7/ Then, it got real embarrassing. In April 2019, we tried to organize a kind of coup, but it became a debacle. Everyone who told us they’d rally to Guaido got cold feet and the plan failed publicly and spectacularly, making America look foolish and weak.

8/ Since then, it’s been a running comedy of errors. For instance, Bolton scuttled promising transition talks led by Norway in August 2019 saying “the time for negotiations is over!” Then this March, Pompeo unveiled a transition plan that is a carbon copy of the one we killed.

9/ Now, having wasted a year trying to work on a transition plan, Guaido is boycotting the upcoming legislative elections.

So what then? Keep recognizing Guaido as the nation’s leader, even if he doesn’t control the military, the government, or even hold office?

10/ It’s a total disaster. After a year and a half, Maduro is stronger, American influence is weaker, and there is no viable path to restore democracy in Venezuela. A case study in international relations malpractice.