A co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) appeared visibly flustered on CNN when challenged by anchor Boris Sanchez over the organization's recent statement commemorating Fidel Castro. Sanchez, whose own grandfather was imprisoned in Cuba under Castro's regime, pressed Ashik Siddique on the DSA's description of the Cuban dictator as 'a stalwart symbol of anti-imperialist struggle.'
Sanchez shared his family's history, explaining how his grandfather faced political persecution and eventual imprisonment by Castro for expressing his views. He questioned how the DSA's public support for Castro would be perceived by those who suffered under his authoritarian rule, particularly as the organization seeks to court voters.
Siddique responded by appearing to pivot the conversation toward the DSA's criticisms of income inequality in the United States and argued for expanding democracy globally. When pressed by Sanchez if lauding Castro's legacy aided in courting voters, Siddique stated the DSA's aim is to expand democracy everywhere. Sanchez then directly asked if Fidel Castro was a "beacon of democracy," to which Siddique admitted he "wouldn't say that."
Siddique then highlighted Cuba's universal healthcare system and its export of medical care as positive aspects of the revolution. Sanchez concluded the exchange by suggesting more conversations with individuals who have fled the Cuban regime.
The interview marked one of several instances where prominent DSA members have faced difficulty articulating the group's positions when questioned by mainstream media. In a separate interview, DSA co-chair Megan Romer struggled to provide a clear definition of the group's stance on "taxing the hell out of millionaires." Similarly, Dr. Frances Gill, a delegate on the DSA's political committee, was asked about public safety under a DSA platform that advocates for defunding the police and ending the prison system. She responded by discussing the need for investment in services like well-lit streets and substance abuse treatment as crime mitigation strategies, rather than directly addressing accountability for violent crime.
