Obama: I'll Stick With Embargo For Now

Admits America's Cuba Policy "Hasn't Worked The Way We Wanted It To," But Will Keep It In Place Until Havana Changes Course

(CBS)  By CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller

---

President Obama freely admits that the U.S. trade embargo of Cuba "hasn't worked the way we wanted it to" although it’s been in effect for nearly 50 years.

Even so, he made it clear today it will stay in place until Cuban leaders take more overt action to free political prisoners, and permit freedom of the press and democratic elections.

“The Cuban people aren’t free and that’s our lodestone, our north star when it comes to our policy in Cuba,” said Mr. Obama.

During a trip-ending news conference at the site of the Summit of the Americas (where Cuba’s exclusion and the U.S. embargo were highly-contentious issues), the president said his concerns about Cuba are “not simply something to be brushed aside.”

That puts his policy in line with all of his predecessors, who resisted calls at home and abroad, even from members of Congress, that the embargo be lifted.

Defending the exclusion of Cuba from the Summit, President Obama pointed out that all 34 leaders there were democratically-elected, which “conferred legitimacy” on them. He said that is not the case with Cuba's leaders.

He said his administration won’t change its policy toward Havana “overnight,” but he feels he has sent a signal to Cuba that he wants to see a “transformation.”

Some critics of the embargo say it has more to do with domestic politics than diplomatic principle. There would be political hell to pay in Florida, New Jersey and other places with sizeable Cuban-American populations if a sitting President or other politician advocated lifting the embargo before the Castro regime were overthrown and democracy allowed to take root.

The critics view it as hypocritical that U.S. policy allows enthusiastic trade with China, a Communist nation where political oppression is no less than in Cuba. It’s inconsistent to say the least, and yesterday, a senior administration official, under cover of anonymity, admitted as much.

“Look, our relations with each country in the world are a product of our history, our domestic politics. I think if you're arguing for consistency, it's something that we strive for but don't always reach. And that's obviously the case.”

In other words, the U.S. will trade with some oppressive countries, if it suits American commercial and political needs.

But Mr. Obama sees “signs of progress” in Cuban President Raul Castro’s offer to discuss all issues with the United States, including human rights.

The president said the U.S. would explore that offer “and see if we can make some further steps.”

“There are gonna be some ways the Cuban government can send some signals that they’re serious about pursuing change,” said Mr. Obama.

At an outdoor Q&A session with reporters, in the blistering heat of this twin-island nation, the president also defended the smiles, handshakes and exchanges of pleasantries with two of America’s most vocal critics: President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, who delivered a 52-minute anti-American tirade in his remarks during the Summit's opening session on Friday.

Mr. Obama said he doesn’t agree with all they said, but insisted no harm was done to American policy by his overtures to them.

He again said he wants a new beginning in U.S. engagement with the Americas, with no nation serving as junior or senior partners in the relationship.

And he went out of his way to disavow the reported plot to assassinate leftist President Evo Morales of Bolivia.

“I am absolutely opposed and condemn any efforts at violent overthrows of democratically-elected governments,” said Mr. Obama. “That is not the policy of our government. That is not how the American people expect their government to conduct themselves.”

And reminded of the case of the Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, sentenced by Iran to eight years in prison on charges of espionage, Mr. Obama said he was “deeply concerned” for her safety and said he had “complete confidence” that the allegations that she was a spy are wrong.

He said U.S. officials would be in touch with Iranian officials about the case.

Happy to get out of the heat, he left the terrace of the Hilton Hotel and headed for the airport and the five-hour flight home from this third foreign trip as President.

[noloyalisti]

But can you really compare Obama, trying to help the poor and middle class to Bushoccio? A lying, cheating, unqualified failure responsible for the deaths of millions of people. Someone who gave tax cuts to the already rich and multi-trillion dollar bailouts for bonuses to banks. Who essentially destroyed the economy of the world and plunged it into another Republican depression.

[poeticaintit]

How can the US call itself a "democracy" when every freaking president is absolutely petrified to take a course of actions that contradicts the will of those who have control of the money and the media?
How exactly is this any different from a "democracy" like Russia or Colombia? Or a dictatorship like Egypt or, say, Cuba?
If at least the economy was in good shape this whole thing wouldn't be so pathetic.
No wonder most people in the world can't find any inspiration in this so-called American "democracy".
Posted by PhilistineTheArtLover

I feel your pain. I remember thinking the exact same thing about Carter..really hated Carter and felt he was the world's biggest puzzie and shouldn't have ANY OF THE PRIVILEGES GRANTED TO EX PRESIDENTS. That was the general attitude, by the way, of 80% of Americans.

