Michael Bustamante

In this insightful discussion, Michael J. Bustamante, an expert in Cuban history, explores Fidel Castro's dynamic journey and revolutionary fervor. The conversation touches on Castro's flirtation with Marxism, his audacious swim to the U.S. border, and his burgeoning partnership with the legendary Che Guevara. Listeners will uncover Castro's transition from exile to revolutionary leader, the dramatic events leading to their perilous sea voyage, and the challenges of survival in hostile territory as they plan to overthrow Batista’s regime.

Michael Bustamante, a history professor at the University of Miami and author of Cuban Memory Wars, explores how foreign conflicts shape immigrant voter patterns. He discusses the significant influence of Arab American voters during Super Tuesday, particularly regarding concerns over President Biden's foreign policy. The conversation highlights the evolving dynamics within Cuban American voting, shaped by historical trauma and their leanings toward the Republican Party. Bustamante emphasizes the importance of political engagement and its implications for democracy in a tightly contested election.