There's one more piece that I want to share with you from this morning's Cuba policy speech and press conference. Dodd was introduced by Alfredo Duran - a lawyer, former chairman of the Florida Democratic Party, and a veteran of the Bay of Pigs. I'm printing his speech below in full - it was a great account of Senator Dodd's tenure of leadership towards reversing the failed policy towards Cuba.
Thank you all for coming out for what I believe is a historic moment for our country and truly for all those in our hemisphere.
Today it is my privilege to introduce one of the true champions of democracy here at home and abroad – someone who has spent many years fighting to open doors around the world, through diplomacy, dialog and strength, from Latin America to Northern Ireland to the Middle East.
He comes to Miami today to change the debate regarding a policy that for nearly a half-century has failed – failed to loosen Castro’s hold over the Cuba and bring democracy to that country, failed the Cuban people, and failed the American people.
Only one Presidential candidate has the courage to not run away from this issue – but to take it head on. That candidate is none other than Connecticut’s senior Senator, Chris Dodd.
Having spent many of his 26 years in the Senate fighting to end this failed policy, Chris Dodd does not come to this issue because it is politically expedient. Indeed, 15 years ago, Chris Dodd led the fight in the Senate against the expansion and tightening of the Cuba embargo. He led the opposition to Helms-Burton which codified the embargo in U.S. law. And he spearheaded efforts to ease restrictions on the sale of food and medicine to Cuba so that the Cuban people could benefit from American ingenuity and hard work.
Fluent in Spanish and involved in every major foreign policy decision for a quarter-century, no Presidential candidate brings more credibility or proven leadership to promoting democracy throughout the western hemisphere than Chris Dodd. And having written the historic Family and Medical Leave Act, no Presidential candidate has the demonstrated record of bringing people together around tough, even controversial ideas that Chris Dodd has.
Few issues are tougher or more controversial than our Cuba policy. That is why I know that when it comes changing that policy and seizing this historic moment for America and the Cuban people, simply put: Chris Dodd is the right man at the right time.
It is my distinct honor to welcome to Miami, a man who brings principle to everything he does—a man whose proven leadership promises a new day for Cuba and for Cuban-American relations—the next President of the United States, Chris Dodd!
You can read Dodd's plan for US-Cuba relations here.
Comments
Thanks for posting this. One of the things I've noticed is that the Senator (and, naturally, his staff) consistently recognize the contributions of others. It's a really admirable trait, but I wonder how it will overcome the cut-throat behavior that characterizes so much of politics lately.
How do you convey the message, "Elect Chris Dodd--he'll make you look (feel?) good?"
I just watched the "ready to lead" ad and was pleased to find that that verbiage isn't in the ad. That the Clinton campaign has adopted this verbiage doesn't mean it's meaningful. Someone who's been in the Senate for 26 years, or even 6, ought to be more than "ready." LOL
On the other hand, I've long felt that if we have to have leaders, I'd father they be dumb, because the smart one are much more likely to lead us wrong.
I realize that Republicans really like to have "leaders" but what they're really after is scape-goats, people who can be blamed when things go wrong, just so they don't have to be wrong.
See, that's why commander-in-chief works so well for Bush Two. Need new verbiage. Need to include "first" something. First Catholic probably worked to Kennedy's advantage. Americans like firsts. Obama's got a problem 'cause he's not the first black and first African-American, while literally correct, merely demonstrates how that designation fails to be accurate. Chris Dodd has got to be the first something. I realize that's not consistent with his personality, but sometimes we have to sacrifice. LOL
I'm glad to see that Senator Dodd is addressing the Cuba issue. Our policy on Cuba is outdated, and only serves to keep their people in poverty.