The candidates' positions on Cuba

dong, LA, CA — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:46:01 GMT

It is just reported that fainting in Obama events might be staged. I just watched the Video where everyone is fainting. What the heck? I live in CA and have been to dozens and dozens of political events and I have NEVER seen anyone faint. How come there is always someone who does it at Obama's events> How queer indeed.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XwzVLP2NcqI

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Don, Dayton, OH — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:51:30 GMT

You guys are unbelievable!!! Read the first line under OBAMA and then the first line under CLINTON. Exactly the same, but worded entirely differently. Again, you guys are unbelievable. Talk abouta slanted journalism. MSNBC is becoming a joke.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Issac Washington — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:55:10 GMT

Obama and Clinton want to immediately surrender to Cuba. Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are working on the details of the surrender at this very moment.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Sierra, SF — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:55:58 GMT

'...The new leadership in Cuba will face a stark choice-continue with the failed policies of the past that have stifled democratic freedoms and stunted economic growth-or take a historic step to bring Cuba into the community of democratic nations...'

That's the SAME CHOICE Democratic voters face:

'...-continue with the failed policies of the past..'

...or vote for Obama

Continue with the Bush/Clinton policies of unprovoked wars or choose realistic, responsible policies

Continue with the Bush/clinton trade policies of NAFTA, WTO and the WalMart model....
or look out for the interests of workers, consumrers and the enviroment ?

Support a candidate who's taking massive contributions from Isnurance companies, Pharmaceutical corporations and 'Defense' corporations ....
or attend to America's interests ?

Choose wisely, Democrats
Don't 'continue with the failed policies of the past'

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Lil Joe — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:56:27 GMT

Obama wants to talk to the new leader. Get to know him, and see if he can get ahold of some good stuff.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Dante — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:02:19 GMT

Don, Dayton, OH (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 2:51 PM)

That is crazy how they say the same thing but Obama is slanted to be more negative, good pointing that out!!

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Matt, Las Vegas, NV — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:04:57 GMT

Yeah, McCian wouldn't want to "prop up a new regime or a Raul or whoever it is that wants to take Castro's place"

In other news McCain also said that: He doesn't like to prop up Latin governments, only Middle Eastern ones. Furthermore, the USA has enough of that 'proping up' thing on our hands with Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan & Israel.

In addition to all of that, it's become difficult for McCain to prop himself up at this point.

What's the line on McCains life according to the death pool again? He looks like he's one creepy smile away.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Ron, TX — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:05:17 GMT

Why would we NOT want to normalize relations once Cuba begins to move towards democracy? The question is, how will Cuba begin moving towards democracy? Is it just going to magically happen? Or is the US going to have to take steps to make democracy look like a pretty good thing?

I think it's the latter, we have to help it along somehow, the waiting game is old politics. Obama's position makes sense. Let people travel back and forth... see the differences, talk about the differences, and get the people interested...

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Sue — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:07:05 GMT

Dong, this is not about fainting...reading is fundamental!
People are standing for hours to get to see him, I was in a crowd where a little girl became faint as well.
Let's not play with people's health on here.
We are talking about Cuba. Go find the post for fainting, which means you won't, because it is meaningless.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Sheila — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:07:29 GMT

The fact that a person in politics changes his/her mind about international affairs could be seen from the point of view of ignorance as something wrong when indeed it is normal and even wise to have the ability to change ones mind, since international politics is tricky because it is based on the country's cultural make-up and the idiosincracies of the place, "what is good for the goose may not be good for the ghunder". It is good that Obama is wise to know the cultural differences. When Castro was well our approach to Cuba was different then when he was ill, now that he is retire should be different as well, but not definite since he is not death yet and his brother and top officials want to keep the status-quo as to not to cause a rebelion and uproar with the masses.
As far as people fainting at Obama's rallys, this person should read about the effects that excess emotional uplift produces. People get so high on natural dopamine in their body that gives them the effect of drunkenness resulting in faiting or passing out. Read about the hormonal changes in our body that produces different kinds of effect and please educate yourself.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

nuanced — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:08:21 GMT

"I did not meet him, but I have many friends who met a Cuban who came to Hanoi and tortured my friends," McCain said during an interview on Radio Mambi before he met with the brigade. "So when Cuba is free, we look forward to seeing him again.

John, if you and your hard line friends had normalized relations with Cuba years ago you could have had him charged, extradited and seen him go on trial. That is the advantage of working with other governments instead of bombing them.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Elliott, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:09:20 GMT

To Dan from Dayton: At least MSNBC provides Howie Kurtz with sufficent material for his show on CNN Sunday mornings. It would be nice to see the only fair person there...Dan Abrams...move over to CNN. And if CNN were spart they would nab him up now.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

nuanced — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:12:44 GMT

BREAKING NEWS. HALT THE PRESSES. RAUL CASTRO TO BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT ACCORDING TO RELIABLE SOURCES.

