So, I read both articles, and I don't think this indicates a left-wing swing.

First, all media organizations have different writers, with different opinions, and the earlier piece is a "CNN Opinion", while the second simply states that the bust was put in, and explains who Chavez was. These articles have very different purposes, so it is a bit unfair to compare them directly.

If anything, the earlier article is much more of a leftist piece. It argues that Chavez isn't likely to resonate with younger or non Mexican-American latinos, and so it is an ineffective strategy for Obama to honor him, and condemns both Chavez and Obama for their harsh immigration policies, something which the second article doesn't mention. This is clearly an attack from the left, that has no issues with Chavez's main policies, while the second article is more accepting of deportations and a harsh immigration policy.