Sen. Ted Cruz blasted 2020 Democratic presidential front-runner Bernie Sanders for defending the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro in an interview that aired over the weekend.

Cruz, a Texas Republican senator of Cuban descent, took offense.

"It really makes a difference when those you murder at the firing squad can read & write," Cruz said.



It really makes a difference when those you murder at the firing squad can read & write. https://t.co/4DKbSKpI6t — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 24, 2020



In his appearance on CBS's 60 Minutes, Sanders said it was "unfair" to suggest the Castro regime in Cuba was all bad.

“We’re very opposed to the authoritarian nature of Cuba, but it’s unfair to say everything’s bad," the Vermont senator said. "When Castro came into office you know what he did? He had a literacy program.”



"When Fidel Castro came into office, you know what he did?



He had a massive literacy program."



– @BernieSanders pic.twitter.com/3cIwlO52L9 — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 24, 2020



The socialist leads the 2020 field after winning the Nevada caucuses, which followed strong performances in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Sanders has long advocated for "Medicare for all" and steep taxes on the richest Americans. Years ago, he said he did not mind being referred to as a communist.

Castro was one of the most brutal dictators in the world's history, who's authoritarian regime led to a mass exodus of Cuban nationals to the United States, especially in South Florida. He died in November 2016 and was succeeded by his brother Raul Castro.