Hugo Chavez: Fidel Castro in 'Great Battle for Life'

Fox News

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Thursday that Fidel Castro is in a "great battle for life," but added that he's been given reason by the Cuban leader's aides to be optimistic about a quick recovery.

Chavez's statement represents what may be the most dire wording yet from a close Castro ally in describing what ails the 79-year-old Cuban leader — perhaps the first by someone close to Castro that characterizes his condition as life-threatening.

I believe Chavez wants Castro to kick the bucket so he can take over Castro's spot as the biggest Marxist in the Western Hemisphere.