Standing next to American flags and beneath bright stage lights, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton took the stage at Florida International University in Miami Friday to call for the lifting of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba.
Friday marked Clinton's first major public appearance in the Sunshine State while on the campaign trail. The event was held at FIU’s Wertheim Performing Arts Center, a building which stands hundreds of feet away from the university’s Cuban Memorial Monument.
Clinton spoke to around 300 people, clarifying exactly why she wants to normalize trade relations with Cuba, which has been ruled by the Castro regime since the 1950s. Many exiles fled to Miami, a city Cubans have helped shape in terms of culture, economy and everyday life.
"I wish every Cuban back in Cuba could spend a day walking around in Miami and see what you have built here," she told the audience.
For half a century, the trade embargo has remained firm between the two countries, but politicians’ stances on the issue have softened in recent months. President Barack Obama announced plans last year to normalize relations with Cuba, much to the chagrin of Republicans who believe lifting the embargo will only strengthen a dangerous regime.
Clinton acknowledged the fears some may have with patching relations with Cuba.
"I understand the skepticism in this community about any policy of engagement toward Cuba," she explained, admitting she, too, was skeptical. "But you've been promised progress for 50 years, and we can't wait any longer for a failed policy to bear fruit. We have to seize this moment."
Clinton vowed to press forward, and her message to Republicans wary of the deal was clear:
"Get on board or get out of the way,” she said.
Despite previously supporting the Cuban embargo, Clinton now says she will do whatever it takes to normalize relations with the country, even if it means issuing an executive order to allow Americans to travel and visit the country. Americans are currently not allowed to travel to Cuba except in special circumstances.
Clinton praised companies like AirBnB, Twitter and Google for trying to work with Cuban businesses.
Although she received several standing ovations during her speech, those waiting a few hundred feet away from the building were less than happy with Clinton’s position on the trade embargo.
Protesters waved signs and shouted loudly, demanding freedom for the Cuban people.
“Give democracy and freedom to the Cuban people!” they yelled.
Ana Carbonell, a Cuban-American human rights activist from Miami, told Sunshine State News she didn’t agree with lifting the embargo.
“The sovereignty of the Cuban people has been held hostage by the dictatorship,” said Carbonell, whose parents fled Cuba in the 1960s. “Seeking to normalize and do American business with that dictatorship will only guarantee their further repression and slavery.”
Protesters shouted at Clinton supporters, telling them they should be ashamed of themselves for promoting the lifting of the embargo.
Ray Anthony, a 19-year old student at FIU and third-generation Cuban, said the issue resonates with all generations of Cubans, not just those who immigrated to the U.S. during the 1960s.
“The Cuban people are repressed,” he told SSN. “They do not have freedom of speech ... for us, Cuba is not just another tourist destination. They killed, murdered, beat and stole from us and so many in our community.”
When asked what the alternative would be in terms of candidates, Anthony said he would stand by a candidate promoting the best values for the Cuban people.
“I would support any candidate who supports freedom and equality for Cuba,” he explained.
Reach Tampa-bsed reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen
