2006, AMLO’s campaign was underway, and growing.  One of the more interesting aspects of this segment of the video is the AMLO version of the “Straight Talk Express”… the campaign swing through rough back country over rought back roads.  Mexico has modern communications networks — campaigning is still done the old fashioned way with stump speeches to the electorate, and flesh-pressing tours.

Although the funding given to political parties is extravagant, Mexican elections are publically financed and there are strict rules on advertising.  The series of ads calling AMLO a “liar,” a “danger to Mexico” and comparing him to Hugo Chavez were later found to be illegal … but, by then, the damage was done and the case was moot.  Not said in the film, but well known, was the role “swiftboaters” played in this election, financed by “outside organizations” (now illegal as well), and advised by Dick Morris and Texas political consultant Rob Allyn, who “translated” — or rather ghost wrote — Vicente Fox’s biography and had advised the Fox campaign in 2000.