MIAMI -- In a speech in Miami on Cuban Independence Day, presumptive Republican nominee for president, Sen. John McCain laid down what he plans to do about Cuba and Latin America if he is elected in November.
McCain started his speech with strong words about Fidel Castro stepping down and being succeeded by his brother, Raul Castro.
"A few recent news articles have labeled as 'reforms' the smattering of small changes that have taken place since Raul Castro has formally taken charge. Such characterizations must sound quite cynical to the political prisoners that fill Cuban jails, to the millions who suffer under poverty and repression, and to all those who wish to choose their leaders, not suffer under them," McCain said.
McCain said he would push for freedom of the Cuban people.
"Make no mistake: Cuba is destined to be free. ... My administration will press the Cuban regime to release all political prisoners unconditionally, to legalize all political parties, labor unions, and free media, and to schedule internationally monitored elections," McCain said.
The presidential candidate also talked about the U.S. embargo.
"The embargo must stay in place until these basic elements of democratic society are met," McCain said.
He went on to criticize Sen. Barack Obama's record on the embargo.
"Sen. Obama has shifted positions and says he only favors easing the embargo, not lifting it. He also wants to sit down unconditionally for a presidential meeting with Raul Castro. These steps would send the worst possible signal to Cuba's dictators -- there is no need to undertake fundamental reforms, they can simply wait for a unilateral change in US policy," McCain said.
McCain has taken a hard line lately, saying he wouldn't lift the 46-year-old American embargo without radical reform.
Democrats are attacking McCain for what they call his refusal to loosen travel restrictions and limits on how much money Cuban-Americans can send to their relatives on the island.
The Democrats say many Cuban-Americans are ready for change -- the kind they argue that McCain supported eight years ago, but has now "flip-flopped on."
McCain extended his speech on Cuba to include his plans on dealing with Latin America.
"We will forge a new policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean Basin, one founded on peace and security, shared prosperity, democracy and freedom, and mutual respect. We will work to prevent Venezuela and Bolivia from taking the same road to failure Castro has paved for Cuba," McCain said.
Democratic Candidates Descend On Florida
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are also visiting Florida this week.
Obama will be at a rally at the St. Pete Times Forum Wednesday morning and then attend a fundraising reception in Maitland, just north of Orlando.
Clinton's campaign, meanwhile, announced late Monday that she will also be in Florida Wednesday, but no details were immediately available about her itinerary.
Comment on this story.