Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush made the pitch Tuesday for a robust U.S. foreign policy and a retention of the trade embargo between the United States and Cuba.
“Our allies don’t trust us and our enemies don’t fear us. There is no situation worse for stability and peace than that,” the possible 2016 presidential contender said at the annual luncheon of the U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC, The Associated Press reported.
“The United States needs to lead. Lead with humility, lead with respect — but lead,” Mr. Bush said. “We are not an equal partner in a so-called community of nations. We are a leader among equals.”
He also said the trade embargo between the United States and Cuba should stay in place until the Castro regime is ousted, or releases its political prisoners and holds free elections. GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, a fellow Floridian and the son of Cuban immigrants who is in the 2016 mix, has also spoken out against lifting the embargo.
That stance would give Mr. Bush at least one direct point of contrast on foreign policy with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is seen as the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination if she decides to run.
Mrs. Clinton has said this year the United States should move toward ending the embargo, though she supported limits during her 2008 presidential campaign.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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