Recent US-VEN history

The US established crushing trade sanctions against Venezuela to punish Maduro. It also launched a coup attempt, which failed, together with a right-wing opposition (that wasn't what people wanted). I think they would have elected an honest Chavista, but they did not have that option.

The sanctions spread poverty in Venezuela, and pressured millions of Venezuelans to flee to the US and other countries. That suffering many have convinced may to vote against Maduro just now. But the US could have been far more helpful if democracy was its goal.