A U.S.-trained economist has suddenly become the front-runner in Oct. 15 presidential elections by pledging to “give the lash” to his nation’s corrupt political class and delivering an anti-U.S. message similar to that of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. On a recent afternoon, Rafael Correa spoke to thousands of Indians in their native Quichua, reminding them that he lived among them two decades ago as a volunteer teacher and development worker, and brandishing a belt as he spoke out against the politicians who have long oppressed them. Full Story