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This is how Trump introduced Guaidó in the state of the Union 2:59
Editor's Note: Carlos Alberto Montaner is a writer and political analyst at CNN. His columns are published in dozens of newspapers in Spain, the United States and Latin America. Montaner is also vice president of the Liberal International.
(CNN Spanish) - In his very important speech on Tuesday in Congress, President Donald Trump especially distinguished Juan Guaidó, interim president of Venezuela, and highlighted the political support provided by more than 50 countries.
That was worth to Guaidó and to those who support him, in my opinion, the majority of the Venezuelan people, one of the few standing applause they gave him, Democrats and Republicans, to the president's words.
There was no one to sit in the imposing compound. It was a national cause, not partisan. But what does that mean in practical terms? What has been said in opposition circles, very explicitly, is that it is an “armored vest” against the bullets of Nicolás Maduro.
- LOOK: PHOTOS | Guaidó in Washington: from Donald Trump's speech to the White House
It is true that, still, it is a symbolic gesture, but the symbols have an enormous weight in politics.
After Trump's words, the cost of imprisoning Guaidó upon his return, or any other type of attack, would be very high, and the White House would have the free way to take very strong military reprisals.
Moreover, what everyone would expect from the United States government is a violent reaction to a fact of that nature, so Cuban advisers will surely recommend moderation to Maduro, even if it goes against the worst repressive instincts in Havana or Caracas.
- MORE: “Shocking measures will be seen” against Maduro's regime after Guaidó's visit to the White House
Naturally, that position will be accompanied by something that the Cuban political police usually do: they will not touch Guaidó's hair, but they will avenge Trump's words around Guaidó.
The purpose will be to face it in its circle of power. What would be naive is to expect these subjects to keep their arms crossed. They don't usually do it.
Donald Trump Juan Guaidó Nicolas Maduro
