Suárez, who four months ago confirmed to DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS that he was seriously considering running for the nomination, spoke to the nation, from the Reagan Library, in California, about his points of view about the country’s challenges: inflation, lack of affordable housing and loss of US influence in the world.
“We must not shy away from the challenges that allow us to continue providing prosperity to generations to come,” Suárez said.
The moderate Republican candidate, who himself has said he has voted Democrat on occasion, was born in Miami to Cuban parents and was elected mayor twice and presents himself as a young face with innovative ideas.
“To face this challenge, we need a strong leader who shares the values of the United States, who understands that unity is more powerful than division,” Suárez said.
Son of the first Cuban mayor of Miami, Xavier Suárez (1985-1993 and 1997-1998), the popularity of the young Suárez began to grow nationally after he was one of the first public officials to contract COVID in March 2020.
Later, Suárez launched a Twitter campaign to attract the attention of companies from Silicon Valley to Miami, with a simple “How can I help?”.
The bet helped bring some firms to Miami, which found a more favorable environment in Florida due to the absence of certain taxes.
Later, the mayor of Miami emerged as an enthusiastic promoter of cryptocurrencies, before that sector went into crisis last year.
possibilities
Suárez talks about what he calls the Miami Model. He mentions the low unemployment rate, 8,000 new jobs and the conquest of some 80 companies to establish offices in the city.
He even talks about how Miami is today “a leading center of technology and innovation.”
But Miami is also a complex multicultural city, where high rents hit the pockets of its inhabitants and there are pending issues to attend to, be it with county, state or federal authorities, such as improving public transportation and personal income.
Those who do not applaud the decision that he opt for the Republican nomination, allege that the form of government that prevails in Miami does not give him enough experience because it grants powers to the administrator and prevents the mayor from being strong, with more voice and power.
“His reputation in Miami is good enough to give him a good image here, but it’s not enough to provide what he needs for a national campaign,” Sean Foreman, a professor of political science at Barry University in Miami, told the outlet. newscast City & State.
To support his thesis, Foreman mentioned the setback of the 2018 referendum, which would have changed the form of government in Miami to give Suárez more power.
The academic also brought up the long road that the mayor had to walk to convince the municipal commission about the construction of a soccer stadium and shopping center on public land for the Inter Miami team.
At the same time, Suárez must overcome the scrutiny of the $10,000 a month consultancy he would have received from a developer, while, as he claimed, “other mayors in Miami-Dade also have outside income.”
Either way, Suárez feels confident, as Barack Obama perhaps did as a senator, at 47, when he won the presidency in 2008.
But the jump from mayor to the White House is long and tortuous, and so far no one has made it without becoming governor or senator first.
“Who knows. Maybe there’s the plan. Gain exposure and then opt for a step”, commented the political consultant Andrés Sánchez, from the firm Sánchez & Associates.
Trump
Suárez was interviewed in Good Morning Americafrom ABC, to talk about his political aspirations, but the six-minute interview ended up addressing the existence of Donald Trump and the accusations for the alleged handling of secret documents and obstruction of justice.
When asked why he’s running for president, Suarez said he was “different” and “positive,” saying he would focus on issues like crime, homelessness and mental health issues.
So, the conversation turned to Trump.
“What do you think of the accusations?” asked communicator George Stephanopoulos.
“I think people expected, even some members of the press, that there would be anarchy, and I think what Miami did is what Miami has done: we have brought the murder rates to the lowest level per capita,” Suárez responded.
“Sir, I asked you what you think of the allegations,” Stephanopoulos replied.
“I want to talk about Miami. I think that if we continue talking about the former president, then the former president will be the candidate,” Suárez replied.
Some criticized him for dodging the question. Others praised him.
“That kind of conversation is not healthy for the country. We must talk about the issues that concern Americans. We shouldn’t be talking about accused candidates and I think that this way we would have a healthier conversation,” Suárez stressed.
Abortion
During an interview with the AP news agency, Suárez had to answer questions about abortion.
“I think the country still doesn’t agree,” she said about the six-week gestation limit for abortion, which could take effect in Florida if the state Supreme Court allows it.
Suárez said she would support a 15-week federal abortion ban with rare exceptions, which was proposed by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina last year.
“We are in a situation where 70% of the country agrees with a 15-week limitation, with an exception for the life of the mother and another for rape and incest, and I think it is a position that would save a tremendous amount. of babies,” said Suárez.
“If there was that kind of federal law, that’s one that I would support as president,” he said.
Meanwhile, Suárez continues his feat and goes to social networks, from his platform as mayor, and publishes: “My dad taught me that I can choose the battles and I am choosing the biggest of my life. I’m running for president. join me on and for just $1, help me secure a spot in the debate.”
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