Florida Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon is confronting criticism from both sides of the aisle after a recent interview about Cuba’s government. When CBS News asked her directly whether she considers Cuba a dictatorship, Nixon replied, “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.” She later clarified on X that she was referencing the accounts of Cubans she has spoken with, adding that she believes their description of the country as a dictatorship.
Response from the media and Nixon’s clarification
CBS News initially posted a clip that suggested Nixon declined to answer the question. Nixon called the coverage a “serious failure of editorial reporting,” writing on X, “I clearly state in this clip that while I have not personally been to Cuba, I have spoken with Cubans who have described it as a dictatorship, and I believe them. To claim I declined to answer the question is categorically false. That is not journalism. It is misinformation.” CBS later removed the original post, added an editor’s note acknowledging the mischaracterization, and reposted the interview.
Democratic criticism
Among the Democrats voicing concern was Phil Ehr, the Democratic nominee for Florida’s 28th Congressional District. Ehr said he had heard from Cuban‑American voters in South Florida who were “frightened” by Nixon’s remarks. He wrote, “People like this woman thanked us for standing up not only against DSA rhetoric, but for their dignity and humanity.” Ehr also called Cuba a “communist dictatorship” and said there is “nothing progressive about making excuses for communist dictatorships,” adding that he would not stand behind Nixon or defend her remarks.
Elliott Rodriguez, the Democratic nominee for Florida’s 27th Congressional District, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Cuba being a dictatorship is not a matter of opinion. It is a fact,” and cited political prisoners, repression, and Cubans who have died seeking freedom as evidence.
Republican backlash
Republican leaders also weighed in. Sen. Rick Scott (R‑FL) wrote on X, “Like many of her Democrat colleagues who can’t seem to define what a woman is, we now have a candidate for the U.S. Senate who can’t define a dictatorship.” Rep. Byron Donalds (R‑FL) called Nixon’s answer “the craziest thing I’ve ever heard,” adding, “Of COURSE the Castro regime is a dictatorship. It’s sad to see what has become of the Democrat Party. They are fully consumed by socialism.”
Background on Nixon’s DSA affiliation
The controversy follows Nixon’s recent decision to join the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a move that has prompted questions about her stance on the organization’s positions regarding Cuba. In an August interview with CBS Miami, Nixon was asked about DSA’s praise of Fidel Castro. She responded, “I don’t believe he’s someone that should be praised,” and noted that she does not agree with every position taken by DSA.
Implications for the Senate race
The incident highlights the ongoing tension within Florida’s Democratic Party between more progressive elements and traditional anti‑communist voters, many of whom are Cuban‑American descendants of exiles. As the Senate primary heads toward the March primary, candidates are likely to face further scrutiny over their foreign‑policy positions and affiliations with left‑leaning groups.
Both parties appear poised to use the episode to rally their bases: Democrats emphasizing the need for clear condemnation of authoritarian regimes, and Republicans framing the episode as evidence of a broader socialist agenda within the Democratic Party.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
