World leaders offered mixed reactions to the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. In the U.S., President Obama released a brief statement.

"At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez's passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government," Obama said.

Chavez lost a two-year battle with cancer on Tuesday. He saw himself as a revolutionary, but his legacy will be much more complex.

J.D. Gordon, former Defense Department spokesman for the Western Hemisphere, discussed the national security implications with Capital Insider.