Ailing Dictator to Run in 2008

Maybe he's not ailing. May well be dead for all we know. Whatever. But in an odd twist, he's not seeking the Democrat nomination; they already have the far left all covered. Of course, I predict another resounding 100% margin of victory.

Fidel Castro will be in "perfect shape" to run for re-election to parliament next spring, the first step toward securing yet another term as Cuba's president, National Assembly head Ricardo Alarcon said Thursday.

"I would nominate him," said Alarcon, the highest-ranking member of parliament. "I'm sure he will be in perfect shape to continue handling his responsibilities."

Mobbed by foreign reporters following a parliamentary session to discuss Cuba's upcoming elections, Alarcon said Castro "is doing fine and continuing to focus on recovery and rehabilitation."

A lengthy process of nominating candidates for municipal elections will begin this summer, leading to several rounds of voting. Then, by March 2008, Cuba should be ready to hold parliamentary elections that are expected to include Castro, Alarcon said.

Sounds like a fair and open process.

Curiously missing from the puffpiece are the words Communist dictator.