the United States and Cuba, the relationship between President Kennedy and President Betancourt became closer than ever. Establishing a direct phone link between the White House and Miraflores (Presidential Palace) since the Venezuelan president had ample experience on dealing, defeating and surviving, actions of Caribbean regimes. These conversations between both presidents were translated by Betancourt's only child, Virginia Betancourt Valverde, who served as interpreter and confidant to her father. Later president Rafael Caldera distanced himself from the doctrine, which he thought had served to isolate Venezuela in the world. A thesis that continues to be debated among academics and intellectuals who see in Betancourt not an isolationist but a courageous defender of democratic principles in the midst of adversity and ferreous enemies. Later life In 1964, Betancourt was awarded a lifetime seat in Venezuela's senate, due to status as a former president. His last days were dedicated to writing and to his wife Dr. Renee Hartmann. He died on 28 September 1981 in Doctors Hospital in New York City. On his death US President Ronald Reagan made the following statement: Personal life Betancourt was married to Carmen Valverde, who served as First Lady of Venezuela from 1945 to 1948,, and 1959–1964. Virginia Betancourt Valverde was the Betancourt's only child. Divorced he married Dr. Renee Hartmann. Rómulo Betancourt was a very close friend of the governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Muñoz Marín, visiting the island often and frequently exchanging political views with him, viewing him as a political advisor on democracy. Although they disagreed on certain issues they remained faithful friends. On one occasion in 1963, he refused to attend the inauguration of Juan Bosch as president of the Dominican Republic if Bosch did not extend an invitation to Muñoz Marín, who had provided a safe haven for Bosch and various members of his political party in Puerto Rico. Betancourt attended the funeral of his friend in 1980. In popular culture The documentary film CAP 2 Intentos (English: CAP 2 Attempts), directed by , focuses on Betancourt's presidency between 1959 and 1964, after dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez was deposed. Bibliography Cecilio Acosta (1928) Dos meses en las cárceles de Gómez (1928) En las huellas de la pezuña (1929) Con quién estamos y contra quién estamos (1932) Una República en venta (1932) Problemas venezolanos (1940) Un reportaje y una conferencia (1941) El caso de Venezuela y el destino de la democracia en