As a diplomatic standoff between the United States and Venezuela continues, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez offered some suggestions Tuesday on whom President Obama should pick to be his ambassador in Caracas, instead of Larry Palmer, a diplomat who has openly criticized Chávez.

Hugo Chávez: “The naming of Palmer is dead, it has expired, and now they’re going to look for another candidate. I hope they name Oliver Stone. I’d suggest that as a candidate: Oliver Stone. Or who else? Sean Penn, Oliver Stone, or [Noam] Chomsky. We have a lot of friends there. Bill Clinton!”