Obama, Edwards, Fidel

[El Presidente]

Obama, Edwards say they would meet with Castro, Chávez

BY BETH REINHARD | Miami Herald

Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards suggested Monday that they would meet with two leaders who top South Florida’s most-hated list: Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez.

During a nationally televised debate, Obama responded to a hypothetical question: ``Would you be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea, in order to bridge the gap that divides our countries?

The senator from Illinois responded: ``I would, and the reason is this: the notion that somehow not talking to countries is somehow punishing them, which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration, is ridiculous.’’

``Ronald Reagan and Democratic presidents like JFK constantly spoke to the Soviet Union at a time when Ronald Reagan called them an evil empire, and the reason is because they understood that we may not trust them, that they may pose an extraordinary danger to this country, but we have the obligation to find areas where we can potentially move forward.’’

He added: ``And I think it is a disgrace that we have not spoken to them.’’

The Democratic frontrunner, Hillary Clinton, disagreed with her leading rival: ``I will not promise to meet with the leaders of these countries during my first year. . .I don’t want to be used for propaganda purposes and don’t want to make a situation even worse, but I certainly agree that we need to get back to diplomacy, which has been turned into a bad word by this administration.’’

The question was then posed to Edwards, who said, ``Yes, I think Senator Clinton is right, though. Before that meeting takes place, we need to do the work, the diplomacy to make sure the meeting is not going to be used for propaganda purposes.’’

Edwards’ campaign has previously decried Chávez’s repressive policies. Edwards has campaigned with actor Danny Glover, who has embraced the Venezuelan president.

In 2000, Edwards was quoted as saying: ``I support sanctions that target Fidel Castro’s regime but help the innocent Cuban people, allowing trade for food and medical supplies that help ease the horrible burdens they suffer.’’

Obama also opposes ending the embargo, campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki said after the debate.

‘’He is willing to talk to the highest levels of the Cuba government if it advances our national interests,’’ she said in an e-mail.

[effinwill]

Complicated stuff. My crystal ball is still fogged up, unfortunately.

But, I don't see much to gain from discussions with Iran or Venezuela's current rulers. Their popular appeal is based on hating America (or the West, or capitalism). Nothing envoys say will take that away from them, IMO. Not good politics from their standpoint. They have nothing to gain. Neither do we.

Iran is a real threat, though. Maybe he can buy some time with disingenuous negotiations. Common tact in that part of the world, it appears. Use peace talks to regroup, rearm, redeploy, strike again. call for talks again when things get too hairy.

Nice to see a forum where the moderator stirs shiite up with political posts. :-D

[Ken Gargett]

why would anyone take the slightest bit of notice of what any politician on any side says in the run-up to an election. every single utterance and action is directed solely towards getting elected and after that happens, all bets off and away we go. much then depends on the desire for re-election.

can anyone seriously name a completely honest politician? i will catch a 60lb trout before that happens (i wish) and swallow it whole and raw.

[shrink]

Without hesitation, I would vote for Obama as the next President...

of Cuba. He would carry on the Socialist traditions, and help to improve relations with the United States. ;-)

[88keys]

» Without hesitation, I would vote for Obama as the next President...

»

» of Cuba. He would carry on the Socialist traditions, and help to improve

» relations with the United States. ;-)

I would vote for Shrink

... for funniest post