Obama electrifies Cuban exile group, long a GOP mainstay

[babylonsister]

Obama electrifies Cuban exile group, long a GOP mainstay
By Beth Reinhard, Alfonso Chardy and Casey Woods | Miami Herald


MIAMI — The prominent Cuban-American organization that Republican President Ronald Reagan once counted on to secure victory in Florida was electrified on Friday by an appearance by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

In a lunchtime speech to the Cuban American National Foundation, Obama offered a new Cuba policy approach to an audience accustomed to presidential candidates coming to show solidarity, but not to challenge the longstanding isolation of the island's communist government.

Obama touched on one of his more radical ideas: an often-criticized willingness to meet with Cuban leader Raul Castro.

"I know what the easy thing is to do for American politicians. . . . Every four years, they come down to Miami, they talk tough, they go back to Washington, and nothing changes in Cuba," said Obama, who was greeted by a standing ovation and scattered chanting of his campaign slogan "Yes We Can." "After eight years of the disastrous policies of George Bush, it is time, I believe, to pursue direct diplomacy, with friend and foe alike, without preconditions."

He repeated previous statements that if elected president, he would immediately lift the limits on Cuban Americans who want to travel to Cuba or send remittances to family on the island.

"There will be careful preparation. We will set a clear agenda"' before any meeting with Castro, Obama said.

more...

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/38290.html

[But....]

1. One of many reasons that...

Sing along with me now.
Yes :bounce: we:woohoo: can!:applause:

[tiptoe]

2. impressive outreach. nt