CNN's Wolf Blitzer trumpeted the resumption of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba on his Wednesday program. He asked colleague Andres Oppenheimer, "When you think about what's gone on...over these past 54 years, it's almost breathtaking to see what's happened over the past six months or so. Don't you agree?" [video below]
Blitzer brought on Oppenheimer, a host on CNN en Español, and CNN's correspondent in Cuba, Patrick Oppmann, for their take on the Obama's administration's move. The anchor first turned to Oppmann and wondered, "How unusual was it that Cuba's state-run television would carry President Obama's Rose Garden speech live?"
The journalist responded, in part, that "the fact that they would carry his speech – have subtitles – is pretty much near unprecedented." Oppmann also noted that "a little bit later on in the summer, Secretary [of State John] Kerry is expected to travel here to Havana; and, once again, reopen the U.S. embassy in Havana – a moment of tremendous symbolism, Wolf."
The CNN anchor then made his "almost breathtaking" statement to Oppenheimer. The Miami-based journalist agreed with Blitzer's take, and asserted that "the Obama administration badly needed a foreign policy victory. They have not had great successes in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, the Palestinian-Israeli talks – et cetera, et cetera. So this came very handily...as a good political success story at a very low cost." Blitzer ended the segment by asking about the "reaction of Cuban-Americans – but it's a generational difference."
The full transcript of the Oppmann/Oppenheimer segment from CNN's Wolf program on Wednesday:
WOLF BLITZER: President Obama opening up that new chapter in the relationship with Cuba – half a century-plus of mistrust between these two very close neighbors now over.
Let's talk about this historic announcement. Joining us, Patrick Oppmann – he's our man in Havana. He's been there for the last several years. Also joining us: Andres Oppenheimer – he's a columnist for The Miami Herald. He's also a host on CNN en Espanol. He's got a program called 'Oppenheimer Presents.' Guys, thanks very much.
Patrick, let me go to you first. How unusual was it that Cuba's state-run television would carry President Obama's Rose Garden speech live?
PATRICK OPPMANN: I only remember one other time, Wolf, and that was on December 17 when, of course, this new path with – of Cuban/U.S. relations was announced. The fact that they would carry his speech – have subtitles – is pretty much near unprecedented. But that's how things have gone here – things that no one ever expected really to take place are taking place.
And, of course, this morning, at the Cuban foreign ministry, it was just a very short ceremony – an exchange of letters from both presidents, but that really marked the end of the Cold War, in terms of when it comes to Cuba. In – on July 20, the relations between these two countries will be resumed. There will be a Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C. And we're told a little bit later on in the summer, Secretary [of State John] Kerry is expected to travel here to Havana; and, once again, reopen the U.S. embassy in Havana – a moment of tremendous symbolism, Wolf.
BLITZER: Yeah. When you think about what's gone on, Andres – since 1961, when President Eisenhower severed U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba – over these past 54 years, it's almost breathtaking to see what's happened over the past six months or so. Don't you agree?
ANDRES OPPENHEIMER: I agree with that, Wolf – but it's really not very surprising, because this was a very convenient deal for both sides. For the Obama administration – the Obama administration badly needed a foreign policy victory. They have not had great successes in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, the Palestinian-Israeli talks – et cetera, et cetera. So this came very handily as a very – you know, as a good political success story at a very low cost.
And for the Cubans, it was also very convenient, because – as you know, Wolf – Cuba's economy is in shambles. They are dependent on Venezuelan oil. Venezuela's doing very badly, and nobody knows how long Venezuela will continue subsidizing Cuba with oil. So both sides needed it for different reasons.
BLITZER: Well, Andres, you're there in Miami, and we've seen the reaction of Cuban-Americans – but it's a generational difference. The grandparents – the people who came here from Cuba – they may have a different attitude towards Cuba right now than their children; and certainly, their grandchildren have. Talk a little bit about that.
OPPENHEIMER: Yeah. That is, by and large, true, Wolf. Overall, I would say there's a lot of Cuba fatigue in the Miami community. It's been 50 years – not much has happened. And the – the Miami Herald poll, for instance, says that overall, nationwide, about 60 percent of Cuban-Americans support this, and 40 percent oppose it. But in south Florida, you have the opposite. You have about 60 percent opposing it, and about 50 percent – 40-plus percent supporting it.
Yet, this is pretty astounding, when you think that – you know, 10, 15, 20 years ago, the overwhelming majority of Cubans in Miami were very, very staunchly against any measure – any kind of opening to Cuba. Overall, I think time has made its mark on this whole issue – and there's Cuba fatigue in this community. People are resigned, and hoping for the best.
BLITZER: Andres, I want you to stay with us, because I want to continue our conversation on Donald Trump and Mexico – lots to discuss there. Patrick Oppmann, get ready, you're going to be busy over these next several weeks and months. John Kerry, the secretary of state, we're hearing – he will go to Havana, where you are right now, to reopen that U.S. embassy in July. Guys, thanks very much.
