He holds almost no trust in Raul Castro’s dictatorship and will push his efforts to attempt to block Obama’s policy changes as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee.
Hillary Clinton:
She encouraged Obama to “take another look” at the U.S. embargo on Cuba, implying that it wasn’t working as planned and was distracting them from their more vital plan in Latin America.
Jeb Bush:
Considered it a “misstep” in Obama’s foreign policy. He believes that it lowers America’s credibility and the likeliness of a democratic Cuba.
Ted Cruz:
Similar to Rubio, holds no interest in continuing U.S. embargo on Cuba. He believes that the Castros are cooperating with the U.S. just in attempt to maintain their power.
Lindsey Graham:
Considered Obama’s “change in Cuba policy ‘an incredibly bad idea.’” Promised to prevent federal funds to go toward U.S. embassy in Cuba.
Bobby Jindal:
Thought this U.S.-Cuban relation to be more beneficial to the Castro brothers. Believes that Obama’s actions shows no experience with “leading on an international stage”. They danger the national security and American people.
Before this presentation, I have never been informed about Cuban history (with exception of Bay of Pigs/missile crisis) and their current relationship with the U.S. In my opinion, I think Obama’s decision to lift the embargo was a big step toward improving the relationship between U.S. and Cuba. It would not be exceedingly beneficial to the U.S. economy, although it is a big step forward to gain more allies.
Tyler Andrews