Question/Comment: Have we ever been this close to socialism before? Referring, of course, to all of the bail outs and attempted influence on the “free” market. Paul Solman: It’s an intriguing question, Dave. Yes, I think the New Deal was…

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was sworn in for a second six-year term Wednesday, vowing "socialism or death" in a move reminiscent of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, as he pledged to continue the country's movement toward a socialist state.