OBAMA'S CUBA CONVERSION: Democrat Nominee Tries to Shed Ropa Vieja

WASHINGTON, May 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following release is being issued by the Republican National Committee:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/RNCLOGO )

Today, Obama Said He Would Meet Without Precondition After "Careful Preparation" And "At A Time" Of His Choosing:

Obama: "[I]t is time to pursue direct diplomacy, with friend and foe alike, without preconditions. There must be careful preparation. We will set a clear agenda. And as President, I would be willing to lead that diplomacy at a time and place of my choosing, but only when we have an opportunity to advance the interests of the United States, and to advance the cause of freedom for the Cuban people." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remark At Campaign Event, Miami, FL, 5/23/08)

To Watch Obama Claim He Would Meet Without Precondition "At A Time" Of His Choosing visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DlZj21QBWs

But Earlier This Year, Obama Announced He Would Meet With Castro In The First Year Of His Administration:

At A July 2007 Debate, Obama Announced He Would Personally Meet With Leaders Of Iran, North Korea, Syria And Other Hostile Nations "Without Precondition." In The First Year Of His Administration QUESTION: "[W]ould 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?"... OBAMA: "I would. And the reason is this, that the notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them -- which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration -- is ridiculous." (CNN/YouTube Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Charleston, SC, 7/23/07)

To Watch Obama Say "I Would" Meet Unconditionally With Leaders Of Iran, North Korea, Syria, And Other Nations visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Oj7Jn9rv4

Paid for by the Republican National Committee.

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee

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Source: Republican National Committee

CONTACT: Republican National Committee, +1-202-863-8614

Web Site: http://www.gop.com/

2008-05-23 16:10:57 0369904 PRNEWSWIRE