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Trend Tracker® Talks Politics With Ana Navarro

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- In this edition of "Women To Watch," Trend Tracker Tara Gilani tracked down political analyst and network TV contributor, Ana Navarro.  The two met at the landmark Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, owned by Ana's longtime significant other.

Ana Navarro is a Republican strategist, a political expert and a network television contributor who is respected for her smarts and revered for her sense of humor. She's fierce, fearless and funny and a force to be reckoned with, in two languages, English and Español.

Navarro was born in Nicaragua.

"A lot of people think I'm Cuban," she said. "I think it's an attitude thing. I tell people 'All the good things I know I learned from the Sacred Heart nuns, all the bad things I know I learned from politicians and the Cubans'."

Ana's childhood taught her to care about politics.

"I think being an exile, having to flee your country; I had to flee when I was 8 years old and I think it makes it unavoidable for you to realize that politics matters. Elections matter, being involved, being informed matters and it affects every day lives."

Tara noticed that Ana is not shy.

"I think you have to be yourself. You have to be comfortable in your own skin. You have to let your nature be what guides you, and your instinct be what guides you," she explained. "When you're being genuine that comes across, people appreciate that. If they like you or they don't like you, at least you know it's on your own terms."

Watch Trend Tracker® Tara Gilani's One On One With Ana Navarro

Ana lives life on her own terms.

"I'm against Amendment 2. I'm against any drug that gives you the munchies. If they're going to legalize any drug, I want it to be the one that gives you the long, drawn look and takes away my appetite," said Ana.

"Su mantra es mi mantra," replied Gilani. "This is a tough world we live in," Navarro said. "How do you get through the day without a little liquor and a little humor?"

Regarding 2016, Navarro is clear. "I have a hometown favorite; he's close to my heart; I really hope Jeb Bush runs."

Ana's longtime love is Gene Prescott, owner of the landmark Biltmore. A house divided, indeed.

"When it comes to people like Ileana Ros-Lehtinen or Mario Diaz-Balart, even though they are Republicans, Gene is all in.

He better be all in if it's Jeb Bush versus Hillary Clinton. That could be a problem because you know he's an FOB: Friend of Bill."

Ana loves her work.

"It doesn't suck. It's stimulating. I get to talk, debate, hang out, converse with some of the sharpest political minds in the country. At the end of the day frankly, I'm just too old, fat, rich and happy to do something that doesn't fulfill me. So as long as it makes me happy and as long as they keep paying me, I'll do it."

"Here's hoping they keep paying her!" said Gilani. "Cheers Ana Navarro!

For more on Ana Navarro, follow her on Instagram and on twitter at @ananavarro and watch her on CNN.

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