The main difference between Clinton and Obama on the subject of policy regarding Cuba is that Clinton would make Cuba take the first step toward compromise, whereas Obama would be willing to have the United States do so.
“I would not meet with [Raúl Castro] until there was evidence that change was happening,” Clinton says. Without that evidence, she says, she couldn’t be assured that the diplomatic overtures would go anywhere.
Obama reiterates his previous statements that he “would meet without preconditions, although Senator Clinton is right that there has to be preparation,” such as the “opening up of human rights, release of political prisoners,” and greater freedom of the press. But he is willing to make concessions without preconditions. That means loosening restrictions on remittances and travel.
It’s hard to know which of these approaches will appeal more to Texas Latinos. Clinton’s hard line will no doubt appeal to the anti-Castro camp, but Obama’s willingness to compromise on remittances affects families from other countries as well.
