Irina Vilariño

That article was written less than 2 weeks after Mariel began. It’s ridiculous to claim that perception changed so radically in 2 weeks. That article is another example of the xenophobia (which existed before and after Mariel) immigrants have always faced including Cubans.

I don’t know how somenone can praise Trump knowing he’s feeding that xenophobia after their family went through the same thing, but I certainly won’t. Many Cubans like myself don’t feel the same way as Irina.

I'd venture most do... especially when motivated by a certain generation of Cubans who view themselves as superior to other LatAm immigrants, like Irina and her "best in us history"

I don’t think it’s most Raul. My mother, a lifelong republican, vehemently hated Trump for a lot of the same reasons a lot of do. I going to post a few links I posted on how much the Cuban vote has changed - Imo in 2020 you are really going to see a huge shift

The younger (45 and below) certainly were/are trending out of the Republican base... but as far as the older, entrenched Cuban 'élite del exilio'... well, they're pretty much in line. Not that I needed to, but I witnessed it when I covered Trump's visit in 2017 in little havana

The example of my mother I was giving you is part of that dynamic. I know it’s anecdotal but I do think despite differences in generations, people recognize hate for what it is and don’t like it. But I’m no longer on South Fla, so I may not have as good as a gage as you

I'm sure there are older Cubans like your mother... but most benefit (or think they benefit) from his policies.

Those older Cubans were the ones that sacriced with blood sweat and tears. DON’T EVER MEMTION MY MOTHER.