Well, I'm watching History Channel...The Presidents...love it....and I knew Nixon had been touched up to reflect SOME GOOD...but figured Carter would just be left hanging. No. They managed to scrap together enough positives about this limp **** that he actually sounded effective. Now to those born during the 80s...he probably sounds like a really competent and effective president. I know better. He was worthless.

So you see...given enough time...if you showed the kind of insanity or courage to step up and run for president...and actually earned the confidence of enough people with deeper pockets than your opponent...then you WILL BE REMEMBERED FONDLY....it may take 20-30 years...but it will happen. Obama will never know the downside of a presidency where people turn on you and blast you daily for any and all reasons warranted or not. And because of that we'll never know just what he's really made of to take it and still maintain a stature becomming of a man living what he believes.

I like to know what a man is really like when he's not greeted warmly every where he goes. I wonder how Obama would handle having shoes thrown at him...oh we know he's a nimble stin.ker...but he would he hold his head as high the next day? And no....I did NOT vote Bush....either one...at any time.

[Questionews]

It's because the latest intelligence estimate has shown that Cuban woman are way to hot for American men to handle.
Posted by mcthreeteeth at 4:38 AM : Apr 20, 2009


I'm getting a vision of Ricky Ricardo in drag. "Hey Luuceeey, I'm Gay!!"

[clancy49]

Well said, philistine the art lover.============= It is the powers that be that drive the globe in power and money. Cuba still will not agree to the Private Central Bank entrance into Cuba and that is why BHO has been forbidden to open talks with Cuba. Chavez is now part of the private central bank so we can accept that dictator nut case. To the Cubans I say, take heart. Cuba is better off remaining aloof from the dictates of the Private Central Bank. You can continue with one of the best health care programs in the world and the one of the best education programs in the world. The only thing you are missing is the marketed news, ipods, video games, and designer clothes. Not too bad of deal for you Cubans.

[spiritwalk]

Sounds like Obama is taking a reasonable approach, with room to react as conditions warrant.
Posted by tmn
..................................................
So far his approach is to maintain the staus quo on every single issue from Cuba to torture.

He campaigned on a platform of CHANGE. He was elected with a mandate for CHANGE.

His approach should be CHANGE and not dont rock the boat.

Maybe you and I have a different definition of the word approach, but I think approach should indicate movement and I do not see any movement at all on anything.

[spiritwalk]

Stepping away from the political rhetoric, which is a polite term for the b.s. coming from both sides, An interesting perspective on modern day Cuba can be found in the movie

Spaceman: A Baseball Odyssey at spacemanincuba.com

Bill Lee took a trip down to Cuba to play ball with some of the Cuban teams and its an interesting perspective of American/Cuban relations from the average Joe/Jose postion.

http://www.spacemanincuba.com/view-the-trailer.php

[tmn]

Sounds like Obama is taking a reasonable approach, with room to react as conditions warrant.

[hermitdave]

with the CHENEY-BUSH illegal Iraq crusade.
Posted by hermitdave at 4:53 PM : Apr 19, 2009
================
Nothing illegal about it all. And by the way...it was endorsed and funded by Congress. I don't think we should let Bush take the credit all for himself.
Posted by reasoned1955 at 5:27 PM : Apr 19, 2009 h

I agree the bums in congress deserve as much credit as Cheney-Bush-Rummy for the illegal invasion of Iraq. It was based on pure LIES. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11/01

[hermitdave]

with the CHENEY-BUSH illegal Iraq crusade.
Posted by hermitdave at 4:53 PM : Apr 19, 2009
================
Nothing illegal about it all. And by the way...it was endorsed and funded by Congress. I don't think we should let Bush take the credit all for himself.
Posted by reasoned1955 at 5:27 PM : Apr 19, 2009

[pensacola8-2009]

The stubborness of the USA in foreign policy up to this point has been ineffective.

The smallest poorest most obscure countries have shown that pure determination can clear over barriers the USA has left in place and cause considerable damage.

The USA must divorce itself of traditional Cold War Mentality.

President Obama clearly has the best interests of this nation in his mind and heart as he presides.

The definition of a patriot used in traditions has expired and become obsolete.

There is no policy that can be created without risk or consequences in a free and capitalist society.

