Democratic campaign event sparks "socialism" uproar at Miami Cuban bakery
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Florida Democratic congressional candidate Eliott Rodriguez and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sip Cuban coffee at CAO Bakery and Cafe. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
A Democratic campaign event at a Cuban bakery in Miami sparked online outrage after conservatives claimed that associating with the Democrats equated to supporting socialism.
Why it matters: The incident — which forced two prominent bakery chains to publicly disavow socialism — shows that Miami's conservative Cuban community remains hyper-sensitive to even the slightest claims of socialism around election time.
- Although it's typical for candidates from both parties to campaign at Cuban bakeries in Miami, this comes at a time when Democratic socialist candidates have been winning primaries across the U.S.
Driving the news: Democratic Congressional candidate Eliott Rodriguez, a Cuban American from Miami, held a campaign event at CAO Bakery & Cafe in Pinecrest with Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
- Afterward, conservative influencer Josue Alvarez posted a video to Instagram slamming CAO Bakery for hosting Jeffries. He called Jeffries a socialist ally despite Jeffries' public rejection of the Democratic Socialists of America agenda.
- Alvarez also criticized CAO, whose owner's grandfather left Cuba as a political exile, for hosting "DSA affiliates" despite their family's history escaping Cuba's communist dictatorship.
- The video also mentioned Vicky Bakery, which was founded by the CAO owner's grandfather, sparking negative comments directed at both businesses.
What they're saying: Both businesses issued statements condemning socialism.
- "We want to clarify that Vicky Bakery and CAO Bakery are separate businesses with different ownership. The event referenced did not take place at Vicky Bakery," Vicky Bakery's statement reads.
- "As a business founded by Cuban immigrants, we stand firmly against socialism and deeply value freedom, democracy and opportunity."
CAO added that it was "a family-owned business, not a political organization."
- "Every day, we proudly serve Republicans, Democrats, independents, and everyone in between. Our doors are open to everyone in our community, and that's how they will always remain."
- "We respect your right to ask questions and appreciate the opportunity to respond. Once again, we want to make it clear that we do not support a socialist agenda."
The bottom line: In the end, Vicky Bakery drew more heat from liberals. CAO was grilled by conservatives — and embraced by some liberals.
- Manny Orozco, campaign manager for Democratic Florida Senate candidate Richard Lamondin, posted a photo inside CAO on Monday, calling it his "go-to spot for the remainder of this election."