Since retirement on January 1, 1993, Oliva has remained active in the anti-Castro effort, though largely steering clear of exile politics.

But the net result has been to plunge Radio and TV Marti into the ferment of exile politics.

The monolithic core that once dominated exile politics is splintering, and moderates are emerging as a vital new force among Cuban-Americans.

"He is as much a part of the problem as the solution," said Max Castro, who researches exile politics at the University of Miami.

But some Palestinian-Americans are skeptical that the radical exile politics goes beyond cheerleading.

But even as he was building his fortune, Mr. Mas remained active in exile politics in Miami.

Since 2001 the house has become a temple to the symbology of the most anti-Castro Cuban exile politics.

But others note that early militants have grown old or died, and that exile politics have matured.

The details of exile politics are presented unsparingly.

In 1962, Miami was full of exile politics, and Aruca wanted to continue his studies.