Peruvian novelist and politician Mario Vargas Llosa says Barack Obama would make a “magnificent” U.S. president.

The prize-winning writer says Obama “represents the American dream,” though he also respects rival candidate John McCain.

One of Latin America’s best known writers, Vargas Llosa ran for Peru’s presidency in 1990, but lost to Alberto Fujimori.

He spoke to reporters on Saturday in Venezuela, where one of his plays is being performed.

Asked about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Vargas Llosa said his government “believes in a type of authoritarian democracy” and “restricts liberties.”

Vargas Llosa has written more than 30 novels, plays and essays, including “Conversation in the Cathedral,” and “The Green House.”