Symbolism

Lost among all the other issues during yesterday's UN vote was a small, symbolic moment that defined the two candidates.

As part of the last minute efforts to win votes, both countries handed out small gifts. Venezuela gave delegates blue silk bags full of chocolate. Guatemala distributed small, hand-made bracelets and dolls that are common among its indigenous communities.

While I'm sure the chocolate was appreciated, the unintended image presented was that one country was buying votes while the other country was earning them.