Amy & Juan speak to Latin American History professor, Greg Grandin

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JUAN GONZALEZ: And how active has the United States been behind the scenes on this issue, in terms of trying to prevent Venezuela from being the Latin American candidate?

GREG GRANDIN: Oh, I think it’s been very active. It’s been very active both in promoting Guatemala -- and it needs to be said that Guatemala just a few years ago was decertified by the U.S. for not cooperating in drugs. Otto Reich of all people had singled out Guatemala as being a kind of nest of corruption. Human rights violations are on the rise, but Guatemala has been rehabilitated, and the U.S. has been pressuring its allies to support Guatemala. Now it's a secret vote, so it could play out. Nobody knows how it’s going to play out when it actually goes to the General Assembly.

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