As U.S. Sanctions Maduro and Hints at Regime Change, a Debate on Resolving the Crisis in Venezuela

The Trump administration has issued sanctions against Venezuelan President Nicolis Maduro as tensions escalate in the country following a controversial vote to elect a new National Constituent Assembly-which will have the authority to rewrite Venezuela's constitution. According to the official tally, at least 8 million people-or 40 percent of eligible voters-cast ballots Sunday, despite an opposition boycott. The right-wing opposition has accused Maduro of attempting to consolidate his power. Two prominent leaders of the right-wing opposition-Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma-were taken from their homes by security forces early this morning. Meanwhile, the director of the CIA hints that the agency is working to push regime change. We host a debate with political science expert George Ciccariello-Maher and economist Francisco Rodriguez.