"Obama and Clinton want to immediately surrender to Cuba. Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are working on the details of the surrender at this very moment."
Issac Washington

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Myra — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:15:58 GMT

Dong, La,Ca

I was recently at an Obama rally in which 3 women within ten feet of me fainted. I work in the medical field and yes they actually fainted. there were 18,000 people standing for up to 3 hours and they did not allow anyone for security reasons to bring in their own water. It has nothing to do with Obamania but just the body responding to a mass of people, not enough air circulation, physical conditioning and lack of water.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Woo Kares — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:16:42 GMT

First Hillary was talking about Obama being full of words, not she's talking about him using words that aren't his own. Well everyone one uses quotes in speeches, and a speech would sound pretty ridiculous if you had to credit everyone with everything you quote. I rather hear someone speak with the knowledge of what other people say. Than of course
a loud, desperate, animated person like Hillary.
Hey, Go ahead and quote me here (remember only say this with my permission). "Hillary, go home"!

The candidates' positions on Cuba

George, Brunswick, ME — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:25:13 GMT

Why are Michelle Obama's comments on being first proud of her husband now that he is in the lead not getting ANY COVERAGE?

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/02/18/michelle-obama-hasnt-been-proud-of-america-in-at-least-26-years/

The candidates' positions on Cuba

A Concerned Democrat, NY, NY — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:26:01 GMT

Obama is weak on national security

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Myra — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:28:30 GMT

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Nicholas: Minnesota — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:28:38 GMT

Great thread First Read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe it will cut down somewhat on the bickering, of which I thoroughly enjoy parttaking.

It laid out what each of the candidates think instead of the general campaign spin. It was both educational and informational.

According to those close to me, who have traveled to Cuba, many of the Cubanos look forward to ending the embargo. The Cuban people are not anti-United States.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Tom Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:37:01 GMT

I agree I think they should rename "Hardball" to "Obamaball" will Chris(I love Obama)Mathews

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Reece — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:50:45 GMT

Obama does not have conflicting statements he originally said he doesn't want to normalize until Castro was out of the picture. Today he said he deos want to normalize. The difference-CASTRO is now out of the picture!!!!!

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Steve A Jonesboro IN — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:52:16 GMT

So has mccain gone after the Vietnamese, chinese and russian operatives who were complicite in the torture of Americans in Vietnam? Probably not, since we now have "normalized" relations with them. Does mccain think he is the only one who suffered from Vietnam? He seems to have some kind of axe to grind with the whole world-and he wants everyone to pay! As a former Marine combat disabled veteran, my only "axe to grind" is to keep ignorant politicians out of office who seem to want nothing more than to perpetuate the failed policies of the past!

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Jim Haddix, Ann Arbor, MI — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:54:37 GMT

You go Shiela... excellent first point and one that needs to be made more often. A politician that will not change his mind when the circumstances change... or when new information is presented, is very dangerous indeed. God save us from another like the present WH occupant.

Of course there is a vast difference between changing your mind because of changed circustances... and changing it to obtain a political advantage. Even here in the hinterlands we can tell the difference between a Mitt and a Barack.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Jerod Smith — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:09:27 GMT

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=56626

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Russell — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:19:01 GMT

good point Don,Dayton, Ohio - Russell

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Former Dem, California — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:31:10 GMT

To: Rick,ky (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 3:44 PM)
and all the Obama network folks.

Keep in mind, that you CAN NOT and you WILL NOT win the Whitehouse with a divided party. And the way you people speak, you sound like the other 1/2 of the Dem's that support Hillary do not matter. Well guess again, we ALL matter.

Go luck in November without the SUPPORT AND BLESSING of Hillary Clinton and her supports! You will come in second! JUST WORD'S! JUST WORD'S

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Former Dem, California — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:31:14 GMT

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Former Dem, California — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:31:19 GMT

The candidates' positions on Cuba

mexed,san antonio,tx — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:38:44 GMT

Cuba? The USA's entire policy toward Cuba is based on money and power. Barack and Hillary and McCain: they are all a bunch of windbags when it comes to Cuba. They are being cautious so as not to lose some possible cash and votes from the Cubans in Florida. The old cubans in florida promise their cash and votes only if you vote against Cuba. These old goats control the USA policy in a big part. It has nothing to do with American Values or freedom. We buy and sell our souls to China and the Arabs. Why? Oil, cheap goods, big markets - MONEY. Americans (and the government) talk values, deal in Money and power. Cuba is small and poor and much easier to bully. We only bully when we are capable. Do you see us bullying China? Duh! We are on our knees to china! So much for American values.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:40:12 GMT

McCain is right about not normalizing relations with Cuba until it democratizes and releases political prisoners. "Remember the prisoners as if in bonds with them" of Hebrews 13:3 reminds me of my offering my own lunch to a super skinny Iraqi private in Desert Storm that was starved into a walking skeleton by his own Army! I like McCain's position the best.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

ED, DALLESPORT, WA — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:53:21 GMT

