Day 88: Obama Pledges "New Beginning" With Cuba

President Obama spent most of his eighty-eighth day in office traveling from Mexico to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for the Summit of the Americas.

When he arrived, he attended an opening reception for the summit – which includes leaders from all the countries in the Western hemisphere except for Cuba. But Cuba was the center of attention for much of the weekend summit.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Obama called for a "new beginning" with the island nation just 90 miles from the Florida coast.

"The United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba. I know there is a longer journey that must be traveled in overcoming decades of mistrust, but there are critical steps we can take toward a new day," Mr. Obama said. "I have already changed a Cuba policy that has failed to advance liberty or opportunity for the Cuban people. We will now allow Cuban Americans to visit the island whenever they choose and to provide resources to their families – the same way that so many people in my country send money back to their families in your countries to help them pay for their everyday needs." (Click here for the full text of his remarks.)

The reception was also notable for Mr. Obama introducing himself to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, known for his frequent anti-Americans remarks.

Watch coverage of the president's trip from Bill Plante on the CBS Evening News below: