Renew U.S.-Cuba Ties

By a margin of 52% to 33%,Americans think that the United States should re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, according to a 2009 Pew Research poll. Relations, including a successively tight embargo on trade, were cut offhalf a century ago following the revolution that propelled Fidel Castro’s regime to power. A third oppose re-establishing ties with Cuba. Gallup surveys in recent years showed somewhat more support for renewing diplomatic relations with Cuba (61% in 2008, 67% in 2006). About twice as many liberal Democrats as conservative Republicans favor re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba (73% vs. 36%). About half of conservative and moderate Democrats (54%), independents (53%) and moderate and liberal Republicans (50%) say the United States should restore ties with Cuba. A plurality of Republicans (46%) and a majority of conservative Republicans (53%) oppose re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba. Read More