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS BETWEEN VIETNAM, CHINA, AND RUSSIA, TO NAME A FEW, AND CUBA? IS IT BECAUSE THEY ARE SMALL AND POOR? IS IT BECAUSE IT IS POLITICALY ADVANTAGEOUS. IS IT JUST GOOD OLD MUSCLE FLEXING. I JUST DON'T GET IT. WITH OUR HISTORY WITH CHINA, VIET NAM, AND RUSSIA(IT FREE AND DEMOCRATIC NOW...YEAH RIGHT) WE ARE FREE TO TRVEL THERE. WE HAVE DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. WE CONDUCT BUSINESS. YET WE CONTINUE TO HOLD UP THIS LITTLE ISLAND NATION AS THE GREAT THREAT TO DEMOCRACY AND THE WORLD. FOR GOD'S SAKE WE TREAT NORTH KOREA BETTER THAN WE DO CUBA. IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON. GET OVER IT AND TREAT THEM THE SAME WAY WE TREAT OTHER COMMUNIST COUNTRIES AND PAST FOES. OH I FORGOT...THEY DON'T HAVE ANYTHING WE WANT OR NEED.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:54:13 GMT

This article falsely tries to make it seem Obama's position has changed on Cuba. He always said that normalizing relations was contingent upon steps that Cuba need to make, which is the same thing he said to today. Overall, what I am hearing is that he'd be a bit more proactive than Clinton and that McCain will be as hard as possible. Once again I agree with Obama. The embargo on Cuba, hurts the Cuban people, the opportunity to spread democracy, and American business and citizens. This embargo is a relic of the cold war that should be abandoned. Afterall, this country has no problems doing business with China, Putin in Russia, and many unscrupulous dictators in the Middle East. Why should we punish Cuba more than others?

As for fainting comment. I wasn't aware it was so prevalent but it doesn't surprise me. When I saw Obama I had to stand for about 4 1/2 hours straight, first outside in the freezing cold and then in a stuffy hot gymnasium. I didn't faint, but I can definitely see how it would happen.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:58:39 GMT

Jamie, Obama called for the release of the prisoners as the first step Cuba needs to take today. MSNBC just didn't spin this article that way, by including that part of his comment about Fidel stepping down.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Mother against drunk drivers — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:00:28 GMT

Does Hillary even know where cuba is? [OH PLEASE! GOD SAVE THE QUEEN AND PRINCE WILLIAM TOO]

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Dave in Idaho — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:10:11 GMT

jamie, I second your comments. And heres another thought. Durring my time in the US Army, I have several Cuban-American pals. Hearing the stories they told of Raul Castro and his torture chambers would remind a person of the worst the Nazis did during WWII. And Barak wants to normalize relations with this guy? Just shows how much he keeps up whats happening in the world.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Scot Criger, Beavercreek, Oregon — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:37:14 GMT

Why must we Americans hate the candidate we are not for? I'm all for Clinton, but am hoping for a Clinton/Obama ticket. Give him 8 years as VP and he would be ready to lead the free world.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Zak — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:46:07 GMT

They were drinking Kool Aid, that is why they fainted.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Don, State College, PA — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:49:27 GMT

Obama is a threat to all people who live in oppresed counties everywhere.

No experience = a jerk.
Vote Hilliary 08

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Union Baby, Tennessee — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:43:47 GMT

Maybe all those Cuban's will go back to Cuba once the political climate is more to their liking and then the USA can stop being held hostage by them. Next we will have to stop being held hostage by Israel. one lady told me she had to support Israel cause her mother aways said we had to protect Israel, my question was well you are not a young woman and for sure your mother isn't so what did she support before there was an Israel? No one can seem to answer that question, I sure am tired of being held political and financial hostage by both Cuba and Israel.
I would love to visit Cuba - unspoiled beaches, before we dirty folks in the USA go and mess it up like we always do.

The candidates' positions on Cuba

Deborah Greenlawn, NY — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:12:15 GMT

All three candidates acknowledge that Cuba must move toward democracy, recognize human rights,release
political prisoners and the old regime of Castro out of the picture, then movement can occur. The differences are minimal on the Dem. side. I think Sen. McCain feels the same,but is more
'high noon' which he needs to soften. "Cowboy democracy' will be thrown around a lot by the Dems. and will link him to what some dislike about GWB's
approach: inflexible and 'dead or alive' foreign policy. I think of the doctrine of holding your friends close, but your enemies closer. Obama seems to see this. It does not mean sucking up,ending reasonable sanctions-it means keeping the dialog going, keeping tabs. There was no greater enemy than
the USSR in the Cold War, and wasn't there that red phone right near President Kennedy, et al.? There are
always the back channels we don't know about too.

Side issue: Michael Moore was so intent on bashing
another aspect of America and our democracy-the healthcare process (albeit a worthy target)-he was
content with filming and going on about the quality of Cuban healthcare while human rights violations and tyranny still prevailed all around him in Cuba. I might actually listen if he'd make a documentary on THAT!

The candidates' positions on Cuba

C.Myles — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:25:49 GMT

Thank God this Democratic Primary is almost over.I am so sick & tired of the whining and lies form the Clintons, and worse from the Clinton bloggers.Stop & read the news ... people do NOT like her, do not respect her, and realize that she does NOT have the experience she touts. Bye, bye.