However, perhaps for diplomatic reasons, President Castro on other occasions has appeared to at least partially absolve President Clinton from responsibility for the Elian affair. Instead, he has focused his fire on the right-wing Cuban groups in Miami, who for decades have been vicious opponents of the Cuban Revolution. Yet it is clear in this matter that the Clinton administration, not the Cuban Mafia-like elements in Miami, are the central players in U.S. policymaking. Mumia's son addresses rally Raul Castro, according to an Associated Press report, told reporters that media coverage of the battle over Elian Gonzalez had helped Americans better understand Cuba and its people. Indeed, Cuba's stance on the Elian case has been widely featured in the U.S. press.
Authorative surveys report that it was the most covered news story in U.S. history.
A significant amount of this coverage included, for the first time, reports on Cuba that had normally been banned from the U.S. media. These included favorable descriptions of Cuba's achievements in education, health care, and child psychology and concern for its youth in general-as well as coverage of the undeniable continuing popularity of the Castro government. The mass mobilizations in support of Elian's return have often featured individuals who have been highly critical of U.S. policies. Cuba has expressed a particular interest in Mumia's case. President Castro often attends its sessions and meets with American participants from diverse backgrounds.