In video footage from Venezuelan state television that emerged Monday, the interaction between President Obama and President Hugo Chavez this past weekend at the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago is shown to have not been all smiles and back-pats, as has been widely reported.

In the video, there seems to be a level of subtly awkward discord between the always-cool Obama and a rather peripatetic Chavez. A description from the Los Angeles Times notes:

No smiles in this exchange. In fact, Obama at first appears eager to walk away and is held back by Chavez. The American president then dominates the ongoing discussion and is seen gesturing with his right hand and pointing his finger several times at Chavez's chest.


No word yet from the White House on the contents of this little-known exchange.