His pro-Cuban, socialist policies are also controversial domestically and have increasingly polarized the nation and national media, according to the Atlanta-based Carter Center, which provided election monitors in the nation's 2006 presidential elections.

CNN: Venezuela's Chavez appears chipper, energetic on state TV

The convention begins with a flourish, with Clinton and Carter taking center stage, much as they did two times each upon accepting the Democratic presidential nomination.

CNN: All lights shine on Kerry