Angie Nixon Faces Bipartisan Criticism Over Cuba Dictatorship Response
Florida Senate nominee Angie Nixon draws backlash for her qualified answer on Cuba’s dictatorship status.
2 min read
Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon is facing bipartisan criticism for her response to a question about whether Cuba is a dictatorship. During an interview with CBS News, Nixon stated, “You know, that is what people have told me. I have never been to Cuba, and so I will have to take their word for it.” The answer sparked controversy, particularly among Cuban American communities in southern Florida, where the issue is highly sensitive.
Controversy Over Qualified Response
Nixon’s response was seen as evasive, given her affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America, an organization that has praised Cuba’s late leader, Fidel Castro. Critics argue that her answer ignored the well-documented history of Cuba’s oppressive regime, which has led many to flee the country. Southern Florida, shaped by generations of Cuban exiles, has a strong political influence from this community.
Rebuttal and Editorial Criticism
In response to the backlash, Nixon posted on X, criticizing CBS News for its reporting. “It’s disappointing to have to say this, but CBS News, this is a serious failure of editorial reporting,” she wrote. She claimed that her answer clearly acknowledged the Cuban government as a dictatorship, based on the accounts of Cubans she had spoken to. CBS later deleted its original post that suggested Nixon had skirted the question.
Bipartisan Outcry
Both Democrats and Republicans voiced their disapproval of Nixon’s answer. Phil Ehr, the Democratic nominee in Florida’s 28th Congressional District, called her response “disappointing” and emphasized that Cuba is a communist dictatorship. “Anyone seeking to serve in the United States Senate should be able to say those words without hesitation,” he stated.
Political Repercussions
Other Florida Democrats, including Elliott Rodriguez, also criticized Nixon, stating that Cuba’s status as a dictatorship is a factual matter, not an opinion. Republicans, including Rep. Byron Donalds, called her response “the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.” Nixon’s stance on Cuba has been questioned before, with her noncommittal response toward Fidel Castro, saying, “I don’t believe he’s someone that should be praised.” Her recent comments followed her response to concerns from Cuban Americans about voting for her.
Source: Breitbart
