In the aftermath of Hugo Chávez's rise to power in Venezuela, Rafael Caldera reflected on the unexpected nature of Chávez’s presidency, admitting that no one anticipated his success in the elections. This oversight highlights how political underestimations can lead to significant consequences in democratic processes.

The quote draws a parallel between Chávez and historical figures like Hitler, emphasizing the dangers of aligning with charismatic leaders without recognizing their potential to undermine democratic values. The acknowledgment of miscalculations in political alliances serves as a cautionary lesson about the nature of demagoguery in political landscapes.