Some will argue that President Obama's stance on Cuba is a senseless compromise, but the overwhelming majority use the fact that 50 years of Cold War policy, especially when the Cold War was over 20 years ago, shows the USA is missing more opportunity and it cares to admit.

Education will have to filter it's way into traditional conservative political circles. There is such a thing as obsolete education about cold war foriegn policy, derregulation, protectionism, and state sanctioned religion. The latter of the four aforementioned is unconstituional (Thank God).

[mrzerato]

Come on President, stop the embargo. It hasn't worked. Castro is still there.

[nolalou]

This is one area where I don't fully agree with President Obama. While I appreciate the diplomatic overtures to Cuba, why is it they have to prove themselves worthy of our lifting the 50 year old embargo? Why do they have to prove they have instituted Democratic reform? After all, China hasn't, and we trade with them. Neither has Vietnam, where a former Presidental Candidate was held prisoner and thousands of Americans were killed, yet we've reconciled with them, and I can go there on vacation if I want.. but not Cuba! it makes no sense what so ever! End the embargo NOW, no preconditions. .just end it.. ! We are only punishing ourselves as the rest of the world has trade relations, and we deny ourselves a market for our goods and services.

[cbsblogger]

All those redemption things that Cuba needs to do, has Communist China done them yet?

Our stay away policy hasn't worked and it never will. It needs fixed so that US citizens and business interests can become partners with our southern neighbor. Truthfully they might be better off without us than having our greed taint their culture.

[debinok1]

People die because they can't afford expensive medical treatments or medicine, there is plenty of medicine, but if you can't afford it, too bad. It's the Capitalist System we live under and in order to change things so everyone can eat and receive proper medical care we would need to move to something like a Socialist System. I understand both sides of the argument and maybe living under the sea faring rules of the ocean, if you don't work, you don't eat is the way to go, there are a lot of freeloaders looking to scam and game the system and these types make it bad for everyone who really needs a "temporary" hand up. I don't like Socialism and I don't like leaving people in dire straits either, so what's the best of both worlds, is there a middle ground?
Posted by cbsantispin

Ah, hun it's ok, just drink the water. A new report out says that Pharmaceutical companies are LEGALLY dumping 271 MILLION pounds of different Pharmaceuticals into our lakes and rivers, and they end up in our drinking water. Of course, the government still claims these are "safe levels" and we are not at risk.

[kaylag04]

It's amusing to see some of the same folks who are calling for war-crimes tribunals for the Bush-ites, are also cheering a new friendliness with the Brothers Castro. Principles without knowledge; a sign of an intelligent 14 year-old.

[ibsteve2u]

If old baggie-daddie could take that hate he is so well endowed with and put it to a positive use, he might just be something someday.

[cbsantispin]

Even as a young child I always questioned why McDonalds and other Restaurants threw out food every night instead of giving it to the poor. I heard all kinds of explanations, none of which satisfied me. People die because they can't afford expensive medical treatments or medicine, there is plenty of medicine, but if you can't afford it, too bad. It's the Capitalist System we live under and in order to change things so everyone can eat and receive proper medical care we would need to move to something like a Socialist System. I understand both sides of the argument and maybe living under the sea faring rules of the ocean, if you don't work, you don't eat is the way to go, there are a lot of freeloaders looking to scam and game the system and these types make it bad for everyone who really needs a "temporary" hand up. I don't like Socialism and I don't like leaving people in dire straits either, so what's the best of both worlds, is there a middle ground?

[reasoned1955]

with the CHENEY-BUSH illegal Iraq crusade.
Posted by hermitdave at 4:53 PM : Apr 19, 2009
================
Nothing illegal about it all. And by the way...it was endorsed and funded by Congress. I don't think we should let Bush take the credit all for himself.

[hermitdave]

Amen hermitdave. Did about the same thing with Egypts leader, Nasser.
Nasser asked the USA to help Egypt build the Aswan Dam. The USA said it couldn' t be built. So the Soviet Union help build the dam. Will we ever learn?
Posted by hagar39 at 2:00 PM : Apr 19, 2009

There is one even worse that either of those two. The ultimate stupid American decision not to help a country was when Ho Chi Min came to us for help to kick the French out of his country. After over 50,000 dead American soldiers the salt in the wound was when these same idiots in congress voted to change French Fries to Freedom fries because France didn't go along with the CHENEY-BUSH illegal Iraq crusade.

[JoetheDumbass]

One little island is to much for the U.S to handle? No wonder Somalia pirates are a threat, and old guys in caves. I thought the big, tough kid on the playground could handle it?