Bush and the Cuban Vote

I'm no expert on Cuban-American issues, but it seemed to me last night that Bush just lost the Cuban vote and possibly Florida with it. We can only hope...

Last night talking about immigration Bush said, "Now, it's very important for our citizens to also know that I don't believe we ought to have amnesty. I don't think we ought to reward illegal behavior. There are plenty of people standing in line to become a citizen. And we ought not to crowd these people ahead of them in line.

If they want to become a citizen, they can stand in line, too.

And here is where my opponent and I differ. In September 2003, he supported amnesty for illegal aliens."

Seems to me that the only ones getting amnesty and cutting in line is Cubans coming over to escape Castro. Is Bush saying he wants to end that policy? Is there any other groups currently getting amnesty? Am I way off here? Anybody with some real knowledge of this aspect have any opinions? Thanks

•  No, he wont lose them over that....

  ...but rather, he'll lose about half of them over other issues.  He tightened up the rules on visiting relatives in Cuba (no more aunts & uncles - mom & dad only) and sending "personal items", which has pleased the ultraconservative half of the Cubans.  The other half, im betting is so pissed of that they'll at least consider voting Kerry, tho most will probably just stay home or vote Nader, local nutjob, etc...

  by Turtle Bay on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 01:00:19 PM PDT

  •  I even wrote

    last night that he lost a bunch of Cuban votes saying that illegal immigrants should be allowed to see their families.  Meanwhile, Cubans can see their families what, once every three years?

    by jimmything2681 on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 01:09:41 PM PDT

•  Apples and Oranges

  
  What he was referring to was Democratic support for legalization of people, mostly Mexican and Central American, who have been in the country over a certain number of years.  He's not talking about anyone getting amnesty now but rather the potential for that happening in the future.  

  This isn't why he will lose the Cuban vote -- they're not who he was talking about and they will know.  He's losing their votes based on the issue of whether people can visit their family members -- but not because of this statement.  

  by Minnesotan on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 01:16:32 PM PDT